Recreation Services Management

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College of Business and Management

The Faculty of Recreation Services Management

DeNike Hall Room 231

570-422-3305......www.esu.edu/rlsm

About the Program

The Department of Recreation Services Management (RLSM) can prepare you for a variety of career paths in recreation and park service settings. Our program was established in 1978. National accreditation was received in 1983 from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and has been maintained since that time.

The mission of the bachelor of science degree program in Recreation Services Management is to provide students with knowledge and skills necessary to enter the workforce. The program provides students options that are determined by their interest and goals. An advisory board, comprised of expert practitioners in the Pocono region, offers input to the faculty. Their perspectives enable the faculty to be responsive to the changing needs of the work force.

Accreditation

The Recreation degree program is accredited by Council of Accreditation for Park, Recreation, Tourism and related Professions (COAPRT).

Students graduating from this program are immediately eligible to sit for the examination to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations such as the NRPA and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) offer information on career opportunities. More specific information on the career option of commercial recreation is available from the Resort and Commercial Recreation Association (RCRA). If you are interested in an outdoor recreation career option, another source of career information is the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). If you think a career as a recreation therapist might be for you, information can be obtained from the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).

Transfer Students

Many students transfer from community colleges and other universities. We welcome your inquiries. More information about credit and course transfers is available from the Office of Admissions, 877-230-5547.

Are you interested in...

  • Providing meaningful recreation experiences
  • Coordinating and planning events
  • Organizing and directing an organization's resources
  • Facilitating team building opportunities
  • Motivating others to improve their quality of life
  • A dynamic work environment that has you doing many different tasks each day

Choose Recreation Services Management at ESU

  • Small class size
  • Nationally accredited program
  • Practical field experiences, including internship placement
  • Qualified, experienced faculty
  • Several career specializations
  • Frequent faculty interactions, promoting professional developments

Is Recreation Services Management a career path for me?

Career Potential

  • Event Planner
  • Park Ranger/Park Manager
  • Resort Recreation Director
  • Recreation Therapist
  • Community Recreation Director

Career Settings

  • Municipal, state, and federal government agencies
  • Community organizations
  • Environmental education centers
  • Youth camps
  • Resorts
  • Ski areas
  • Theme parks
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Hospitals
  • Long-term care facilities

More detailed career information is available from the department.

Bachelor of Science in Recreation Services Management

    • Required major courses: RECR 150, 151, 260, 270, 281, 350, 351, 450, 452, 486; 3 of the 4 practicum courses - 390, 391, 392, 393; 6 additional semester hours in recreation.
    • Corequisite courses: CMST 111 or 253; ENGL 203; HLTH 240; CPSC 100.
    • Required quality point average: 2.25 or greater for juniors and seniors.
    • Note: The required internship (RECR 486) may be completed during the summer sessions following the junior or senior year of study or during fall or spring of the senior year, upon approval by the department
    • Please see the university requirements in this catalog.

    Suggested sequence of required courses:

    Freshman Year:

    RECR 150; 260

    Sophomore Year:

    RECR 151; 270; 281

    Junior Year:

    RECR 350; 351; Practicums (2); RECR Electives (2); RECR 452

    Senior Year:

    RECR 450; Practicum (1); 486

  • Program Curriculum Plan

    • (Subject to change by the university without notice)

      Freshman Year

      Fall

      RECR 150: Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services

      3

      General Education Electives

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      Subtotal

      15

      Spring

      RECR 260: Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      Subtotal

      15

      Sophomore Year

      Fall

      RECR 151: Recreation Leadership

      3

      RECR 270: Recreation in Commercial Settings

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      4

      Subtotal

      16

      Spring

      RECR 281: Outdoor Recreation and Park Management

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      3

      General Education Elective

      4

      Subtotal

      16

      Junior Year

      Fall

      RECR 351: Leisure Services Management

      3

      Recreation Elective

      3

      Recreation Practicum

      1

      General Education Elective

      3

      Health Emergencies

      3

      Free Elective

      3

      Subtotal

      16

      Spring

      RECR 350: Special Event and Program Planning

      3

      RECR 452: Research Methods

      3

      Recreation Elective

      3

      Recreation Practicum

      1

      Free Electives

      3

      Free Elective

      3

      Subtotal

      16

      Senior Year

      Fall

      RECR 450: Recreation Areas and Facilities

      3

      Recreation Practicum

      1

      Free Electives

      10

      Subtotal

      14

      Spring

      RECR 486: Internship

      12

      Subtotal

      12

      Total Credits

      120

      For more information, contact the department by calling 570-422-3305 or visit DeNike Hall Room 231 570-422-3305 www.esu.edu/rlsm

Faculty

Course Descriptions

  • RECR 150 Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services (3)

    • This course provides an introduction to the study of recreation and leisure as a phenomenon of human social experience. The course presents an overview of the delivery of recreation and leisure services in a variety of settings for all populations.

