Patton College of Education 
Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy 
Grover Center E160
Phone: 740.593.4656
Fax: 740.593.0284
www.ohio.edu/education/academic-programs/recreation-and-sport-pedagogy/index.cfm

Beth VanDerveer, Chair

Overview

The Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy offers undergraduate academic programs in Physical Education/Teacher Education and Recreation Studies. Minors in Coaching Education, Outdoor Recreation and Education, and Recreation Management are also available along with the Ecotourism Certificate Program. Committed to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, the undergraduate academic programs in the Department are accredited by national accrediting organizations: the  National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and  the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). The Department is committed to promoting the pursuit of an active and healthy lifestyle. In addition to programs at the undergraduate level, the Department provides graduate programs in Recreation Studies (on-campus) and Coaching Education (on-campus and online and soccer coaching education online). See the graduate catalog for more information.

Mission

The department’s mission is to improve well being through physical activity, recreation and sport. This mission is achieved through quality academic coursework, experiential learning, scholarship and service to the university, community and related professions.

Programs

The Department of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy offers the following academic programs:

Majors

Outdoor Recreation and Education Major (B.S.R.S.) - BS8156 
Physical Education Major (B.S.P.E.) - BS8106 
Recreation Management Major (B.S.R.S.)  

Minors

Coaching Education Minor  (ORCOED)
Outdoor Recreation and Education Minor  (OR8156)
Recreation Management Minor  (OR8109)

Certificate Programs

Ecotourism Certificate Program  (CTECTO)

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Students in Physical Education/Teacher Education develop their academic background, instructional skills and physical talents, as well as preparation to enter the work force. Extensive field experiences at all levels of the curriculum through its uniquely designed methods course sequence are provided. A cooperative network of area schools is well-established and maintained to provide our students with opportunities to strengthen their instructional competencies. The Physical Education major has high quality laboratory facilities such as a teaching gymnasium, biomechanics lab, exercise physiology lab, and numerous outdoor teaching spaces. The Physical Education major prepares students to teach physical education from PreK through grade twelve.

Students in the Outdoor Recreation and Education major and Recreation Management major qualify for direct leadership, supervisory, and administrative positions in a wide variety of recreation and leisure services professional settings. Some of these settings include city park and recreation departments; collegiate recreation; state and federal parks and protected areas; youth services agencies; residential camps; nonprofit civic and religious organizations; and high adventure programs and guide services.

Special Opportunities

Recreation Studies also uses a variety of Campus Recreation facilities, including the Ping Student Recreation Center, the Golf and Tennis Center, Bird (Ice) Arena, the Aquatic Center, and the Challenge Course as part of their student-centered learning environments. The strong connection with the Division of Campus Recreation allows us to provide unique learning experiences beyond the four walls of the classroom.