Recreation, park, and leisure studies
bachelor of science (B.S. degree)
Imagine a job leading wilderness expeditions for kids, directing cruises, or overseeing a national park. Recreation, park, and leisure studies explores subjects that are central to people's lives, such as how they spend their free time, how they experience nature, and how recreation activities can bring a community together. Choose between three emphasis areas that can lead to many opportunities: commercial recreation, outdoor education and recreation, or public parks and recreation management.
Program highlights
- A small program offers personal attention, located in a large university with many resources
- Learning abroad opportunities, such as leisure studies classes at the University of Waikato in New Zealand
- The Twin Cities community, a nationally recognized hub of recreation with more than 170 parks just in Minneapolis
- A semester-long internship gives a head start on future careers or advanced degrees
- Dedicated and well-connected faculty are active in placing graduates in great jobs
Careers with meaning
Potential employers include:
- State and national parks
- After-school programs
- Public park and recreation agencies
- Resorts and hotels
- Travel/tourism bureaus
- Environmental education centers
See What can I do with a recreation, park, and leisure studies degree?
This program also prepares students for advanced degrees in recreation, park, and leisure studies; kinesiology; sport management; and more.
Coursework
Foundation courses, such as public speaking, sociology, psychology, and community health
Major courses, including Leisure and Human Development, Recreation Programming, Administration and Finance of Leisure Services, and a senior internship
Emphasis area: commercial parks and recreation, outdoor education and recreation, or public parks and recreation
Full curriculum for recreation, park, and leisure studies major, Undergraduate Catalog
View all courses in recreation, park, and leisure studies, Undergraduate Catalog
Student profile
Joe: “I made a visit here and I was really impressed with the campus. I picked my major because I decided I didn’t want to have a job where I sat behind a desk all day.”
Your next steps
- Visit
- Apply
- Explore
July 2007