Recreation: Community Leisure Services Administration Concentration
Why study community leisure services administration 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, including state parks, hospitals, and even Walt Disney World
- With more than 400 students, it's the second 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 and the On Belay Club
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.
- Adult Day Care Coordinator
- Adventure Trip Leader
- Armed Forces Recreation and Wellness Coordinator
- Camp Administrator
- Environmental Interpreter
- Nature Center Naturalist
- Outdoor and Environmental Educator
- Park Services Manager
- Recreational Therapist
- Recreation Specialist for Youth
- Special Events Coordinator
- University Recreation Program Coordinator
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: Community Leisure Services Administration Concentration
B.A.A. degree in Community Leisure Services Administration does not require a minor, but does require a 30 credit internship.
B.S. and B.A. degrees require a minor chosen in consultation with an advisor and a 15 credit internship.
( Total: 54-69 semester hours )
(51-66 hours)
Required Professional Core Courses
( Notes:
RPL 310 must be taken two semesters prior to the internship.
RPL 518 must be taken one semester prior to the internship.
The internship (RPL 320) is a capstone field experience following completion of all course work at the university. Students electing a B.A. or B.S. degree will complete a fifteen (15) credit internship. Students electing a B.A.A. degree will complete a thirty (30) credit internship. )
2
RPL 118 Introduction to Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
The nature, scope, and significance of recreation, parks, and leisure in today's world. A survey of professional opportunities.
3
RPL 204 Community Recreation
Introduction and study of interrelationships of community organizations sharing a recreation responsibility.
3
RPL 206 Recreation Activities Leadership
Simple crafts, dramatics, games of low organization, individual sports, social events, and hobbies. Methods, techniques, and organization in recreation.
3
RPL 210 Recreation for Diverse Populations
Introduction of recreation programming for diverse populations including: population characteristics, programming applications (benefits/constraints), legal and legislative considerations, and history/trends.
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 405 Administration of Community Leisure Services
The organization and administration of community leisure services. Prerequisites: RPL 118; one of the following: RPL 204, 216, 261.
3
RPL 420 Planning and Facility Design for Leisure
Basic concepts related to master planning for leisure services; planning and design of recreation areas and sites; planning, design, and construction of recreation facilities.
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: One of the following: RPL 204, 216, 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 521 Fund Development & Grant Writing for Public & Non-profit Organizations
Processes, procedures, and applied skills for grant writing and fund development for public and non-profit organizations. Prerequisites: RPL 405 or 508 or senior 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.
Select from the following courses for a total of three (3) credits:
( OR select any other RPL course. )
3
RPL 218 Teaching of Outdoor Skills
Techniques of teaching four traditional outdoor recreation pursuits (shooting sports, fishing, canoeing, map and compass). Emphasis on assisting people to develop lifetime outdoor recreation skills.
3
RPL 346 Recreation for Senior Citizens
Proposing, organizing, administering, and conducting recreation activities for older adults.
3
RPL 350 Administration and Operations of Aquatic Facilities
This course provides operational knowledge and skills for the administration, operations and programming of aquatic facilities for private or public sector leisure service agencies. Prerequisite: Junior class standing.
3
RPL 436 Facility Operations and Maintenance
Operation and maintenance of areas and facilities for parks, recreation, and leisure services including specialized facilities; aquatics, ice arenas, sport fields, and natural areas. Prerequisites: RPL 204 or 261 or signed Event Management Minor. Recommended: RPL 307 or 405.
3
RPL 440 Special Event Administration
Explore the dynamics of the event industry. Develop skills in event administration, logistics, revenue development, proposals, design, planning and coordination of large-scale special events. Prerequisites: RPL 430. Cannot take RPL 438 and RPL 440 in the same semester.
3
RPL 470 Park and Natural Resource Management
Management of federal, state, and local park systems, and natural resource areas. Focuses on environmental issues, administration, planning, personnel, marketing, and maintenance. Prerequisites: RPL 118; one of the following: RPL 204, 216, 261.
1-3
RPL 499 Independent Research in Leisure Services
Research on a topic of interest to the student. Topic, outcomes, and hours must be approved prior to enrollment. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.