Associate in Applied Science Degree

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This program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in entry-level positions in the field of recreation and leisure. Graduates may find employment in federal, state, and local agencies such as community centers, Family Y, recreation and parks, nursing homes, youth agencies, and fitness centers. Working with an advisor; students plan a concentration of studies around their specific career interests. They may select Sports/Coaching, which provides individuals wishing to coach high school/athletic teams with the certification required by the New York State Education Department for Coaching Licensure. Students selecting the Fitness/Wellness emphasis gain knowledge in the personal fitness components, training methods, diet and exercise, and the opportunity for Personal Trainer Certification. Therapeutic Recreation offers a unique career opportunity for individuals who value leisure experiences and enjoy working with people with disabilities, while Generalist emphasis allows students to broaden their career choices in the field of recreation and leisure. Students interested in Sports Facility management are referred to the Business Management program with an emphasis in Recreation Management. The Recreation & Leisure Services Program provides a foundation for students who choose to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program. All students are required to complete an internship experience under professional supervision in a setting specifically related to their career path. Students are encouraged to take those physical education classes directly related to their area of study.

Goal 1 To provide students with the knowledge they need for employment in recreation and leisure services

  • Achieve employment in a recreation or leisure services setting.
  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge of recreation theory and practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of safety procedures and liability issues in recreation settings.
  • Demonstrate an ability to develop program plans and recreation activity plans.

Goal 2. To provide students with the skills they need for employment in recreation and the leisure services

  • Demonstrate competence in leading a variety of recreational activities with various populations
  • Demonstrate an ability to develop, implement and lead a recreation program

Goal 3. To provide students with an opportunity to communicate and relate to individuals in professional and academic environments

  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in academic and professional settings
  • Demonstrate understanding and application of professional ethics and behaviors
  • Be able to identify and describe their own recreation preferences and leadership style
  • Complete the MVCC Diversity and Global View requirement.

Goal 4. To provide students with the process and methods of examining data and distributions

  • Demonstrate an understanding of organizing data and defining the characteristics of distributions

Goal 5. To prepare students for transfer to related bachelors programs

  • Students transferring to SUNY four-year colleges will complete seven of the SUNY Knowledge & Skill Areas (using HI101 as a Restricted Elective)

Goal 6. To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.

This course introduces the history, theory, and philosophy of the recreation movement and its relation to individuals and the groups in our changing society. Emphasis is placed on an orientation to recreation as a vocation within the structure of community recreation (governmental, public, and commercial).

This course develops skills and techniques used in leading individual and group activities for all ages. The 11 program areas in the field of Recreation and Leisure are covered. Emphasis is placed on developing lesson plans and presenting activities. Field trips are included. Corequisite: RE100 Introduction to Recreation.

Take any Physical Education course

ED211 Intro to Exceptionalities, PY203 Abnormal Psychology, HS232 Counseling Techniques, PY___ Developmental Psychology Elective (ED205, PY205, PY207, PY212)

CO231: Principles of Coaching PY212: Adolescent Psychology CO232: Health Science Applied to Coaching CO233: Theory & Tech. of Coaching BM___: Business Elective (BM120, BM150, BM250)

BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics, PE154 Fitness Center* CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching, RE204 Fitness Program & Management, PE172 Health and Wellness*. *Taken in addition to 2 credits of PE

AN102 Cultural Anthropology, HI104 History of Western Civilization, SO207 Sociology of Religion, HI101 History of Civilization 1, HI111 American History 1492-1850, HI102 History of Civilization 2, HI112 American History 1850-present

Restricted electives chosen in consultation with Advisor.

Second Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course is a survey of mathematics for students in those programs that do not require a mathematics sequence. It provides an appreciation of mathematical ideas in historical and modern settings. Topics include problem solving, logic, geometry, statistics, and consumer mathematics. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course increases appreciation and interest in human interaction with other organisms and with the physical environment. Topics include basic ecological concepts as well as human impact on the earth with an emphasis on selected environmental problems (i.e. natural resource use, pollution, wildlife conservation, agriculture, hazardous waste etc.). The laboratory component supplements lecture topics by providing practical experiences. Field experiences are required.

This course provides an understanding of the risk management process in recreation programming and facility management. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of liability and negligence as related to the leisure delivery services system, with a focus on risk reduction and increased safety. Studies culminate in completion of group-assigned risk management plans.

This course investigates the field of outdoor recreation and leisure. Outdoor activities develop knowledge of group dynamics and leadership skills. Federal, state, and private programs are studied through field trips and speakers. There is a strong focus on today’s environment and its effect on outdoor activity. Prerequisite: RE105 Recreation Leadership and Activity Development. Corequisite: RE100 Introduction to Recreation.

Take any Physical Education course

Third Semester

This course is an introduction to public speaking. It emphasizes the fundamentals of preparing, organizing, supporting, and delivering the speech based on factual material. It includes topic selection, audience analysis, fact vs. opinion, outlining, supporting material, and visual support. Informative, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches are presented. Elements of interpersonal communication, logic, and persuasion are discussed. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course provides the opportunity to gain supervised practical experience in a recreation setting related to an area of professional interest. In addition to 90 hours of field experience, participation in a weekly seminar is required. Corequisite: RE100 Introduction to Recreation.

