The new transfer-friendly Leadership and Planning Option trains students to plan, conduct, develop, and administer recreation programs for community and nature-based parks and recreation facilities. They are well prepared with career-ready skills in events management, programming, leadership, and communications.
Parks and Recreation Management, Leadership & Planning Option
Parks and Recreation Management, Leadership and Planning Option
A Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Programming Management – Leadership and Planning Option prepares students to plan, conduct, develop, and administer recreational opportunities and events for the public. They will take courses in community- and nature-based recreation, event management, programming, leadership, and communications, preparing them for more hands-on involvement in events such as tennis and soccer tournaments, mountain biking and running races, and other educational activities and community programs.
Career paths with this major include parks and recreation programmer, sports and recreation league coordinator, and recreation center programmer within community parks and recreation facilities. In nature-based recreation settings, they will be qualified to become camp leaders, event and programming coordinators, private-industry recreation coordinators, outdoor educators, field guides, and other similar positions.
The major is designed in accordance with the standards set by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT). After one year of employment, students who have completed the degree are eligible to take the examination to become Certified Park and Recreation Professionals (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
In-Demand Careers
Parks and recreation management offers diverse and plentiful career opportunities with national, state, local, and private organizations that manage parks and recreation facilities for public or private use within occupations such as:
- Recreation center programmer
- Sports and recreation league coordinator
- Parks and recreation programmer
- Event and programming coordinator
- Camp program leader
- Outdoor educator
- Field guide
Note: Students may incur fees for laboratory, transportation, or other activities associated with labs and field experiences required for course credit.
