Recreation: Commercial Recreation & Facility Management Concentration
Why study commercial recreation and facility management at CMU?
This major and its associated concentrations provide students with the necessary skills and experiences for successful careers in this growing industry. Consider these key features distinguishing this program:
- The first university recreation program to be accredited in the state of Michigan
- Extensive internship programs with local, regional, and national recreation organizations
- With more than 400 majors and 600 minors, it's the largest recreation program in the nation
- Emphasis on community service through volunteer opportunities and student-led event planning to raise money for local charities
- Professional development through on-campus organizations such as the Student Recreation Association (SRA), Meeting Planners International (MPI) and NASCAR Kinetics: Marketing in Motion
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Wage and salary jobs in recreation are projected to grow about 25 percent.
- Rising incomes, leisure time, and awareness of the health benefits of physical fitness will increase the demand for arts, entertainment, and recreation services.
- Employment opportunities are expected in a wide range of settings, including golf courses, parks and outdoor recreational facilities, and amusement parks. Employment in fitness centers and similar establishments also will grow substantially.
Career options
Recreation, parks, and leisure services administration graduates will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Convention Centers
- Hotels/Motels/Resorts
- Golf Courses
- Entertainment/Sports Complexes
- Cruise Ships
- Health Clubs
- Special Event Companies
- Equipment Sales
- Theme/Amusement Parks
- Country Clubs
- Local Commercial Recreation Businesses
- Retirement Communities
- Industrial Recreation Programs
- Campgrounds
- Boating and Marina Facilities
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Recreation: Commercial Recreation & Facility Management Concentration
An internship and a minor or equivalent from the College of Business Administration is required on this concentration. Other approppriate minors may be considered only through consultation and approval from the department advisor.
( Total: 60 semester hours )
(54 hours)
Required Professional Core Courses
( Note: RPL 310 must be taken two semesters prior to internship; RPL 518 must be taken one semester prior to internship. )
2
RPL 118 Introduction to Recreation
The nature, scope, and significance of recreation in today's world. A survey of professional opportunities. No credit for student with credit in RPL 119.
3
RPL 261 Introduction to Private and Commercial Recreation
An introduction to the broad areas of, and career opportunities in, commercial recreation and facility management.
3
RPL 307 Management Skills in Leisure Services
The development of conceptual and human relations skills necessary to the successful management of a leisure service agency. Prerequisites: RPL 118; One of the following: RPL 204 or 216 or 261.
1
RPL 310 Pre-Internship in Leisure Services
Preparation for participation in the internship experience. Should be taken two semesters prior to internship. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: RPL 204 or 210 or 216 or 261.
1-30
RPL 320 Internship in Recreation
In-depth, capstone internship experience in commercial, community, therapeutic, or outdoor recreation. Prerequisite: RPL 310.
3
RPL 430 Planning Recreation Programs and Events
Development and implementation of recreation experiences and events for diverse populations in a variety of leisure service settings. Prerequisites: RPL 118; One of the following: RPL 204, 216, or 261; or signed Event Management minor.
3
RPL 508 Budgeting for Leisure Service Agencies
Basic budgetary principles and procedures for leisure service agencies. Prerequisite: RPL 204 or 210 or 216 or 261 or graduate status.
3
RPL 511 Liability and Risk Management in Leisure Services
Situational analysis of the legal systems impacting the delivery of recreation and leisure services. Emphasis on applied legal understanding and loss control strategies. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisites: 6 credits in RPL or signed Event Management Minor or Graduate Status.
3
RPL 518 Research & Philosophy in RPL
This course explores the philosophical, social, and historical foundations of parks, recreation and leisure. Develops skills for research in leisure service settings. Prerequisites: 14 credits in RPL or graduate status.
3
RPL 545 Marketing of Leisure Services
Provides a basis for applying marketing principles and techniques to the provision of leisure service experiences. This course is approved for offering in a distance learning format. Prerequisites: 6 credits in RPL or signed Event Management minor or graduate status.
( Chosen from RPL courses in consultation with advisor. )