BS Recreation Management - Parks and Outdoor Recreation Concentration
Program Summary
Program: Recreation Management
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management, Concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Credential(s): BS
Credits: 120
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state
The Recreation Management BS Degree's parks and outdoor recreation concentration explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life.
This career-ready concentration includes course work in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, commercial and environmental education as well as supervised practicum and internship experiences. Graduates are prepared to qualify for application as Certified Park and Recreational Professionals and to take on professional roles in which they plan and implement community recreation and sport programs, services, and events; lead outdoor adventure activities; serve as experiential environmental educators; and manage commercial, natural, and cultural resources and their recreational uses.
Is This Program Certified?
Yes, this concentration is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). COAPRT accreditation is a status granted to academic programs in colleges and universities that meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality.
What Are Some Benefits of the Mason Program?
In addition to our accreditation status and innovative faculty, Mason’s geographic location in the Northern Virginia metropolitan area provides for a wealth of fieldwork, internship, and employment opportunities. We also offer the EDGE, our center for outdoor experiential learning located on our Science and Technology Campus, which students utilize in course work, practicums, and internships.
What Are Some Potential Careers for Program Graduates?
- national or state park naturalist
- visitor services supervisor
- military recreation programmer
- park ranger
- public recreation director
- meeting and special events coordinator
- camp administrator
- cruise ship activity specialist
- intramural recreation and sports director
- public policy analyst
- university life director
- ecotourism guide
- golf course and sports facility manager
- corporate fitness and aquatics director
- community and park planner
- research and grants specialist
- commercial recreation manager
- aquatics director
Mason Core Requirements (37 credits)
- Written Communication (6)
- Oral Communication (3)
- Information Technology and Computing (3)
- Quantitative Reasoning (3)
- STAT 250: Introductory Statistics I (3 credits) (Mason Core) OR EDRS 220: Introduction to Applied Quantitative Analysis (3 credits) (Mason Core)
- Literature (3)
- Arts (3)
- Global History (3)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences* (3)
- Global Contexts (3)
- Natural Science** (7)
- Synthesis/Capstone***
*Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits).
**Therapeutic Recreation Concentration students must take BIOL 124: Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits).
***Met by RMGT 490: Recreation Management Internship (12 credits), a program requirement.
Recreation Management Core (51 credits)
- RMGT 210: Recreation and Leisure in Life (3 credits)
- RMGT 241: Practicum (3 credits)
- RMGT 310: Program Planning and Evaluation (3 credits)
- RMGT 316: Leadership and Outdoor Education (3 credits)
- RMGT 317: Social Psychology of Play and Recreation (3 credits)
- RMGT 323: Program Leadership and Evaluation (3 credits)
- RMGT 327: Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation (3 credits)
- RMGT 405: Planning and Operation of Recreation Facilities (3 credits)
- RMGT 410: Administration of SRT Organizations I (3 credits)
- SPMT 412: Sport Marketing and Sales (3 credits) or TOUR 412: Hospitality, Tourism, and Events Management Marketing and Sales (3 credits)
- RMGT 460: Sport and Recreation Law (3 credits)
- RMGT 490: Recreation Management Internship (12 credits)
- SRST 200: History of Sport and Leisure in America (3 credits)
- SRST 450: Research Methods (3 credits)
Electives (14 credits)
Choose an additional 14 credits from the university catalog including Physical Activity for Lifetime Wellness Courses (RECR) that promote health and wellness, ATEP 201 or a minor in Psychology.
Concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation (18 credits)
This explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life. The curriculum includes courses in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, and environmental education. Graduates of this career ready program are employed in national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, non-profit organizations, and private and commercial operations. Students complete both a supervised practicum and internship in professional settings.
- RMGT 300: People With Nature (3 credits)
- RMGT 302: Park Management and Operations (3 credits)
- TOUR 340: Sustainable Tourism (3 credits)
- RMGT 362: Cultural and Environmental Interpretation (3 credits)
- RMGT 402: Human Behavior in Natural Environments (3 credits)
- RMGT 501: Introduction to Natural Resources Law (3 credits)
Total: 120 credits
Application Deadlines
Freshman
- Non-Binding Early Action Deadline: November 1
- Regular Decision Deadline: January 15
Transfer
- Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 1
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
Application Requirements
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Admissions Requirements
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
Tuition (2024-25)
TUITION CLASSIFICATION | COST PER CREDIT |
---|---|
Virginia Resident | $592.50 (includes MSF*) |
Non-Virginia Resident | $1,612.00 (includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit | $617.50 - $849.50 |
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit | $1,637.00 - $1,869.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Advising
Academic Advisor
Melissa Busillo
Email: mbusillo@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5261
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
To schedule an appointment: https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/oOhyMST5VC
2024-25 Recreation Management: Parks and Outdoor Recreation Concentration Advising Sheet
Program Summary
Program: Recreation Management
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management, Concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Credential(s): BS
Credits: 120
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state
Primary Faculty
-
Laurence Chalip
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
PhD, University of Chicago -
Brenda Wiggins
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
PhD, University of Oregon -
Hung-Ling Liu
PhD, Oklahoma State University -
Sammie Powers
PhD, Penn State -
Ellen Rodgers
PhD, The Pennsylvania State University