Parks and Recreation Degree Online

What is Parks and Recreation?

The Parks and Recreation major explores how and why people interact with the outdoors, and how to manage these people and natural resources. Parks and Recreation majors become experts in making people happy, keeping them safe, and helping them have fun.

Program specifics vary from school to school. Some programs are more focused on the customers. Others focus on sustainability. And still others focus on the business end of things. Prospective students should ask many questions to ensure they are comfortable with the program they are considering.

The Parks and Recreation major exists under many other titles, including: “Parks, Recreation, and Tourism,” “Parks and Recreation Management,” and “Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.”

Is Parks and Recreation a Good Major / Degree for Me?

Are you outdoorsy? Do you enjoy camping, hiking, and canoeing? Are you a leader? Are you a people person? Are you passionate about the environment? Do you enjoy group projects? Do you have lots of energy? Are you a planner and an organizer? If so, you might enjoy majoring in Parks and Recreation!

High School Classes Needed for a Parks and Recreation Degree in College:

• 4 English Credits
• 3 Math Credits
• 3 Science Credits
• 3 Social Studies Credits
• 2 Foreign Language Credits
• If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
  • AP Environmental Science
  • AP Psychology
• If your high school offers the following co-curricular activities, take advantage!
  • Team Sports
  • Student Government
  • Foreign Language Club
  • Outing Club

Common Parks and Recreation Courses in College:

• Applied Geographic Information Systems
• Business and Technical Writing
• Ecology
• Environmental Protection Law and Policy
• Forest Biology
• Forest Recreation Management
• Geology
• Land Use Planning
• Natural Resource Economics and Policy
• Public Communication
• Readings in Outdoor Recreation
• Social Psychology
• Sociology
• Tourism Management and Planning
• Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River Management

Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:

• Conservation Law Enforcement: a law enforcement major with a focus on protecting wildlife, lands, and other natural resources
• Environmental Science: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to study and solve environmental problems
• Hospitality Administration and Management: a course of study that prepares students to take care of travelers
• Sports and Fitness Administration: a course of study that prepares students to manage athletic programs, fitness centers, and health clubs
• Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food
• Wildlife and Wilderness Management: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to manage plants and animals

Parks and Recreation Careers:

A graduate of a Parks and Recreation degree program has many options. Parks and Recreation majors have gone on to work as:

• Adventure Travel Coordinators
• Athletic Coordinators
• Camp Managers
• Coaches
• Concert Promoters
• Condominium Social Directors
• Cruise Social Directors
• Grounds Supervisors
• Hotel Managers
• Hunting/Fishing Guides
• Park Managers
• Park Rangers
• Recreation Therapists
• Resort Managers
• Restaurant Managers
• Soil Conservationists
• Wilderness Guides