LEARN FROM THE LANDSCAPE

Located in the East Central region of Alabama, the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) offers easy access to the abundant forests, rivers, streams and other waterways that make this state one of the most biologically diverse in the nation. These diverse natural habitats, which span from the Gulf of Mexico to the Tennessee Valley, make Alabama an ideal place for education and careers in natural resources.  Parks and Recreation Management students benefit from our integrated curriculum that makes full use of Central Alabama’s beautiful parks and recreation areas. Our faculty instruct students on topics such as environmental education, planning, management, environmental interpretation and recreation programming using learning laboratories such as the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, Crooked Oaks, the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation areas and Chewacla State Park, among others.

This major prepares students with training in the design, management and administration of programs for federal, state or community parks and recreation areas, or to work with non-profit or private industries operating sports, tourism and recreation facilities. Within the Nature-Based Park and Recreation Management career path, students learn to manage national, state or private parks and recreation areas suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking and mountain biking, among others. Alternatively, they can focus on Community Parks and Recreation Management, which involves administering facilities such as city trails and parks, community recreation centers, playgrounds, aquatic centers and other sports facilities. They can also choose the Leadership and Planning Option, which tailors the major to students who wish to have hands-on involvement in planning, developing and coordinating programs in parks and other nature-based facilities.

Parks and Recreation Management coursework includes experiential learning and career preparedness opportunities such as:

• Fulfilling a two-week experiential field course where students can earn several micro-credentials, including Leave No Trace, Certified Interpretive Guide, Trip Leader, Wilderness First Aid and Trail Building certifications, among other skills.
• Before their senior year, students complete supervised internships as part of their degree requirements. These internships improve our students’ career readiness, allowing them to apply classroom theory in real-world situations under the guidance of a supervisor or mentor.
• Study abroad opportunities on Sustainable Nature Tourism in Costa Rica, Belize, and New Zealand are also available and count toward restricted electives in the Park and Recreation Management emphasis.

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:

• Parks and recreation agency director
• Public lands manager
• Operations manager
• Outdoor recreation center director
• Camp director
• Program manager
• Wellness coordinator
• Park ranger or interpreter
• Outdoor guide or outfitter