Best Online Parks and Recreation Management Degree Programs

Students can obtain a parks and recreation management degree online from many colleges that prepare them for jobs in hospitality management, such as program coordinators and facilities managers.

Keep reading to learn about the recreation management degrees accessible through flexible distance education for busy adult learners.

Featured Online Parks and Recreation Management Bachelor's Degrees

This list features online bachelor's degrees in parks and recreation management available from accredited universities.

1. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation, park, and tourism management through its online world campus.

Students can choose from concentrations in community recreation management or commercial recreation and tourism management.

Coursework covers topics such as:

• diversity in recreation services
• sustainability, society, and well-being
• facilities management

It requires 120 credit hours for graduation and costs $626 per credit, with financial aid available for those who qualify.

2. Everglades University

Everglades University in Florida delivers a Bachelor of Science degree in parks, recreation, and leisure management through its online programs.

The required coursework includes:

• hospitality management
• theme park management
• human resources management

It provides essential business skills for seeking employment in supervising or designing recreation and leisure programming. Students need 123 credits to graduate, which costs $832 per credit hour and takes 41 months to complete.

3. University of Utah

The University of Utah provides a Bachelor of Science degree in parks, recreation, and tourism through distance learning.

It offers three elective focus areas:

• sustainable tourism and hospitality management (available fully online)
• commercial, community, and sport management
• outdoor recreation studies

Individuals prepare for career opportunities in event management and human resources with courses in recreation programming and service marketing. Tuition is $520 per credit plus fees and requires 122 hours. Students must complete 66 program credit hours plus general education requirements.

4. California State University, East Bay

California State University at East Bay offers a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation through an online format that takes four years to complete.

Specializations include recreation therapy, sustainability, and youth development programming, which help students pursue various job roles in outdoor recreation or nonprofit management.

This credential covers topics including:

• community recreation programming
• leadership and management
• special events in recreation

Admission requirements include being a high school graduate with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

5. Arizona State University

At Arizona State University, students can earn a bachelor's degree in recreation management that provides instruction for leisure-oriented job roles.

It covers coursework in areas such as:

• program planning
• events management
• recreational therapy

This degree program requires 120 credits for graduation and prepares individuals for careers as program coordinators and recreation directors. It costs $574 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents.

6. Lehman College

Lehman College provides an online program that leads to a bachelor's degree in recreation for employment in the parks, recreation, and leisure services sectors.

It is ideal for jobs at nonprofit organizations and community recreation centers and offers recreation management or exercise and sports concentrations.

Subjects covered include:

• outdoor recreation and sustainable management
• facility management
• human resource management in recreation service

It requires 120 credits. The per-credit costs for part-time enrollment for residents are $245, and for non-residents is $510.

7. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management through its College of Natural Resources.

The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions (COAPRT) and teaches skills for working in recreation departments and national parks.

Its core courses include:

• outdoor recreation management
• diversity and inclusion in recreation
• interpersonal communication

A total of 120 credits are required, and it costs $272.29 per credit.

8. DePaul University

DePaul University in Illinois delivers a Bachelor of Arts degree in recreation and sport management through online education, which provides a multidisciplinary background in managing leisure services.

Course subjects cover topics like:

• personal and community health
• leisure, recreation, and health
• theory and techniques of coaching
• psychology of sport behavior
• event planning

It costs $510 per credit, and a combined bachelor's and master's degree program is available.

9. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers an online COAPRT-accredited Bachelor of Science degree in parks and recreation management, with options in community, commercial, and tourism or outdoor education and leadership.

Individualized study is also available to customize a degree within the park and recreation field.

Course topics include:

• recreation leadership
• inclusive recreation services
• research in parks and recreation management

It provides personalized attention through small class sizes and requires 120 credits.

This program teaches critical thinking and communication skills, preparing for community engagement and event management roles.

10. San Jose State University

San Jose State University has an online bachelor's degree in recreation, offering recreation management or recreation therapy concentrations.

Core courses include:

• recreation program planning
• managing recreation facilities
• recreation therapy foundations

This degree teaches how to improve the quality of leisure experiences and prepares individuals for entry-level parks and recreation-related careers.

Its core curriculum properly aligns with requirements set by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions.

FAQs about Online Parks and Recreation Management Programs

Discover more about online parks and recreation management programs with these commonly asked questions.

What Is Recreation Management as a Major?

A recreation management major provides the skills and knowledge necessary to establish recreation programs and operate community centers and recreational facilities.

Students gain education for working with diverse populations of all ages while managing sports or special events and leading summer camps or leisure services.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Parks and Recreation Management?

You can do many jobs across various sectors when you earn a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management.

Graduates pursue roles including:

• parks and recreation director
• recreation coordinator
• convention services manager
• facilities manager
• program director
• park supervisor
• event manager

The credentials needed for these roles vary, and individuals should research the requirements of their desired jobs.

Is a Degree in Parks and Recreation Management Worth It?

Earning a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management is worth it for students seeking career opportunities in leading recreational sports centers or summer day camps.

It delivers transferrable organizational and leadership skills applicable to various jobs and can be a valuable investment for those who want to help others be active and have fun.

Is an Online Parks and Recreation Management Program Right for Me?

If you need the flexibility of getting a degree through distance learning, then an online parks and recreation management program is right for you.

Adult learners and working professionals with busy schedules will find an online degree provides the convenience they need to earn a college education in recreation management.

What Coursework Is Involved in an Online Parks and Recreation Management Program?

The coursework in an online parks and recreation management program focuses on leisure studies and program planning for properly running facilities and coordinating events.

Topics vary, but students typically learn about business operations and human resources while gaining essential communication and organization skills in core courses like facilities management.

What Level of Education Do I Need for Parks and Recreation Management?

The level of education needed for obtaining a well-paying job in parks and recreation management is typically a bachelor's degree.

Many students decide to pursue online master's degrees for recreation management in graduate school; however, most roles generally require a bachelor's-level education.

How Much Does an Online Parks and Recreation Management Degree Cost?

The cost of an online parks and recreation management degree depends on the program and which institution offers it.

For example, North Carolina State University charges $272.29 per credit, while Everglades University charges $832, showing how much it fluctuates between programs.

Learn About Getting a Parks and Recreation Management Degree Online

Reach out to your chosen college regarding their specific program requirements and tuition costs to learn how you can obtain a flexible and convenient parks and recreation management degree online.