Recreation Leadership, 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).  COAPRT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Recreation Leadership Mission Statement:

The mission of the Recreation Leadership 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 Outdoor Leadership, Youth and Family Recreation, and Recreational Therapy.

Recreation Leadership Program Goals:

The faculty of the Recreation Leadership program intends that graduates of the Program will:

1. Demonstrate the knowledge of recreation leadership 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 occupations
3. Be successful in utilizing their degree to obtain the appropriate certification for their emphasis area within the recreation field
4. Demonstrate leadership skills required for successful career advancement in recreation occupations

Three areas of emphasis are available. The Outdoor Leadership emphasis prepares students to work in a variety of outdoor settings with agencies that offer services including outdoor leadership, adventure programming, and ropes course facilitation.  The Youth and Family Recreation emphasis is geared toward professional preparation for careers working with youth and families in federal, state, and local public recreation and park agencies, private and voluntary agencies, youth development-focused 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 (CTRS) from the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). Graduates with any emphasis are eligible to apply to take the examination as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Certification Board. Majors should see their advisor each semester.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Recreation Leadership 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 (FCO 103 will be a required co-requisite with FCO 105 for students who have a high school GPA below 3.20), 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 Leadership must earn a 2.0 or higher in each of the major requirements, and may be required to complete a standardized outcomes assessment test.