COURSE CURRICULUM

The Recreation and Leisure Studies program offers multiple concentrations that prepare students for diverse career paths focused on improving quality of life through meaningful activities and services. The Recreation, Event and Sport Management concentration focuses on preparing graduates to manage facilities, programs, and services that create enjoyable and enriching experiences for individuals and communities. Students in this track develop skills in planning events, managing sports and recreation facilities, and working within industries such as commercial recreation, tourism, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The Outdoor Recreation concentration shares a similar goal of enhancing quality of life but places a stronger emphasis on activities connected to the natural environment. Students learn how to design and manage outdoor programs such as adventure tourism, parks, and environmental recreation, preparing them for roles in organizations that rely on natural settings, including conservation groups and outdoor tourism agencies. The Recreational Therapy concentration, on the other hand, is more health-focused and prepares students to become recreational therapists who use activity-based and experiential interventions to support individuals with illnesses or disabilities. These professionals work to improve physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, helping individuals maintain or regain independence and quality of life. Graduates may work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or community health programs. Overall, each concentration within the program shares a common goal of enhancing human well-being but differs in its specific focus, whether it is management, outdoor environments, or therapeutic applications, allowing students to choose a path that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.