Undergraduate Majors

Program Catalog Page

Exercise sciences, the study of physiological and functional adaptations to movement, encompasses a wide variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Sport Psychology, Motor Control/Development, and Biomechanics. Exercise Science offers an interdisciplinary view of the body functions, which include topics and concepts from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology.

Lehman College B.S. in Exercise Sciences program offers two options:

  • Exercise and Movement Science, and;
  • Pre-Physical Therapy.
  • Pre- Occupational Therapy

The Pre-Physical Therapy optionis for students who desire to pursue a career in physical therapy. The courses offered fully prepare students for entry into Doctor of Physical Therapy programs that are required for practice in this field.

The Exercise and Movement Science option is for students who wish to pursue other careers in the fitness field including personal training, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning and other related disciplines.

Pre- Occupational Therapy is for students who desire to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. The courses offered fully prepare students for entry into Masters of Occupational Therapy programs that are required for practice in this field.

Exercise science professionals also work in health services and the fitness industry and are skilled in evaluating health behaviors and risk factors, conducting fitness assessments, writing appropriate exercise prescriptions, and motivating individuals to modify negative health habits and maintain positive lifestyle behaviors for health promotion. They conduct these activities in health care, university, corporate, commercial and community settings where their clients participate in health promotion and fitness-related activities.

Also, students often pursue graduate degrees in exercise science, leading to management level positions in fitness or wellness settings or as research assistants. In addition, other disciplines find it helpful to include coursework in the exercise sciences. A degree in exercise science is also a very appropriate background for those going into fields such as medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy or exercise physiology.

Program Catalog Page

Welcome to the Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Recreation Education program, a dynamic and accessible learning experience designed for aspiring professionals in the field of parks, recreation and leisure services. Our program is delivered entirely through distance education, providing you with the flexibility to pursue your education from anywhere in the world. Choose your path with two exciting options: Recreation Management (Option 1) and Exercise and Sport (Option 2).

Program Features:

  1. Convenient Distance Education: Embrace the flexibility of online learning and earn your Bachelor's degree in Recreation Education from the comfort of your home. Access course materials, engage in discussions, and complete assignments on your schedule, allowing you to balance your education with other commitments.
  2. Diverse Specialization Options:
    • Option 1: Recreation Management - Dive into the world of parks and recreation management and develop the skills needed to lead and organize recreational programs. Explore the principles of facility management, event planning, and community engagement. Prepare for a career in managing recreation spaces, parks, and community programs in public park and recreation agencies, not-for-profit organizations, community recreation centers, camps, and sports associations.
    • Option 2: Exercise and Sport - Channel your passion for fitness and sports into a rewarding career. Learn about exercise physiology, sport psychology, and coaching techniques. Gain the knowledge to promote health and well-being through physical activity. Prepare for roles in sports coaching, fitness training, and health promotion.
  3. Engaging Curriculum: Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Explore core concepts in recreation, management, and sports to build a strong foundation for your future career.
  4. Accessible Faculty Support: Benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty members who are committed to your success. Our faculty brings a wealth of industry knowledge and academic expertise to the virtual classroom, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.
  5. Hands-On Learning: Fieldwork and internship experiences are important components of the major, which give students the opportunity to apply theory to practice in an actual work setting under the supervision of a qualified professional. Apply the knowledge you gain in the virtual classroom and gain practical experience that prepares you for the challenges and opportunities in the diverse field of parks, recreation, and leisure services.
  6. Career Readiness: Graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen specialization. Our program emphasizes career readiness, helping you transition seamlessly from academia to the professional world of parks, recreation, and leisure services. Students in this major that have met the academic requirements, upon graduation, and complete at least 1 year of full-time experience in the field are eligible to sit for the national certifying examination for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), administered by the National Recreation and Park Association.

Whether you choose Recreation Management or Exercise and Sport, our B.S. in Recreation Education program offers a pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career. Join a community of like-minded individuals, embrace the convenience of distance education, and embark on a journey that will shape your future in the exciting world of recreation. 

THR-BS Program Catalog Page

TRE-BS Program Catalog Page

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Therapeutic Recreation, designed to prepare students for a career in the therapeutic recreation field and meet the eligibility requirements for the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation specialist (CTRS) credential. CTRSs play vital roles across various agencies, catering to individuals of all ages with illnesses, disabilities, and related health concerns. The CTRS is responsible for assessing the needs of their clients, planning and implementing a variety of individual and various therapeutic recreation services in conjunction with a person-centered approach, and documenting and evaluating the efficacy of the services as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

About the CTRS:

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) serves as a professional certification organization acting in the public interest by establishing and enforcing education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements for the therapeutic recreation profession. Currently, the CTRS designation is represented in all 50 states and throughout Canada and nine other countries. Students who complete the B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation program meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the NCTRC Certification Exam.

Program Features:

  1. Diverse Learning Experiences: Embrace a variety of learning experiences thorough the combination of hybrid and online courses, providing opportunities for both virtual and face-to-face learning encounters. Engage in real time interactions with faculty who are not only educators but also CTRSs, bringing their expertise from varied healthcare settings. This allows you to harness the advantages offered by a variety of learning modalities.
  2. Engaging Curriculum: Explore a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills, aiming to offer a well-rounded education. Delve into essential concepts in recreation and recreation therapy to establish a solid groundwork for your future career.
  3. Accessible Faculty Support: Benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty members who are committed to your success. Our faculty brings a wealth of industry knowledge and academic expertise to the classroom, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment.
  4. Hands-On Learning: Gain valuable experience through clinical internships, where you work with patients having diverse needs. These internships provide the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical setting under the guidance of a CTRS. Apply the classroom knowledge, acquire clinical expertise, and develop skills equip you for challenges and opportunities presented by diverse patient population.
  5. Career Readiness: Graduate with the skills and confidence to excel in recreation therapy through our career-focused program. Eligible for the NCTRC examination for the CTRS upon graduation, you'll also have networking opportunities with CTRS professionals, paving the way for a fulfilling career. Join a like-minded community, embrace diverse learning experiences, and start your adventure in recreation therapy. Apply now for shape your future thorough a variety of learning experiences in this exciting field!