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 (181)
Liste des 181 établissements
- St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeSparkill
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- Fresno City CollegeFresno
- Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo
- College of the DesertPalm Desert
- North Carolina State UniversityRaleigh
- Huntington UniversityHuntington
- West Valley CollegeSaratoga
- West Virginia State UniversityInstitute
- Hawkeye Community CollegeWaterloo
- SUNY PlattsburghPlattsburgh
- North Carolina Central UniversityDurham
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Illinois State UniversityNormal
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- 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
- Keiser UniversityFort Lauderdale
- Professional Golfers Career CollegeTemecula
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- University of MississippiOxford
- University of North TexasDenton
- Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Utah Tech UniversitySaint George
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee
- Henderson State UniversityArkadelphia
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- Western Illinois UniversityMacomb
- Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityWeatherford
- Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- Johnson & Wales University-OnlineProvidence
- Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- University of Florida-OnlineGainesville
- University of Wisconsin–La CrosseLa Crosse
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- Kean UniversityUnion
- Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph
- SUNY BrockportBrockport
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan
- University of Northern ColoradoGreeley
- Johnson & Wales University-CharlotteCharlotte
- Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville
- SUNY DelhiDelhi
- University of MaineOrono
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction
- Green River Community CollegeAuburn
- University of IdahoMoscow
- Chowan UniversityMurfreesboro
- Kent State University at KentKent
- Indiana State UniversityTerre Haute
- Augusta Technical CollegeAugusta
- New England CollegeHenniker
- Central Methodist UniversityFayette
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- SUNY SullivanLoch Sheldrake
- Lindsey Wilson CollegeColumbia
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- Belmont Abbey CollegeBelmont
- St. Joseph's College New YorkBrooklyn
- Mount Marty CollegeYankton
- Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaBloomsburg
- Trine UniversityAngola
- East Stroudsburg UniversityEast Stroudsburg
- Madison Area Technical CollegeMadison
- Aurora UniversityAurora
- Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Tidewater Community CollegeNorfolk
- Marshall UniversityHuntington
- Herkimer CollegeHerkimer
- Wingate UniversityWingate
- Hannibal–LaGrange UniversityHannibal
- University of St. FrancisJoliet
- Reedley CollegeReedley
- Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa
- Chicago State UniversityChicago
- Oklahoma Baptist UniversityShawnee
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- Eastern Illinois UniversityCharleston
- Springfield CollegeSpringfield
- Lees McRae CollegeBanner Elk
- Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended StudiesFayette
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- John Brown UniversitySiloam Springs
- Alabama State UniversityMontgomery
- Southwest Wisconsin Technical CollegeFennimore
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- Baldwin Wallace UniversityBerea
- Butte CollegeOroville
- Northern Virginia Community CollegeAnnandale
- College of the OzarksPoint Lookout
- Mt. San Antonio CollegeWalnut
- Snow CollegeEphraim
- Tompkins Cortland Community CollegeDryden
- SUNY CortlandCortland
- Montgomery CollegeRockville
- Central Arizona CollegeCoolidge
- Lord Fairfax Community CollegeMiddletown
- East Mississippi Community CollegeScooba
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaCheyney
- Truckee Meadows Community CollegeReno
- Scottsdale Community CollegeScottsdale
- Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie
- Vermont Technical CollegeRandolph
- Central Wyoming CollegeRiverton
- Gogebic Community CollegeIronwood
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Trinity Christian CollegePalos Heights
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community CollegeCincinnati
- Bucks County Community CollegeNewtown
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion
- Bellevue CollegeBellevue
- Davis & Elkins CollegeElkins
- Anoka Technical CollegeAnoka
- Spokane Community CollegeSpokane
- North Country Community CollegeSaranac Lake
- Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce
- Lakeland Community CollegeKirtland
- County College of MorrisRandolph
- Arizona Western CollegeYuma
- Walla Walla Community CollegeWalla Walla
- Union College - KentuckyBarbourville
- Morris CollegeSumter
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Moraine Valley Community CollegePalos Hills
- Sandhills Community CollegePinehurst
- Everglades UniversityBoca Raton
- Northcentral Technical CollegeWausau
- University of Maine at Presque IslePresque Isle
- Sierra CollegeRocklin
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- University of North DakotaGrand Forks
- Hastings CollegeHastings
- Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall
- Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne
- Onondaga Community CollegeSyracuse
- Gannon UniversityErie
- Iowa Central Community CollegeFort Dodge
- Germanna Virginia Community CollegeLocust Grove
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- Southeastern Illinois CollegeHarrisburg
- Cypress CollegeCypress
- University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Monroe Community CollegeRochester
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem
- United States Sports AcademyDaphne
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Cumberland UniversityLebanon
- Southwest Virginia Community CollegeCedar Bluff
- Elon UniversityElon
- Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview
- Mohawk Valley Community CollegeUtica
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Carolina CampusCarolina
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Cupey CampusSan Juan
- University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezMayaguez
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Rochester Community and Technical CollegeRochester
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.
































