Training Our Students

With more than 60 undergraduate majors offered, academic opportunity is our trademark. Each day, SUNY Cortland trains students — future teachers, speech pathologists and recreation experts among them — with a deep appreciation for people of all abilities. Across several academic schools and majors, an inclusive approach guides our education.

Physical Education: Concentration in Adapted Physical Education

In a nutshell:

Adapted physical education teachers specialize in their work with children and adults with disabilities. They are leaders and practical thinkers trained to teach physical education to all students, modifying their lessons when it proves necessary.

Career potential:

• adapted physical education teacher for students in grades K-12
• adapted physical education specialist for a hospital, children’s center or community-based program
• program director for a disability sport and swim-based recreation program
• school district coordinator for adapted physical education services

Speech and Hearing Science

In a nutshell:

This pre-professional program blends theory, research and clinical practice in the College’s Center for Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders to prepare future speech-language pathologists or audiologists. SUNY Cortland established a graduate program in communication sciences and disorders in 2013.

Career potential:

• speech pathologist in a hospital, clinic, rehabilitation center, university or private practice, after obtaining a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and/or audiology.

Inclusive Special Education

In a nutshell:

Our inclusive special education majors gain the knowledge, skills and experiences to teach children who have disabilities in grades 1 through 6. The program draws on best practices to prepare teachers for all school environments and offers a unique option for those looking to study urban education, the role of gender in schooling and the relationship between schools and society.

Career potential:

• special education teacher in grades 1-6
• inclusive curriculum specialist
• inclusion consultant
• developmental disabilities provider or caregiver

Therapeutic Recreation

In a nutshell:

Therapeutic recreation professionals work with people with disabilities and other needs in a variety of settings — from hospitals to group homes to human service centers. A national certification also exists for certified therapeutic recreation specialists.

Career potential:

• therapeutic recreation specialist in a rehabilitation hospital, psychiatric center or long-term care facility
• inclusion specialist in community parks and recreation departments or nonprofit agencies