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.
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.
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.
- 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
*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.
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.
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.
Prospective George Mason students can visit the How to Apply page for more information about submitting an application.
Learn about submission deadlines and admissions requirements using the links below:
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$596.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,638.00
(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 |
$621.50 - $853.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,663.00 - $1,895.00 |
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): $163.50
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.
Academic Advisor
Melissa Busillo
Email: mbusillo@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5261
Fairfax Campus: Krug Hall, Suite 213
Schedule an appointment
Laurence Chalip
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Brenda Wiggins
Academic Program Co-Coordinator
Hung-Ling Liu
Sammie Powers
Ellen Rodgers