At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This nine credit certificate program introduces students to professional snowsports education and focuses on three components. First component, becoming a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America- American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), preparing for and completing the level I certificate. Second component, learning about snowsports areas and leadership responsibilities when working in winter environments (including nutrition, group management, health and safety, fitness and physical conditioning). Final component, developing an understanding of leisure and the role it plays in people lives and theories that can help in enhancing the guest experience.
What is Professional Snowsports Education?
The Snowsports Education Certificate program is a 9 credit certificate that guides students on a first step into teaching people about snowsports and understanding the snowsports industry. The program is available in a convenient hybrid format, with most course content taught on-line and a three day snow assessment course which can be taken in various snowsport resorts across the country.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You enjoy winter sports and spending time with people who are learning new skills.
- You want to provide potential employers with a credential that shows your expertise in teaching about snowsports.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Professional Snowsports Education, a minimum of 9 credits is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| RPTM 120 | Leisure and Human Behavior  | 3 |
| RPTM 215 | Snowsports Education | 3 |
| RPTM 115 | Leadership Development in Snowsports | 3 |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Pete Allison, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
701H Donald H. Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
pra7@psu.edu
Career Paths
There are multiple career paths open to those completing the certificate including further Penn State certificates and qualifications to teach snowsports through our partnership with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). In addition to teaching snowsports at winter resorts, opportunities in ski patrol positions, or operations that support snowsports areas are also possible. Training in snowsports education can provide career advancement in many outdoor adventure recreation fields.
Professional Resources
Contact
University Park and World Campus
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARK AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
801 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
pra7@psu.edu