Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
Administration (RPL)
For
information, please contact
Roger Coles, Chairperson
774-3858, 214 Finch
Department
Website
Why Study Recreation, Parks
and Leisure Services Administration?
Recreation, Parks and
Leisure Services Administration at CMU
Commercial
Recreation and Facility Management Concentration
Community
Leisure Services Administration Concentration - B.S and
B.A.
Community
Leisure Services Administration Concentration - B.A.A.
Outdoor
and Environmental Recreation Concentration - B.A.A.
Outdoor and
Environmental Recreation Concentration - B.A. and B.S.
Therapeutic
Recreation Concentration
Recreation Minor
Outdoor
and Environmental Education Minor
The faculty
RPL Course
Descriptions
Why
Study Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
Administration? Americans spend approximately one-third
of their lives enjoying some type of leisure experience.
With increasing life spans, shorter work weeks and longer
and more intensive vacations, the amount of time spent in
leisure continues to increase.
The dollars spent on leisure make a substantial contribution
to the economy. It is predicted that by the year 2010,
recreation/travel/ tourism may comprise the largest
expenditure of our economy, larger than either defense or
health care. Professionals in recreation, parks, and leisure
service administration are trained to help others to utilize
leisure time intelligently. As recreation and park
administration personnel, they contribute immeasurably to an
improved quality of life for others through creative and
well-planned use of leisure time.
Recreation,
Parks, and Leisure Services Administration at CMU
CMU offers the first professionally accredited major in the
field of recreation, parks, and leisure service
administration in the state of Michigan. Students may select
one of four major areas of concentration offered by the
Department; these include commercial recreation and facility
management, community leisure services, outdoor and
environmental recreation, or therapeutic recreation. The
commercial recreation and facility management concentration
prepares the student to work in the tourism industry and
other commercial ventures (theme and amusement parks,
entertainment and sports venues, resorts, multi-purpose
recreation centers). The community leisure services
administration option prepares the student to work in a
public or quasi-public agency (YMCA, Girl/Boy Scouts, City
Parks and Recreation Department). The student with an
outdoor and environmental recreation concentration would be
prepared for employment in camp administration, nature
interpretation, and county, state, and/or national parks.
The therapeutic recreation option prepares the student to
work with persons with illness or disability utilizing
recreation activity as a therapeutic or treatment
intervention. Students obtaining degrees in therapeutic
recreation may be employed within hospitals (rehabilitation,
psychiatric, substance abuse), residential facilities,
geriatric agencies and/or community recreation and parks
departments.
Regardless of the concentration selected, students majoring
in recreation and leisure services will be required to
enroll in a common core of courses that will emphasize the
philosophical framework of the profession. Students will
acquire professional competencies to effectively design,
organize, implement, manage, administer, and/or evaluate
recreational programming assuring it effectively meets the
diverse needs of the individuals or community serviced. The
department places a strong emphasis on the practical aspects
of a student's training by offering an extensive internship
program which is completed following the completion of
professional coursework. The combination of the professional
internship and our curriculum provides the student with the
competencies necessary to direct and/or administer leisure
services supporting individual, family, and community
wellness assuring an enhanced quality of life for all.
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Majors
Commercial
Recreation and Facility Management Concentration
B.A.A.
degree
An
internship and a minor or equivalent from the College of
Business Administration is required on this concentration.
A.
Required Courses (24 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 261 (3) Introduction to Private and Commercial
Recreation
RPL 310 (1) Pre-internship in Leisure Services
(must be taken one to two semesters prior to
internship)
RPL 307 (3) Management Skills in Leisure Services
RPL 508 (3) Budgeting for Recreation and Parks
RPL 511 (3) Risk Management and Loss Control
RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure
(must be taken one semester prior to
internship)
RPL 430 (3) Recreation Programming
RPL 545 (3) Promoting Leisure Services Agencies and
Programs
B. Electives (6 hours): Chosen from RPL courses in
consultation with advisor.
Total:
30 semester hours
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Community
Leisure Services Administration Concentration
B.A.
and B.S. degree
A minor chosen in consultation with an advisor is required
on this concentration.
A. Required Courses (33 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 204 (3) Community Recreation
RPL 206 (3) Recreation Activities Leadership
RPL 405 (3) Administration of Recreation and Parks
RPL 430 (3) Recreation Programming
RPL 508 (3) Budgeting for Recreation and Parks
RPL 511 (3) Risk Management and Loss Control for Recreation
and Parks RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and
Leisure
RPL 545 (3) Promoting Leisure Services Agencies and
Programs
One course from the following two:
RPL 420 (3) Comprehensive Planning and Facility Design for Leisure
RPL 470 (3) Park Management
Four
credit hours of field coursework from one or more of the
following:
RPL 315 (1-5) Field Course in Municipal Recreation
RPL 318 (1-5) Field Course in Recreation
Specialization
RPL 319 (1-5) Field Course in Park Operations
B.
