Recreation and Leisure Administration, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

Recreation and Leisure Administration Mission Statement:

The mission of the Recreation and Leisure Administration Program is to provide relevant, high quality educational and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to be competent and successful professionals in the fields of Recreation Management and Recreational Therapy.

Recreation and Leisure Administration Program Goals:

The faculty of the Recreation and Leisure Administration program intends that graduates of the Program will:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of recreation and leisure administration needed to successfully pursue graduate education in the field;
2. Possess the technical, conceptual, and interpersonal skills required for entry-level professional careers in recreation and leisure service occupations;
3. Be successful in utilizing their degree to obtain the appropriate certification for their emphasis area within the recreation and leisure field;
4. Demonstrate leadership skills required for successful career advancement in recreation and leisure service occupations.

Two areas of emphasis are available. The Recreation Management emphasis is geared toward professional preparation for careers in federal, state, and local public recreation and park agencies, private and voluntary agencies, armed forces, industrial recreation, commercial recreation, church recreation, and travel and tourism. Flexibility within this option will permit students to focus on a specific type of agency or setting. The Recreational Therapy emphasis prepares students for careers in health care and human service programs that serve individuals with disabilities. Examples include hospitals, treatment centers, specialized schools/camps, and long-term care facilities.

Upon successful completion of all college and certification requirements, graduates with a Recreational Therapy emphasis are eligible to apply to take the examination for certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Graduates with either emphasis are eligible to apply to take the examination as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Certification Board. Majors should see their advisor each semester.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Recreation must complete a minimum of 120 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis.

The General Education Requirements of the College require students to successfully complete a First Year Seminar, Foundations, Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation.  Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation.

In addition, students majoring in Recreation must earn a 2.0 or higher in each of the major requirements, and may be required to complete a standardized outcomes assessment test.