This course explores leisure delivery services designed to meet the needs of special populations in unique structured settings and community placements. Emphasis is placed on understanding the five functional domains in relation to the individuals need for recreation and leisure services. Community involvement, lesson planning, and leading activities are required.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

ED211 Intro to Exceptionalities, PY203 Abnormal Psychology, HS232 Counseling Techniques, PY___ Developmental Psychology Elective (ED205, PY205, PY207, PY212)

CO231: Principles of Coaching PY212: Adolescent Psychology CO232: Health Science Applied to Coaching CO233: Theory & Tech. of Coaching BM___: Business Elective (BM120, BM150, BM250)

BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics, PE154 Fitness Center* CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching, RE204 Fitness Program & Management, PE172 Health and Wellness*. *Taken in addition to 2 credits of PE

AN102 Cultural Anthropology, HI104 History of Western Civilization, SO207 Sociology of Religion, HI101 History of Civilization 1, HI111 American History 1492-1850, HI102 History of Civilization 2, HI112 American History 1850-present

Restricted electives chosen in consultation with Advisor.

This course provides knowledge and skills for handling most situations that require emergency first-aid care. It provides the opportunity to work toward National Safety Council First Aid/CPR certifications as well as automated external defibrillation (AED) skills.

Fourth Semester

This course provides a continuation of the supervised experience in recreational settings. Greater initiative and responsibility are assumed at the internship site. In addition to 90 hours of field experience, participation in a weekly seminar is required. Corequisite: RE205 Recreation Internship 1

This course applies activity, leadership, and risk management skills to leisure programming and facility management. Emphasis is placed on current programming and management concepts. Topics include personnel management; budgeting and purchasing practices; maintenance and repairs related to equipment, supplies, and facilities; program formats and scheduling techniques; and the evaluation process. Prerequisites: RE105 Recreation Activity and Leadership Development and RE106 Outdoor Recreation and Leisure Activities

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

ED211 Intro to Exceptionalities, PY203 Abnormal Psychology, HS232 Counseling Techniques, PY___ Developmental Psychology Elective (ED205, PY205, PY207, PY212)

CO231: Principles of Coaching PY212: Adolescent Psychology CO232: Health Science Applied to Coaching CO233: Theory & Tech. of Coaching BM___: Business Elective (BM120, BM150, BM250)

BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics, PE154 Fitness Center* CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching, RE204 Fitness Program & Management, PE172 Health and Wellness*. *Taken in addition to 2 credits of PE

AN102 Cultural Anthropology, HI104 History of Western Civilization, SO207 Sociology of Religion, HI101 History of Civilization 1, HI111 American History 1492-1850, HI102 History of Civilization 2, HI112 American History 1850-present

Restricted electives chosen in consultation with Advisor.

ED211 Intro to Exceptionalities, PY203 Abnormal Psychology, HS232 Counseling Techniques, PY___ Developmental Psychology Elective (ED205, PY205, PY207, PY212)

CO231: Principles of Coaching PY212: Adolescent Psychology CO232: Health Science Applied to Coaching CO233: Theory & Tech. of Coaching BM___: Business Elective (BM120, BM150, BM250)

BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics, PE154 Fitness Center* CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching, RE204 Fitness Program & Management, PE172 Health and Wellness*. *Taken in addition to 2 credits of PE

AN102 Cultural Anthropology, HI104 History of Western Civilization, SO207 Sociology of Religion, HI101 History of Civilization 1, HI111 American History 1492-1850, HI102 History of Civilization 2, HI112 American History 1850-present

Restricted electives chosen in consultation with Advisor.

One high school mathematics course or its equivalent is required.

(a) Students Elective  Options - ** Please consult with your advisor for proper course selection in these areas of study. Available areas of study include:

Therapeutic Recreation - Restricted electives:

• ED211 Introduction to Exceptionalities
• HS232 Counseling Techniques
• PY203 Abnormal Psychology
• Developmental Psychology Elective: (ED205, PY205, PY207, PY212)

Generalist - Restricted electives chosen in consultation with advisor.

Sports/Coaching - Restricted electives:

• CO231 Philosophy, Principles & Organization of Athletics in Education
• CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching
• CO233 Theory & Techniques of Coaching
• PY212 Adolescent Psychology
• BM Business Elective (BM120, BM150, BM251)

Fitness/Wellness - Restricted electives:

• BI151 Nutrition & Dietetics 1
• RE204 Fitness Programming & Management
• CO232 Health Science Applied to Coaching

• PE154 Fitness Center*
• PE172 Health and Wellness*
(*Taken in addition to two credits of Physical Education)

Transfer Emphasis  - Restricted electives:

• AN102 Cultural Anthropology
• HI101 History of Civilization 1
• HI102 History of Civilization 2
• HI104 History of Western Civilization
• HI111 American History 1492-1850
• HI112 American History 1850-Present
• SO207 Sociology: Comparative Religion