Electives (7 hours): Chosen from RPL courses in
consultation with advisor.
Total:
40 semester hours
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Community
Leisure Services Administration Concentration
B.A.A. degree
An internship and a minor chosen in consultation with an advisor
are required on this concentration.
A. Required Courses (30 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 204 (3) Community Recreation
RPL 206 (3) Recreation Activities Leadership
RPL 310 (1) Pre-internship in Leisure Services
(must be taken two semesters prior to
internship)
RPL 405 (3) Administration of Recreation and Parks
RPL 430 (3) Recreation Programming
RPL 508 (3) Budgeting for Recreation and Parks
RPL 511 (3) Risk Management and Loss Control for Recreation
and Parks RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and
Leisure
RPL 545 (3) Promoting Leisure Service Agencies and
Programs
One course from the following two:
RPL 420 (3) Comprehensive Planning and Facility Design for Leisure
RPL 470 (3) Park Management
B.
Electives (3 hours): Chosen from RPL courses, in
consultation with advisor.
Total:
33 semester hours
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Outdoor
and Environmental Recreation Concentration
B.A.A.
degree
An internship and a minor is required on this concentration.
A minor or equivalent in Natural Resources, Earth Science,
or Geology is preferred; other appropriate minors may be considered only
through consultation and approval from a departmental advisor.
A.
Required Courses (23-24 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 119 (1) Introduction to Leisure Services OR
RPL 216 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
RPL 219 (3) Teaching of Campcraft Skills
RPL 310 (1) Pre-internship in Leisure Services
(must be taken two semesters prior to
internship)
RPL 359 (3) Winter Camping and Survival
RPL 508 (3) Budgeting for Recreation and Parks
RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure
One course from the following two:
RPL 218 (3) Teaching Outdoor Skills
RPL 358 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Education
One course from the following two:
RPL 307 (3) Management Skills
RPL 470 (3) Park Management
B.
Electives (6-7 hours): Chosen from RPL courses in
consultation with advisor.
Total:
30 semester hours
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Outdoor
and Environmental Recreation Concentration
B.A.
and B.S. Degrees
A minor or equivalent is required on this concentration.
A minor or equivalent in Natural Resources, Earth Science,
or Geology is preferred; other minors may be considered only
through consultation and approval from a departmental advisor.
A.
Required Courses (29-30 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 119 (1) Introduction to Leisure Services OR
RPL 216 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
RPL 219 (3) Teaching Campcraft Skills
RPL 359 (3) Winter Camping and Survival
RPL 508 (3) Budgeting for Recreation and Parks
RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure
HSC 205 (2) Responding to Emergencies
One course from the following two:
RPL 218 (3) Teaching Outdoor Skills
RPL 358 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Education
One course from the following two:
RPL 307 (3) Management Skills
RPL 470 (3) Park Management
Five credit hours from one or more of the following
courses:
RPL 317 (1-5) Field Course in Camping
RPL 318 (1-5) Field Course in Recreation
RPL 319 (1-5) Field Course in Park Operations
B.
Electives: (10-11 hours): Chosen from RPL or related
courses in consultation with advisor.
Total:
40 semester hours
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Therapeutic
Recreation Concentration
B.A.A.,
B.S., and B.A. degrees
The
goal of the Therapeutic Recreation concentration is to
prepare students to serve as competent practitioners in the
role of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists. This
concentration is nationally accredited by the National
Recreation and Park Association and the American Association
for Leisure and Recreation (N.R.P.A./A.A.L.R.). Students in
this program develop skills to work with a variety of
special populations in diverse health care settings.
In addition to structured coursework a strong emphasis is
placed on practical training via numerous volunteer
placements and a full-time clinical internship under a
certified therapeutic recreation specialist. Upon completion
of all coursework and professional internship, the student
is eligible to sit for the national certifying examination
administered by the National Council for Therapeutic
Recreation Certification.
Enrollment in this concentration is competitive. Students
are encouraged to meet with a therapeutic recreation advisor
before pursuing this program. Application instructional
packets are available in the main office of the Department
of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration.
There are three phases to this program.
Phase 1 - The completion of 60 semester credit hours
including RPL 118 (2), RPL 210 (3), RPL 206 (3), and HEV 100
(3) or PSY 220 (3).
- Verification of the completion of 40 volunteer hours
in therapeutic recreation/special populations.
