Recreation and Leisure Administration
General InformationLocated within the Department of Behavioral Sciences, the Recreation & Leisure Administration major offers exciting career opportunities for those interested in this unique people-oriented profession. Recreation changes existence into life. The benefits of recreation to individuals and to society are significant. The job market in recreation is excellent and includes a wide variety of positions and responsibilities. The program in Recreation & Leisure Administration, accredited by the National Recreation & Park Association, enables students to assist others in leading more active, meaningful lives as well as enjoying their own leisure interests. Students may choose to specialize in either Community or Therapeutic Recreation.
Community Recreation
Everyone needs recreation and leisure opportunities to live a fulfilling life. Community recreation professionals play an important part in the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds by facilitating recreation and leisure experiences. A specialization in Community Recreation prepares students for national certification and for leadership in supervisory and administrative positions in recreation agencies such as:
- College Student Activity Centers
- Community Recreation Departments
- Fitness Centers
- Local, State, or National Parks
- Military Recreation (MWR)
- Prison Rehabilitation
- Resorts
- Theme Parks
- YMCAs/YWCAs/JCCs
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) is an established profession found in health care and human services agencies. It promotes play, recreation, and leisure as a means to psychological and physical recovery, health and well-being among individuals with disabilities and special needs. TR professionals use individual and group counseling techniques and play, recreation, and other activities to maximize an individual's functioning and promote quality of life. A specialization in Therapeutic Recreation prepares students for national certification and for positions in agencies such as:
- Adult Retirement Communities
- Adult Day Programs
- Developmental Disability Centers
- Hospitals and Treatment Centers
- Nursing/Assisted Living Homes
- Pediatric Facilities
- Rehabilitation Centers
Recreation & Leisure Administration major faculty are highly qualified and take a genuine interest in the students. In addition to teaching responsibilities, they are involved in professional activities and regularly speak and participate in conferences and workshops. The high level of professional and community involvement translates into opportunities for students to become assimilated into the profession before graduation.
Dr. Jeff Witman and Dr. Julie Saville are full-time faculty members. Adjunct faculty include a variety of outstanding professionals from PA and MD.
Special Opportunities
Students majoring in Recreation & Leisure Administration are required during the course of their studies to participate in a directed field experience, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Directed field experiences have been assigned to various agencies throughout the country including the following:
- Bureau of State Parks, Harrisburg, PA
- Disney World, Orlando, FL
- Lancaster Barnstormers, Lancaster, PA
- Matheny School and Hospital, NJ
- U.S. Parks Service, Gettysburg, PA
- U.S. Naval Air Station, Keflavik, Iceland
- Veteran's Administration Hospitals, Perry Point, MD
- Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC
- Recreation & Leisure in Modern Society
- Leadership in Recreation & Leisure Activities
- Special Events Programming
- Recreation Practicum
- Group Dynamics and Leadership
- Outdoor Recreation
- Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation
- Leadership in Therapeutic Recreation
- Organizing Community Recreation
- Organizing Therapeutic Recreation
- Selected Topics in Recreation including Travel and Tourism, Adventure Programming, and Meeting Children's Needs Through Movement
- Leisure and Aging
- Management of Recreation Park Facilities
- Directed Field Experience in Recreation & Leisure
- Recreation Administration
- Seminar in Recreation & Leisure
Some companies who have employed recent graduates include:
- Aquarist & Senior Marine Biologist, National Aquarium
- Environmental Education Instructor, Camp Bernie
- Manager, Grand Hyatt Hotel
- Program Manager, Spring Garden Twp.
- Recreation Director, Saw Creek Estates Community Assoc.
- Recreation Services Director, Masonic Village
- Recreation Therapist, Easter Seals
- Sports Director, Family YMCA of Colorado Springs
- Therapeutic Recreation Director, Generations (Adult Day Center)
