Recreation and Leisure Studies
The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies prepares students to promote a broader and deeper understanding of the role of leisure and recreation in the lives of all people and to enhance the quality of experiences available to each person. The Department’s mission is Engagement, Participation, and Leadership.
- Bachelor of Arts in Recreation with concentrations in:
- Parks and Recreation Management
- Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Leadership
- Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy
- Minor in Recreation
- Minor in Event Planning
- Master of Science in Recreation Administration
- Certificate in Wilderness Studies
- Post-bac certificate in Recreation Therapy
- Undergraduate admission to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies requires no special admission procedures.
- For any questions regarding the graduate program (MS in Recreation Administration), please contact Dr. Laurel Richmond (Laurel Richmond). The deadline for the application is June 1 and please visit Cal State Apply for your application.
Professional positions held by graduates and annual median salaries:
Median annual wages (National Recreation and Park Association)
- Park and Recreation Agency Director: $123,000
- Planning Director: $106,500
- Director of Finance: $100,245
- Recreation Director: $90,000
- Park Operations Director: $85,000
- Park Operations: $65,952
- Facilites Manager: $70,000
- Athletics Supervisor: $60,347
- Aquatics Supervisor: $64,500
- Recreation Programs Coordinator: $58,000
- Marketing and Communications Director: $70,000
- Fitness Center Manager: $60,181
- Administrative Assistant: $47,840
Median annual wages (California Park and Recreation Society job board)
- Recreation supervisors: $53,710 CA
- Recreation coordinator: $60,000 – 95,000 CA
- Recreation director: $175,000 – 211,000 CA
- Wages vary with job location and level of experience
Median annual wages: Rec Therapists
- Recreation therapists: $89,660 CA, $57,120 US
- National accreditation of the program has been awarded continuously since 1982. The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredits recreation, park resources and leisure services curricula. Our department offers the only academic program accredited by COAPRT in Southern California.
- Learn more about academic accreditation.