- Submission of a candidate statement. The candidate
statement must be professionally presented in essay format
and include the student's professional goals, interest in
therapeutic recreation services and philosophy related to
the impact of recreation/therapeutic recreation services and
persons with disabilities. Candidates should refer to the
application packet for further information regarding this
statement.
- Submission of transcripts.
Phase 2 - The completion of two semesters of advanced
coursework as follows:
| Semester
#1 |
Semester
#2 |
| RPL
342 (3)* |
RPL
345 (3)*** |
| RPL
340/344/elective (3)** |
RPL
580 (3) |
| RPL
341 (3) |
RPL
581 (3) |
| RPL
310 (1) |
RPL
518 (3) |
| HSC
211 (3)* |
PSY
250 (3) |
*Pre-physical
therapy students may substitute HSC 214 for RPL 342
and HSC 215 for HSC 211.
**RPL 340 and RPL 344 are offered fall semester only
***RPL 345 is offered spring semester only
Phase 3: - The completion of a clinical internship.
The affiliation will meet the guidelines established by the
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation certification
and the Department's Center for Leisure Services.
Degree
Requirements:
A.
Required Courses (36 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 206 (3) Recreation Activities Leadership
RPL 210 (3) Recreation for Special Populations
HEV 100 (3) Human Growth and Development OR
PSY 220 (3) Developmental Psychology
PSY 250 (3) Abnormal Psychology
RPL 518 (3) Philosophy of Recreation and Leisure
RPL 580 (3) Programming for Therapeutic Recreation
RPL 581 (3) Therapeutic Recreation: Issues and Trends
HSC 211 (3) Human Anatomy and Physiology
RPL 310 (1) Pre-internship in Leisure Services
RPL 341 (3) Therapeutic Recreation: Physical
Impairments
RPL 342 (3) Therapeutic Recreation: Emotional
Impairments
RPL 345
(3) Therapeutic Recreation: Gerontology
B. Electives (3 hours):
RPL 340 (3) Therapeutic Recreation: Developmental
Disabilities OR
RPL 344 (3) Therapeutic Recreation: Alcohol and Drug
Dependency OR
Electives (3) RPL coursework in consultation with advisor.
Total:
39 semester hours
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Minors
A minimum 2.7 GPA (B-) must be earned in all teaching
minors
Recreation
Minor
B.A.,
B.A.A., B.S. degrees
A. Required Courses (11 hours):
RPL 118 (2) Introduction to Recreation
RPL 206 (3) Recreation Activities Leadership
One of the following courses:
RPL 204 (3) Community Recreation
RPL 210 (3) Recreation for Special Populations
RPL 216 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
RPL 261 (3) Introduction to Private and Commercial
Recreation Three-credit hours of field coursework from
one or more of the following: RPL 314 (1-5) Field Course
in Commercial Recreation
RPL 315 (1-5) Field Course in Municipal Recreation
RPL 316 (1-5) Field Course in Therapeutic Recreation
RPL 317 (1-5) Field Course in Camping
RPL 318 (1-5) Field Course in Recreation
Specialization
RPL 319 (1-5) Field Course in Park Operations
B.
Electives (10 hours): Chosen in consultation with advisor. The
advisor must approve all electives prior to
enrolling in elective courses.
Credit/No Credit courses may be applied up to a total of ten
semester hours on a major or minor. All Credit/No Credit
classes must be 100 or 200 level except for those offered
exclusively on a Credit/No Credit basis at the 300, 400, or
500 level.
Total:
21 semester hours
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Outdoor
and Environmental Education Minor
B.A.,
B.A.A., B.S., B.S. in Ed., Elementary, Secondary, Special
Education Emphases, Secondary Endorsement
A.
Required Courses (15 hours):
RPL 216 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
RPL 218 (3) Teaching Outdoor Skills
RPL 318 (3) Field Course in Recreation Specialization
RPL 358 (3) Introduction to Outdoor Education
RPL 552 (3) Environmental Interpretation
B.
Electives (6 hours): Chosen in consultation with advisor. The
advisor must approve all electives prior to
enrolling in any elective classes.
Credit/No
credit courses may be applied up to a total of ten semester
hours on a major or minor. All Credit/No Credit classes must
be 100 or 200 level except those offered on a Credit/No
Credit only basis at the 300, 400, or 500 level.
Total:
21 semester hours
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The
faculty: Roger Coles, Lynn
Dominguez, Al Ellard, Robert Frost, Patricia Janes, Tim
Otteman, Todd Paxton, Dean Pybus, Mary Lou Schilling, Rob
Schumacker, Dean Wallin, Mary Wisnom, Al Zainea
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