BA in Recreation

BA in Recreation

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation offers an exciting pathway to a vibrant career where you can make a real impact on communities and the environment. Imagine yourself managing community parks, sports facilities, and recreation centers, where you can organize and lead engaging programs like sports leagues, arts and crafts workshops, and thrilling adventure activities. In the realm of outdoor recreation, you could oversee national and state parks, planning hiking expeditions, camping trips, and environmental education programs that inspire a love for nature. Additionally, in the tourism industry, you can develop and manage recreational activities for tourists, such as guided tours, adventure excursions, and cultural events. This degree equips you with the skills to create unforgettable recreational experiences that promote active lifestyles and enhance community well-being.

Our program has three concentrations:

  • Parks and Recreation Management
  • Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Leadership
  • Tourism Management

Professional positions held by graduates: 

  • National, state and municipal parks and recreation coordinators, managers, supervisors, directors 
  • City managers
  • Community services directors
  • Park naturalists and park rangers
  • Senior center directors in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation programs
  • University recreation center and intramural directors 
  • Athletic sorts program managers
  • Facility managers
  • Student services managers
  • Outdoor adventure and day camp directors
  • Recreation facility or club managers
  • Travel and tourism agents or guides
  • Sporting goods sales representatives
  • Amusement park, hotel or resort managers
  • Military recreation and employee services specialists
  • Social director and event managers
  •  Nonprofit and volunteer services managers

  • Recreation centers, parks, and summer camps
  • National parks
  • Amusement parks, theme parks, and cruise ships
  • Community centers, playgrounds, libraries and gardens

According to PayScale the average base salary for a certified park and recreation management professional is approximately $57K. Learn more about Rec Management roles and salaries. For Recreation Therapy professionals the national average salary is $68,451, according to ZipRecruiter. 

Service orientation

Recreation managers want to share their passion for recreation and leisure activities with other people. 

Problem-solving skills

Recreation managers should be able to design activities for people of different ages and abilities. They must be able to adapt activities to the individual needs of participants. 

Communication skills

 Recreation managers need to give clear instructions when directing activities. 

Leadership skills

Recreation managers should be able to lead both small and large groups. They often lead activities for people with different skill levels.

Physical stamina

Recreation managers are often on their feet and should be able to demonstrate activities. 

Major Core Courses:

Take all of the following:

Take all of the following:

Take one of the following courses:

Complete one of the following three concentration areas:

A. Parks and Recreation Management Concentration:

Take all of the following courses
Take any two of the following courses

B. Tourism Management Concentration:

Take all of the following courses
Take an additional upper-division recreation course

C. Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Leadership Concentration:

Take all of the following courses
Take any three of the following courses: