Bachelor's Degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
This four-year bachelor's degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies teaches management of recreational spaces and activities, preparing students for careers in community and outdoor services.
About
This bachelor's degree focuses on understanding and managing parks, recreation programs, and leisure activities. It is designed for students interested in working in outdoor environments, community centers, or recreational facilities. The program prepares graduates to support public well-being by organizing and maintaining spaces and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles and social interaction.
- The degree lasts four years and leads to a bachelor's level qualification.
- It suits students who enjoy nature, community work, and event organization.
- Graduates can pursue roles in managing parks, recreational programs, or leisure services.
- The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- It provides a foundation for working in public agencies, non-profits, or private recreation companies.
What you study
The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects related to parks and recreation management. Students start with foundational courses and gradually move to specialized topics, gaining practical experience along the way.
- Early years focus on introduction to recreation studies, environmental science, and community engagement.
- Later years include program planning, facility management, and leisure behavior.
- Students learn about safety regulations and resource management for parks and recreational areas.
- Practical work includes organizing events, conducting fieldwork, and internships in real settings.
- The program encourages teamwork and communication skills through group projects and presentations.
How to get in
Admission to this bachelor's degree typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. The process involves submitting an application to a university or college offering the program, often through a centralized system.
- Applicants must have completed high school with a focus on relevant subjects like biology or social studies.
- The application process may include submitting transcripts and personal statements.
- Some institutions may require letters of recommendation or an interview.
- Motivation for working in community or outdoor recreation is valued.
- The program is open to students with diverse backgrounds who show interest in leisure and environmental topics.
Day to day
A typical academic year combines lectures, practical sessions, and field experiences. Students balance classroom learning with hands-on activities and internships.
- Courses are scheduled throughout the semester with regular assessments and projects.
- Students participate in internships or fieldwork to gain real-world experience.
- Group projects simulate planning and managing recreational events or facilities.
- Some programs may offer opportunities for summer work in parks or community centers.
- The workload requires good time management between studies and practical commitments.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can find employment in various sectors related to parks, recreation, and leisure services. The job market includes public agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
- Common roles include park manager, recreation coordinator, and leisure program developer.
- Employment is often found in city parks, national parks, community centers, and resorts.
- The demand for professionals who can promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement supports job opportunities.
- Entry into the workforce is generally smooth for those with practical experience.
- Some graduates may work in education or advocacy related to outdoor activities.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies to specialize further or shift focus. Graduate programs and certifications are available in related fields.
- Possible next steps include master's degrees in recreation management or environmental studies.
- Students may also pursue certifications in park administration or leisure therapy.
- Changing direction to fields like tourism or public health is possible with additional training.
- Continuing education helps deepen expertise and improve career prospects.
Where to study this degree (126)
Liste des 126 établissements
- Aurora UniversityAurora
- Maryville CollegeMaryville
- Graceland UniversityLamoni
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- Davis & Elkins CollegeElkins
- Virginia Wesleyan UniversityVirginia Beach
- Oral Roberts UniversityTulsa
- William Jewell CollegeLiberty
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Kutztown UniversityKutztown
- University of ArkansasFayetteville
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- California State University, ChicoChico
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney
- University of IowaIowa City
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale
- Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville
- California State University, East BayHayward
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- Radford UniversityRadford
- Winona State UniversityWinona
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- University of Northern IowaCedar Falls
- Shepherd UniversityShepherdstown
- University of South AlabamaMobile
- Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro
- Grambling State UniversityGrambling
- Pittsburg State UniversityPittsburg
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Northern Michigan UniversityMarquette
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- Western Colorado UniversityGunnison
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- Southern Utah UniversityCedar City
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- University of Mount OliveMount Olive
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- Houghton UniversityHoughton
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- Paul Smith's CollegePaul Smiths
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- Cal Poly HumboldtArcata
- University of Minnesota, DuluthDuluth
- Shaw UniversityRaleigh
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale
- SUNY PlattsburghPlattsburgh
- Southern Oregon UniversityAshland
- Emporia State UniversityEmporia
- Alaska Pacific UniversityAnchorage
- Mars Hill UniversityMars Hill
- Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls
- York College of PennsylvaniaYork
- Southeast Missouri State UniversityCape Girardeau
- Ithaca CollegeIthaca
- Eastern Washington UniversityCheney
- North Greenville UniversityTigerville
- Newberry CollegeNewberry
- Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver
- Ferrum CollegeFerrum
- Salem State UniversitySalem
- Southeastern Oklahoma State UniversityDurant
- Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State
- University of MaineOrono
- SUNY CortlandCortland
- Carson Newman UniversityJefferson City
- Gordon CollegeWenham
- West Virginia University Institute of TechnologyBeckley
- Montana State University BillingsBillings
- Central State UniversityWilberforce
- Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg
- Indiana Institute of TechnologyFort Wayne
- Baker UniversityBaldwin City
- Simpson UniversityRedding
- Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles
- DePaul UniversityChicago
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Black Hills State UniversitySpearfish
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- Ohio University SouthernIronton
- Ohio University ZanesvilleZanesville
- Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster
- Ohio University-Eastern CampusSaint Clairsville
- University of South DakotaVermillion
- Gallaudet UniversityWashington
- Benedict CollegeColumbia
- Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville
- University of Alaska SoutheastJuneau
- Brevard CollegeBrevard
- Springfield CollegeSpringfield
- University of ToledoToledo
- Cumberland UniversityLebanon
- California State University, Dominguez HillsCarson
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Asbury UniversityWilmore
- Ohio University ChillicotheChillicothe
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha
- Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnais
- Ouachita Baptist UniversityArkadelphia
- CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNew York
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Bethune-Cookman UniversityDaytona Beach
- Catawba CollegeSalisbury
- University of BaltimoreBaltimore
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Spring Arbor UniversitySpring Arbor
Frequently asked questions
What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
You can work as a park manager, recreation coordinator, or event organizer. Jobs are available in public parks, community centers, and private recreation companies.
Do I need prior experience to be admitted?
No specific prior experience is required, but having a high school diploma and interest in outdoor or community activities helps.
Is there practical training included in the program?
Yes, the program includes internships and fieldwork to gain hands-on experience in real recreational settings.
Can I study this degree part-time or through alternance?
Typically, this degree is full-time and does not offer alternance or apprenticeship options.
What subjects will I study during the degree?
You will study recreation management, environmental science, leisure behavior, program development, and safety regulations.
Can I continue my studies after this degree?
Yes, you can pursue master's degrees or certifications in related fields like recreation management or environmental studies.
Is this degree recognized across the US?
Yes, it is offered by accredited universities and recognized nationally within the US education system.
What skills will I develop during the program?
You will develop skills in program planning, facility management, communication, teamwork, and safety management.






















