Recreation Management, BS

The BS in Recreation Management prepares graduates to direct and supervise recreation departments, programs, and resources. Three concentrations are offered: one in Parks and Outdoor Recreation, one in Therapeutic Recreation, and an Individualized Program.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation graduates plan and implement recreation programs locally and nationally, lead outdoor activities, and manage the uses of natural and cultural resources. Therapeutic Recreation graduates implement interventions and rehabilitation activities to enhance the quality of life for individuals including those with disabilities. Students in the Individualized concentration tailor their coursework with an advisor to develop a targeted and personalized set of skills.

Policies

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies. Students should also review Mason Core requirements.

Internship Application

The internship is a 12 credit capstone course taken at the end of a student's academic program. Students must have earned 90 credit hours and met the specific prerequisites to be eligible for the internship (see RMGT 490 Recreation Management Internship (Mason Core)). The internship is designed to be a capstone experience for each student in their specific concentration area.

The internship process begins with a mandatory meeting hosted by the internship coordinator. During the preliminary phase, students will develop learning goals and consult with faculty on viable internship sites. Once the internship site has been selected, the student must complete 400 hours of an applied experience in both Parks and Outdoor Recreation and the Individualized Concentration. Therapeutic Recreation requires a 560-hour, fourteen consecutive week field placement experience in therapeutic recreation services under the supervision of a certified therapeutic recreation therapist (CTRS).

Throughout the internship, the student will be monitored by a site supervisor (CTRS for therapeutic recreation), as well as a university supervisor, to facilitate a meaningful experience.

Banner Code: E1-BS-RMGT

Program Requirements

Total credits: 120

Note: The Recreation Management program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

Mason Core

¹

Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take PSYC 100.

²

Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take BIOL 124.

³

Met by RMGT 490, a program requirement.

Recreation Management Core

Electives

Concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR)

This concentration explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life. The curriculum includes courses in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, and environmental education. Graduates of this career ready program are employed in national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, non-profit organizations, and private and commercial operations. Students complete both a supervised practicum and internship in professional settings.

Concentration in Therapeutic Recreation (TR)

This concentration teaches a holistic approach to the treatment for people with disabilities across the lifespan. Completion of the therapeutic recreation (TR) foundation, issues, processes, programming and assessment courses to name a few, as well as an internship supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), prepares graduating seniors to sit for the national exam sponsored by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification to become a CTRS. Graduates find employment in clinical and community settings, senior and adult health care, non-profit organizations, and schools.

Individualized Concentration  (IND)

This concentration allows for students, in consultation with an advisor, to develop a program that facilitates their special expertise in selected complementary areas of foci including concurrent completion of a minor (e.g., entrepreneurship; aging studies; environmental science; non-profit studies; sport management; tourism and events management; health promotion; kinesiology; sport and computer game design). These students will complete coursework that addresses their own passion and goals while meeting educational needs to prepare for graduate school or professional pursuits. In turn, they will be addressing the needs of a broader community. The Recreation Management program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.