September 28, 2006 Source: :
http://www.nipissingu.ca/news/view.asp?ID=20060813 Nipissing University launches two new programs North Bay, ON, Friday September 29, 2006 — Nipissing University students will have two new degree programs to choose from starting in September 2007. The university Senate recently approved a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (BPHE) degree, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Political Science. The BPHE degree, offered through the Faculty of Education, is a four-year degree program that will accept up to 75 students annually. A community leadership placement in the second, third and fourth year provides students the opportunity to develop their skills as sports and fitness leaders in the community. "The placements are an excellent opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a real setting, and community organizations will benefit from the expertise of Nipissing students," said Professor Barbara Olmsted, a former Olympian and an instructor in the BPHE program. "North Bay has a rich history of providing a wide range of recreational and competitive opportunities for youth, adults and seniors and it is anticipated that our students will enhance these programs even further." "This is a very innovative degree, and an exciting one for Nipissing," said Dr. Ron Common, Dean of the Faculty of Education. "It is more than simply a physical education degree; the health component is highly significant. That portion of the degree will focus on teaching positive change for healthy living in society, such as combating the obesity epidemic in this country." While it is expected that a large portion of the projected graduates will pursue a Bachelor of Education, the BPHE degree will appeal to a wider variety of students who might choose a different career path. Graduates of the BPHE program can expect to enjoy successful careers in teaching, recreation and sports management, kinesiology, personal training, coaching, athletic therapy and sports medicine. The Political Science degree, housed within the Faculty of Arts and Science, is offered as a three-year single major, a three-year combined major and a four-year, combined honours major. Nipissing has been offering courses in Political Science for many years; with the announcement of the degree program, students now have the opportunity to obtain a full degree in Political Science, which is a popular discipline at other universities. "There are a number of positives to Nipissing offering a degree in Political Science," said Political Science Program coordinator Dr. David Tabachnick. "Politics and political thinking are absolutely pervasive in our world and by studying political science students will gain political literacy, so that they can be more engaged citizens. That applies directly to those students interested in the Faculty of Education and a career in teaching. As well, Political Science is the most popular degree for preparation for law school, and it applies to a number of careers from business and journalism to law enforcement and public service." "Both the BPHE degree and the Political Science degree will significantly enhance the offerings that Nipissing provides to its students, both academically and in terms of student life," said Dr. Peter Ricketts, Vice-President of Academic and Research. "We are confident that they will prove to be very popular programs that will aid enrolment growth in the coming years."
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