  • RECR 151 Recreation Leadership (3)

    • This course analyzes the leadership role in group settings, group process, group dynamics, leadership styles, and interpersonal communication. Incorporated into this course is an activity lab which enables students to experience the role of leading groups of different ages and skill levels.

  • RECR 241 WS: Leisure and Gender (3)

    • This course is an introduction to issues and questions about women and men and their leisure. The student will examine the differences and similarities between women and men concerning their leisure interests, needs, and perceptions. Topics will include a comparison of women's and men's leisure historically, gender-role socialization during lifespan development, participation in leisure pursuits by gender, gender-based constraints on leisure, and problems and issues faced by leisure professionals because of gender. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.

  • RECR 260 Recreation Services for Persons with Disabilities (3)

    • This course is an in-depth analysis of societal attitudes, stigma of disability, and the evolution of therapeutic recreation services. The impact of legislation, inclusive programming, and models of service are analyzed. The recreation abilities and needs of persons with a variety of disabilities are evaluated. Prerequisites: RECR 150 and 151.

  • RECR 261 Leisure and Aging (3)

    • This course analyzes the delivery of leisure services to individuals over 60. Psychosocial, physical, and cognitive changes as they relate to the aging process and one's leisure are investigated. The implications of changes in demographics, lifespan, healthcare delivery, and public policy are explored. Therapeutic recreation practice in long term care is examined.

  • RECR 270 Recreation in Commercial Settings (3)

    • This course is an analysis of tourist-related industries with particular attention focused on managerial tasks and business skills required in delivering commercial leisure services to the consumer. This course will also focus upon different types of commercial recreation enterprises such as health clubs, ski areas, and theme parks. Trends and issues pertinent to the operation and management of these firms will also be examined.Prerequisites: RECR 150 and 151.

  • RECR 280 Outdoor/Environmental Education (3)

    • This course provides a survey of the history, philosophy, current status, and future trends in the outdoor education and environmental education movements. The student will acquire skills in leadership of a variety of outdoor/environmental education activities and will visit environmental education centers and programs in the regional area. Prerequisite: BIOL 104.

  • RECR 281 Outdoor Recreation and Park Management (3)

    • This course presents advanced study in the history, current status, and management of outdoor recreation opportunities and resources. It examines the relationship of outdoor recreation and natural resources, especially the environmental impact of recreational pursuits on the resource base.

  • RECR 290 Special Topics (Semester hours arranged.)

    • These courses are designed to meet specific needs of groups of students or are offered on a trial basis in order to determine the demand for and value of introducing them as a part of the university curriculum.

  • RECR 350 Special Event and Program Planning (3)

    • This class is designed to enable the student to plan and implement a variety of recreation programs and special events. Particular attention will be focused on the process of program planning, marketing, risk management, and pricing as they relate to the offering of leisure services and special events. Prerequisites: RECR 150 and 151.

  • RECR 351 Leisure Services Management (3)

    • This is a survey course of organizational theories and concepts, procedures, and practices utilized in the delivery of leisure services. Emphasis is on the management role, legal issues, human resources, supervision, and fiscal responsibility. Prerequisites: RECR 150 and 151 and junior standing.

  • RECR 361 Clinical Aspects of Therapeutic Recreation (3)

    • The focus of this course is to prepare future practitioners to deliver therapeutic recreation services in clinical settings. Medical terminology, assessment, documentation, the helping relationship, and the process of therapy are systematically analyzed. The lab experience incorporated into this course is to emphasize activity skill development. This course is for majors only. Prerequisite: RECR 260.

