Within the framework of the liberal arts, the mission of the Sport and Recreation Professions Department is to educate students as informed consumers, skilled professionals, and advocates of sport, recreation and leisure services throughout their personal and professional lives. By providing two Majors, the course offerings in Sport and Recreation Professions allow students to investigate the larger discipline and focus upon one of two Majors: Sport and Recreation Management, and Recreational Therapy.
The Department has been nationally accredited since 1984 by the National Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions. All students completing either major are eligible to take the national examination to be recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Students completing the Recreational Therapy Major and designated coursework are also eligible to take the national examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
About The Program
The primary purpose of the program is to provide both classroom and practical learning experiences in the study of sport, recreation, and leisure. Nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Park, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions, the department supports students studying one of two majors: Sport and Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy. The curriculum infuses practical learning opportunities with outside agencies—classroom work is reinforced through real-world experiences that allow students to hone their career preferences. The program is nationally recognized for its assessment, work with alumni and professionals, and for ensuring that all graduates are eligible to sit for the examination to become either a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or a Certified Park and Recreation Professional.
Major: Sport and Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy (BA)
Certification: CTRS Certification Examination
Chair: Jill R. Sturts, PhD
School: D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies
About the Major
Within the framework of the liberal arts, the mission of the Sport and Recreation Professions Department is to educate students as informed consumers, skilled professionals, and advocates of sport, recreation and leisure services throughout their personal and professional lives. By providing two Majors, the course offerings in Sport and Recreation Professions allow students to investigate the larger discipline and focus upon one of two Majors: Sport and Recreation Management, and Recreational Therapy. The course offerings in each major are designed to provide practical “hands- on” learning experiences with local agencies. By combining the concepts, skills, and perspectives of Sport and Recreation Professions courses with carefully selected courses, students may expect both to become focused in their chosen major and receive practical experience. Each major culminates in a semester-long internship, allowing students to continue their learning while applying their knowledge to “real-life” practice in a recreation agency of their choice. The Department has been nationally accredited since 1984 by the National Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions. All students completing either major are eligible to take the national examination to be recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Students completing the Recreational Therapy Major and designated coursework are also eligible to take the national examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Internships
All students complete a final-semester internship with an agency of their choice, working with a faculty advisor to select an internship that mirrors their interests. This experience gives the student a competitive edge as they transition from college to the workplace or graduate studies. Students also have an opportunity to complete a Junior Internship—another practical experience to enhance their skills and resume.
Beyond the Classroom
Graduates secure employment in traditional recreation agencies such as the YMCA, state park and recreation departments, and campus recreation administration. They have also been employed in administration, teaching, sales, health care, consulting, law enforcement and more. Some students enter graduate school to study fields as diverse as education, sport management, theology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology.