COAPRT Accreditation
We do first-in-class
The mission of the Department of Recreation, Park, and Leisure Service Administration (RPL Department) is to prepare you, as the student, "for leadership in recreation, parks, and leisure services administration through teaching excellence, professional service, and applied scholarship." The vision of faculty is to, "inspire students to transform communities through recreation and leisure services." As a student at Central Michigan University’s RPL Department, you are part of a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). We've kept that accreditation current for nearly four decades.
COAPRT accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, and nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico. COAPRT is guided by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.
You are part of a program that was the first in Michigan to attain this prestigious recognition and can be assured of a quality academic experience driven by this academic accreditation.
Read over our annual reports to learn more about the accreditation of our three academic programs:
Recreational Therapy & Rehabilitation Major 2025 Annual Report
Event & Recreation Management Major 2025 Annual Accreditation Report
Outdoor and Environmental Recreation Major Annual 2025 Accreditation Report