COURSE CURRICULUM

The Recreation – Corporate Recreation & Wellness emphasis program at Northwest Missouri State University is carefully structured to provide students with a strong foundation in wellness, fitness, and recreation management, while also building practical skills for real-world careers. In the first year, students are introduced to essential subjects such as Composition, General Psychology, and Foundations of Recreation. Courses like Inclusion in Recreation & Sport help students understand how to design programs that are accessible and beneficial for diverse populations. Alongside these, core requirements like biology, humanities, and digital literacy ensure a well-rounded academic base.As students move into the second year, the focus shifts toward understanding the human body and communication skills. Courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition and Diet Behavior, and Fundamentals of Oral Communication are paired with Recreation Programming, where students begin learning how to design and organize wellness and recreational activities. In the fourth term, subjects like Developmental Psychology, Recreation Leadership, and Operations Management prepare students for leadership roles. A key highlight is the summer field experience, which gives hands-on exposure in professional settings and helps students apply classroom knowledge practically.During the third year, the curriculum becomes more specialized with courses like Physiology of Exercise, Adapted Physical Education, and Recreation Sport Management. These subjects deepen students’ understanding of fitness, inclusive programming, and managing recreational or corporate wellness programs. Additional courses in biomechanics, political science, and physical sciences further enhance analytical and organizational skills.In the final year, students focus on advanced topics such as health behavior change, recreation administration, and evaluation of leisure services. Electives allow for customization based on career goals. The program concludes with a full-time internship, which is a crucial component, providing real-world experience and professional connections. Overall, this degree prepares graduates for careers in corporate wellness programs, fitness centers, community recreation, and health promotion, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.