Recreation & Park Administration - Recreation Management
- Overview
- Careers
- New Freshmen
- New Transfer
- Illinois State Students
Recreation Management professionals plan, organize, and administer recreation and sport programs, services, and activities for people from diverse backgrounds and a wide range of interests.
Illinois State's Recreation Management students put theory into practice both in the classroom and in field settings. Students complete two internships, develop professional networks through conference attendance and club involvement, and have excellent study abroad opportunities.
Members of the Recreation and Park Administration faculty have won teaching, research and service awards at university and national levels. Faculty members also conduct and publish research in refereed journals and author industry-leading textbooks.
Why Study Recreation & Park Administration - Recreation Management?
Recreation is an important cultural and economic force that influences well-being and quality of life. Recreation managers help promote personal growth, fitness, and wellness through recreation, and to provide healthy leisure choices.
As a Recreation Management major you will study leadership theory, program and event planning, evaluation, management, and administration, and apply it in practical experiences.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of recreation workers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. As more emphasis is placed on the importance of exercise, more recreation workers will be needed to work in local government parks and recreation departments, fitness centers, sports centers, and camps specializing in younger participants.
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
- Recreation Management graduates are eligible to take the Certified Park and Recreation Professional examination.
- Having related experience is critical to most employers that hire Recreation Management majors. Obtain an internship or part-time job in a relevant area to increase employability.
Related Fields
- Park districts
- Convention and tourism bureaus
- Sport and fitness centers
- Hospitality and hotel management
- Recreation services
- Special events businesses
- Outdoor pursuits
- Campus recreation
- Employee recreation services
- Military recreation
- Residential camps
- 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 Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megan Kayfish | 110 Student Services Building | meturne@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-0735 |
Internship Coordinator
| Name | Office | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsey Nicholson | McCormick Hall 163 | lnkronm@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5972 |
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Applying to Illinois State
Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 15. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit the Office of Admissions to apply today!
Minimum GPA
2.0
Middle 50% GPA
2.54 - 3.08
Required Courses
None
Recommended Courses
Introduction to Leisure and Recreation (KNR 170)
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-K |
| Daphnye Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names L-Z |
Middle 50% GPA
2.54 - 3.08
Plan of Study
This information is based on requirements for the academic year(s) indicated. Students should consult the catalog year they were admitted under for their academic requirements.
Application Period
September 1 - September 30, February 1 - February 28
Application Information
Current students can use the Apply to Your Program tool on My.IllinoisState.edu.
Academic Advising
| Name | Office | Phone | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mindy Kinney | McCormick Hall 250 | mdkinn2@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names A-K |
| Daphnye Walker | McCormick Hall 250 | dlwalke@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5782 | Last Names L-Z |