Degree programs in recreation can be found at the associate's through doctoral degree levels. Courses cover a range of topics from adventurous outdoor activities to games and sports. Read on for more information about degree programs, common coursework, career options and the job outlook.
What Do Recreation Degree Programs Involve?
Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree levels in recreation are available at colleges and universities nationwide. Programs are also offered through online and campus-based program formats. Degree programs in this field usually fall under the broad categories of science or arts with the specialization following. For example, you might earn a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation.
Recreation degree programs provide educational training on initiatives that consist of both leisure and physical activities. Because there are many aspects of recreation, various degree types are offered in this field. For example, parks and recreation degrees center on managing activities and resources in an outdoor setting. Recreation degree titles that parallel this kind of training include Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management; Outdoor Recreation; and Natural Resources with a concentration in outdoor recreation.
Degrees that emphasize a broad range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities may include those entitled Fitness and Recreation Management, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Sports and Recreation Management, Recreation Technology, Recreation Leadership Management and Recreation Management.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees available on campus and online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Community recreation management, outdoor recreation safety, tourism management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Recreational director, personal trainer, corporate trainer, sports manager</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$28,440* (<i>for recreation workers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>10%* (<i>for all recreation workers </i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillIStudy">What Will I Study?</h3><p>Your coursework will be determined by your degree program's emphasis. If your program emphasizes outdoor recreation, your curriculum may include topics such as managing wildland recreation, community recreation management, outdoor recreation safety, outdoor recreation risk management and tourism management. You may also learn about specific outdoor activities such as scuba diving, horseback riding, climbing, skiing and canyoneering.
</p><p>If your program is targeted toward general recreational activities and fitness, you may have coursework that focuses on the principles of fitness for adults, therapeutic recreation, weight training, leisure research and leisure delivery systems. Additionally, you may receive training in activities such as tennis, basketball, golf, dance, bowling and aerobics.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsMyJobOutlook">What Is My Job Outlook?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job rate for recreation workers is expected to grow 10% from 2019-2029 <i>(www.bls.gov)</i>. You could work for a variety of industries including state and local government, social and civic groups, fitness centers, recreational vehicle (RV) parks, recreational facilities and consulting firms. You have a wide array of potential job titles, such as corporate trainer, recreation director, personal trainer, health/recreation club manager, sports manager and therapeutic recreation specialist.</p>
