Recreation & Park Administration - Recreation Management

Recreation Management professionals plan, organize, and lead experiences for people with diverse backgrounds and interests. Experiences range from sports to special events to travel experiences to park visits to afterschool programs to family experiences and beyond! 

They also work in a variety of settings including public recreation departments, parks, sport facilities, community centers, retirement villages, camps, event venues, and tourism attractions. 

Students in this major put theory into practice by completing two internships. There are also opportunities to attend conferences, participate in clubs, and travel through study abroad. These experiences help students develop a professional network that they can call on beyond graduation.

Faculty in Recreation Management have won awards for teaching, research, and service. They also conduct and publish research as well as write industry-leading textbooks. 

Why Study Recreation & Park Administration - Recreation Management?

Recreation is an important cultural and economic force. The profession influences the well-being of others. Recreation managers promote personal growth, fitness, and wellness through healthy experiences.

Recreation Management is a hands-on major. Students study leadership theory, program and event planning, evaluation, management, and administration. They take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in practical experiences.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10 percent growth from 2014 to 2024 for the profession. This is faster than the average for all occupations. As the importance of exercise gets an increase in attention, employers will need recreation managers to work in a variety of settings.

The Illinois State Recreation Management program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions.

Related Skills

• Possess strong interpersonal, communication, and other people skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Possess event and program planning skills
• Demonstrate proficiency in organizational skills
• Skilled in work in teams and with individuals of various ages and backgrounds
• Writes and speaks proficiently
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Good multitasking capabilities
• Creative thinking ability
• Possess the ability to think critically and analytically to solve problems

Being Successful in the Field

Examples of Senior Internship Sites

• Skokie Park District
• Amelia Island Resort
• Princess Cruise Lines (Miami, Florida)
• Hickory Ridge Convention Center
• Hyatt Regency Hotel
• Peoria Civic Center
• YMCA of the Rockies (Estes Park, CO)
• Six Flags of America
• Okinawa (Japan) Air Force Base
• Chicago Mayor's Office
• Illinois State University Recreation Services

Comprehensive information about internship opportunities is available to students when they enroll in KNR 298A36 Pre-Practicum and KNR 398A36 Professional Practice Seminar.

Related Fields

• Campus Recreation
• Park Districts
• Convention and Tourism Bureaus
• Employee Recreation Services
• Health and Fitness Centers
• Hospitality and Hotel Management
• Military Recreation
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Recreation Services
• Residential Camps
• Special Events Businesses
• State and National Parks

Professional organizations in recreation management

• National Recreation and Park Association
• Resort and Commercial Recreation Association
• Illinois Park and Recreation Association
• Armed Forces Recreation Society
• International Festivals and Events Association
• U.S Travel Association
• Professional Convention Management Association
• National Intramural Recreational Sports Association
• American Camp Association
• Student Conservation Association

Career Industry Liaison

Internship Coordinator

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.35 - 3.03

Required Courses

None

Recommended Courses

To find the course equivalencies at an Illinois community college, please review our Course Articulation Guides.

Academic Advising

Minimum GPA

2.00

Middle 50% GPA

2.35 - 3.03

Application Period

Applications are always available.

Application Information

Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.

Academic Advising