Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management
This bachelor's degree teaches management of parks, recreation, and leisure facilities, preparing students for careers in public and private leisure sectors.
About
This Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management is a four-year undergraduate program in the United States. It is designed for students interested in managing outdoor spaces, recreational programs, and leisure facilities. The degree prepares graduates to work in various settings such as municipal parks, resorts, community centers, and nonprofit organizations. Students learn how to plan, organize, and oversee recreational activities and facilities to promote community well-being and environmental stewardship.
- The program is aimed at students passionate about outdoor activities, community engagement, and facility management.
- Graduates can pursue roles in managing parks, recreation centers, or leisure services in both public and private sectors.
- The degree offers foundational knowledge in business management, environmental science, and recreation programming.
- Students develop skills in leadership, event planning, and resource management relevant to leisure industries.
- The diploma supports careers that focus on enhancing quality of life through organized recreation and facility operations.
What you study
The curriculum is structured over four years, gradually increasing in complexity and practical application. Early courses introduce students to basic concepts of recreation management, environmental studies, and business principles. As they advance, students study topics such as facility operations, program development, and risk management. Practical experience is emphasized through projects, internships, and fieldwork.
- First-year courses cover introduction to recreation, environmental science, and business fundamentals.
- Intermediate years focus on facility management, program planning, and community engagement.
- Later years include advanced topics like risk management, marketing for leisure services, and leadership.
- Students participate in internships or practical projects to gain real-world experience.
- Hands-on learning is combined with classroom instruction to prepare for professional challenges.
How to get in
Admission to this bachelor's program in the US typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Prospective students apply through the university's admission process, which may include submission of transcripts, standardized test scores, and personal statements. Some programs may look for candidates with interests or experience in outdoor activities or community service.
- Applicants must have completed high school or equivalent education.
- The university admission process involves an application, transcripts, and sometimes test scores.
- Personal motivation and interest in recreation or environmental fields are valued.
- Some programs may require letters of recommendation or interviews.
- Students with volunteer or work experience in leisure or community services may have an advantage.
Day to day
A typical academic year combines lectures, seminars, and practical activities. Students attend classes covering theory and management skills, while also engaging in field visits and group projects. Internships or cooperative education placements are often part of the curriculum to provide hands-on experience in real work environments.
- The academic calendar includes classroom learning and practical workshops.
- Students work on group projects that simulate real-world facility management challenges.
- Many programs incorporate internships during summer or academic terms.
- Time management is important as students balance coursework and practical assignments.
- Some universities offer cooperative education options to alternate study and work periods.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can find employment in various sectors related to parks, recreation, and leisure management. Public agencies, private resorts, community centers, and nonprofit organizations often seek professionals to manage facilities and programs. The job market generally offers opportunities, though some positions may require additional experience or certifications.
- Possible careers include park manager, recreation coordinator, and facility supervisor.
- Employers include municipal governments, tourism and hospitality companies, and nonprofit organizations.
- The sector values skills in program development and community outreach.
- Job openings often require practical experience gained through internships or volunteer work.
- Employment conditions vary depending on location and employer size.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this bachelor's degree, students may choose to pursue graduate studies to specialize further or enhance career prospects. Master's programs in recreation management, public administration, or environmental studies are common paths. Alternatively, graduates might seek professional certifications related to park and facility management.
- Graduate studies in recreation management or public administration are options.
- Specialized programs in environmental planning or tourism may be pursued.
- Professional certifications can improve employability and expertise.
- Some graduates may opt to reorient towards related fields such as sports management or urban planning.
Where to study this degree (120)
Liste des 120 établissements
- West Virginia State UniversityInstitute
- SUNY PlattsburghPlattsburgh
- California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo
- St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeSparkill
- Huntington UniversityHuntington
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- University of West GeorgiaCarrollton
- University of FloridaGainesville
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- Johnson & Wales University-ProvidenceProvidence
- Slippery Rock UniversitySlippery Rock
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of MississippiOxford
- University of North TexasDenton
- Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Utah Tech UniversitySaint George
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- Western Illinois UniversityMacomb
- Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford
- Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg
- Johnson & Wales University-OnlineProvidence
- University of Florida-OnlineGainesville
- University of Wisconsin–La CrosseLa Crosse
- Kean UniversityUnion
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven
- Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- SUNY BrockportBrockport
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- North Carolina Central UniversityDurham
- Johnson & Wales University-CharlotteCharlotte
- University of Northern ColoradoGreeley
- Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville
- SUNY DelhiDelhi
- University of MaineOrono
- University of IdahoMoscow
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction
- Chowan UniversityMurfreesboro
- Keiser UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- Kent State University at KentKent
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- St. Joseph's College New YorkBrooklyn
- Central Methodist UniversityFayette
- Lindsey Wilson CollegeColumbia
- Mount Marty CollegeYankton
- East Stroudsburg UniversityEast Stroudsburg
- Trine UniversityAngola
- Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaBloomsburg
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park
- New England CollegeHenniker
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- Marshall UniversityHuntington
- Aurora UniversityAurora
- Wingate UniversityWingate
- Hannibal–LaGrange UniversityHannibal
- Oklahoma Baptist UniversityShawnee
- University of St. FrancisJoliet
- Chicago State UniversityChicago
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- Springfield CollegeSpringfield
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesFayette
- Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston
- Alabama State UniversityMontgomery
- Lees McRae CollegeBanner Elk
- College of the OzarksPoint Lookout
- Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea
- SUNY CortlandCortland
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie
- Vermont Technical CollegeRandolph
- Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaCheyney
- Trinity Christian CollegePalos Heights
- Davis & Elkins CollegeElkins
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Hastings CollegeHastings
- University of Maine at Presque IslePresque Isle
- Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall
- Morris CollegeSumter
- Elon UniversityElon
- Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne
- Gannon UniversityErie
- Union College - KentuckyBarbourville
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezMayaguez
- Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Cumberland UniversityLebanon
- Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Everglades UniversityBoca Raton
Frequently asked questions
What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
Graduates can work as park managers, recreation coordinators, or facility supervisors in public or private sectors. Jobs often involve organizing programs and managing leisure spaces.
Is prior experience required to enter the program?
No specific experience is required, but having a background or interest in outdoor activities or community service can be helpful during admission.
Are internships part of the curriculum?
Yes, many programs include internships or practical projects to provide real-world experience in managing recreation facilities.
Can I study this degree part-time or through alternance?
Alternance or cooperative education options are generally not common for this degree, but some universities may offer flexible schedules.
What skills will I develop during the degree?
Students learn facility management, program planning, leadership, risk management, and marketing tailored to parks and leisure services.
What are possible further studies after this degree?
Graduates can pursue master's degrees in recreation management, public administration, environmental studies, or obtain professional certifications.
Is this degree suitable for working in environmental conservation?
While focused on recreation and facility management, the program includes environmental awareness that can support roles related to conservation.
How competitive is admission to this program?
Admission is selective, with universities considering academic records and motivation, but it is accessible to students with a high school diploma.
























