Recreation: Outdoor and Environmental Recreation Concentration
Why study outdoor and environmental recreation 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: Outdoor and Environmental Recreation Concentration
An internship and a minor are required on this concentration. A minor or equivalent in Natural Resources, Earth Science, Geology, or Environmental Studies (BAA degree only) is preferred; other appropriate minors may be considered only through consultation and approval from a departmental advisor.
( Total: 51-66 semester hours )
(42-57 hours)
Required Professional Core Courses
( Note: RPL 310 must be taken two semesters prior to actual internship.
Note: RPL 320 (Internship) is a capstone experience following the completion of all other course work at the university. Students electing the B.A. or B.S. degree plans will complete a fifteen (15) credit internship. Students electing the B.A.A. degree plan will complete a thirty (30) credit 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 205 Outdoor Leadership
Introduction to outdoor leadership; study of leadership in outdoor and camp settings.
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.
3
RPL 216 Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
Introduction to history and development of Outdoor Recreation as a profession. Overview of federal, state, and local governments as providers of outdoor recreation.
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 358 Foundations of Outdoor and Environmental Education
Introduction to the foundational concepts, principles, and teaching methods of outdoor and environmental education for non-formal and formal education settings.
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.
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.
(6 hours)
Additional Requirements
Through consultation with an advisor, the student will select from the following classes for a total of six (6) credits:
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 359 Advanced Expedition Planning
Advanced concepts of wilderness expedition planning. The course focuses on equipment, techniques, and the leadership of land and water based expeditions. Prerequisites: RPL 205, 216. Recommended: prior backpacking experience.
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 435 Leadership in Adventure Education Programming
Leadership in trip-planning, risk management, and outdoor etiquette in adventure education. In-depth content in facilitation, processing, campcraft skills, and environmental ethics. Weekend trips required. Prerequisites: RPL 205.
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 552 Environmental Interpretation
Development of the skills to produce and implement interpretive programs in parks, camps, natural areas, and visitor and nature centers located in urban and rural areas. Prerequisites: RPL 358 or Graduate status.