  • RECR 362 Therapeutic Recreation Interventions (3)

    • This course is an in-depth examination of therapeutic recreation interventions and modalities used to assist individuals with illnesses and disabilities to improve and/or maintain their maximum functioning. Examples include but are not limited to social skills training, leisure education, remotivation, reality orientation, community re-integration, and adventure therapy. This course is for majors only. Prerequisite: RECR 260.

  • RECR 371 Marketing for Commercial Recreation Enterprises (3)

    • This course is designed to acquaint the student with the importance of marketing to the commercial recreation industry. Particular attention will be placed upon the implementation of the marketing concept as well as an in-depth look into the development and implementation of a marketing plan. Consumer decision processes with their marketing implications will also be considered. Prerequisite: RECR 270.

  • RECR 380 Coastal and Marine Recreation (3)

    • This course will provide an overview of the types and extent of recreational pursuits in coastal and marine environments. Historical aspects and trends in participation will be surveyed. Emphasis is on management of coastal and marine resources and issues associated with the use of these resources for recreation. Prerequisite: RECR 281.

  • RECR 381 Issues in Outdoor Recreation Management (3)

    • This course provides advanced study in the area of outdoor recreation and natural resources management. Students will explore current issues faced by federal, state, and local government agencies and private and commercial enterprises responsible for resource management. Students will learn a problem-solving approach to the resolution of issues. Prerequisite: RECR 281.

  • RECR 390 Therapeutic Practicum (1)

    • This course involves analysis of the administration of a local agency offering therapeutic recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments. Prerequisite: RECR 150.

  • RECR 391 Outdoor Practicum (1)

    • This course involves analysis of the administration of a local agency offering outdoor recreation or environmental education services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments. Prerequisite: RECR 150.

  • RECR 392 Commercial Practicum (1)

    • This course involves analysis of the administration of a local agency offering commercial recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency and critique of field experience are required assignments. Prerequisite: RECR 150.

  • RECR 393 Community Practicum (1)

    • This course analyzes the administration of a local agency offering community recreation services. Majors will gain practical field experience through participation in programming and interaction with agency personnel. Preparation of an agency profile and critique of field experience are required assignments. Prerequisite: RECR 150.

  • RECR 450 Recreation Areas and Facilities (3)

    • This course will enable students to develop an understanding of the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of indoor and outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Students will study existing facilities and be required to complete projects related to facility development. Prerequisites: RECR 150, 351, senior standing, approval of instructor; recreation majors only.

  • RECR 451 Seminar (3)

    • This course involves discussion and intensive study of selected issues, problems, and topics with which seniors should be familiar as they prepare to enter the world of work/graduate school. Prerequisite: Senior status, approval of instructor, recreation majors only.

  • RECR 452 Research Methods (3)

    • This course is designed to develop an understanding of the principles of scientific investigation and analysis. Methods of data collection, sampling, research designs, qualitative and quantitative paradigms are reviewed. Students will interpret and apply research principles to leisure services. Prerequisites: RECR 150, 351, senior status, approval of instructor, recreation majors only.

  • RECR 460 Concepts and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation (3)

    • This course is a continuation of RECR 361, which concentrates on the preparation of Recreation Therapy practitioners. Human development, leisure education, therapeutic techniques and approaches, treatment protocols, and the inter-disciplinary approach to treatment are examined. Other contemporary issues and trends are analyzed. Prerequisite: RECR 361. Recreation majors only.

  • RECR 470 Ski Area Management (3)

    • This course is designed to give the student an overview of ski area management with emphasis on design principles, financial practices, and operating procedures necessary for the successful operation of a ski area. Prerequisites: RECR 150, 270.

  • RECR 471 Seminar in Commercial Recreation (3)

    • This course will provide discussion and intensive study of issues, topics, trends, and problems within the field of commercial recreation. Prerequisites: RECR 150, 270; MGT 211.

  • RECR 480 Environmental Interpretation (3)

    • This course prepares the student to develop and to supervise interpretive services and public outdoor education programs. The lab concentrates on interpretive skills including displays and exhibits, interpretive walks, slide presentations, and interpretive trails. Prerequisites: RECR 280.

  • RECR 485 Independent Study (Semester hours arranged)

    • This course is available for one, two, or three credits with five hours faculty involvement per credit on topics approved by the department and not regularly listed in the catalog.

  • RECR 486 Internship (Semester hours arranged)

    • Prerequisite: Recreation majors only.