February 27, 2007 - 4:00pm
Students with a passion for sports, physical fitness and healthy lifestyles have an exciting new opportunity at Malaspina University-College.
Malaspina is now offering a four-year Bachelor of Arts, Major in Physical Education degree. A free information session about the new major takes place at the Nanaimo campus Thursday, March 8.
“We’re excited about this latest program expansion,” said Mike Armstrong, chair of the Physical Education department. “Malaspina has offered a two-year diploma and a minor in Physical Education for several years, but the availability of a major provides students with greater access to academic study in this field and opens the door to more career possibilities.”
The new major complements the existing program mix. Curricula will be delivered through a combination of lectures, labs, practical experiences, online delivery, applied research projects, Study Abroad and internships.
Students will explore the nature of movement, learn essential skills to communicate, administrate and lead groups, apply their skills in a leadership environment, and assess the merits of qualitative and quantitative research. The objective is to prepare undergraduates with the skills, knowledge and experience to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
Armstrong said many students enroll in Malaspina’s Physical Education program with the goal of becoming teachers in the school system. “While it’s a great career choice, there are many different opportunities available to graduates," he said. For example, many Malaspina grads with a diploma or minor in Physical Education are enjoying successful careers in the fitness/health industry, outdoor leadership, coaching, athlete development, sports management, or working for parks and recreation departments and therapy-related centres.
“Even more possibilities open up when you have a major in Physical Education,” said Armstrong.
Mary Smith, Recreation and Culture Services Supervisor for the City of Nanaimo, said graduates could qualify for careers in a variety of fields “that would have significant impact on improving the quality of life in our communities through improved health and wellness. I believe this to be a priority in our society.”
Fourth-year student Jas Shahi said students taking the new major will continue to benefit from the expertise of top faculty. “They are second to none,” he said. “Their teaching methods and passion are truly inspiring. They provide students with the tools and knowledge needed for a successful career.”
Louise Belanger graduates this year with a minor in Physical Education and plans to pursue a career in education or physiotherapy. “It’s exciting to see the growth of the program,” she said. “The new major will allow students to choose from an even greater range of courses, and give them freedom to pursue even more career avenues in this vast field that they find most interesting.”
Belangerencourages new students to take advantage of internship opportunities available at Malaspina. She’s currently working with the Athletics Department to promote the National Men's Volleyball Championship, which takes place at Malaspina March 8-10. The hands-on experience in event management and promotions is “invaluable,” Belanger added.
Applications are now being accepted for Malaspina's new major in Physical Education. Don’t miss the free information session at the Nanaimo campus, Thursday, March 8, Building 180, Room 134, at 7:30 pm. For more details, go to www.viu.ca/physed.
Tags: In the Community
