Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies
At Minnesota State Mankato, the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies major offers specialized career tracks in Recreational Leadership and Management or Cultural and Natural Resource Management. Students gain valuable insights through in-classroom learning, and real-world internships and experiences, preparing them to work in a variety of fulfilling careers in this growing field.
Careers in Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies
- Program Manager
- Park Ranger
- Nonprofit Manager
- Arena or Aquatic Managers
- Event/Planner Manager
- Convention and Visitor Center Directors
- Bureau/Tourism Directors
Potential Salary
Median Salary $78,280
Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies Degrees at MSU
Cultural and Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Science
Ideal for students who love nature and want to work outside. Students in Cultural and Natural Resource Management focus on the interactions of people and the natural world. A primary focus is how we can maintain natural areas for the enjoyment of people now and for generations to come. Graduates go on to long, enjoyable, well-respected careers as land managers, policy developers, and naturalists in local, regional, state and national parks.
Recreation Leadership and Management, Bachelor of Science
Ideal for students seeking a maximum variety of professional opportunities. Students in the Recreation Leadership and Management emphasis area are prepared to create and facilitate recreational experiences for individuals in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, municipal recreation, community recreation, and tourism outlets. Students will gain skills related to program and event planning, facilitation, and administration. Graduates are employed in every state, providing meaningful experiences while earning high wages and excellent health benefits.
Recreation, Minor
Ideal for students looking to diversify their skill set. The Recreation Minor is designed for students who are interested in developing skills and knowledge related to recreational programming, management, and leadership. The Recreation Minor supplements a wide variety of other majors, making job candidates more marketable by enhancing their ability to communicate, plan, organize, and respond to the world around them.
Cultural and Natural Resource Management, Bachelor of Science
Ideal for students who love nature and want to work outside. Students in Cultural and Natural Resource Management focus on the interactions of people and the natural world. A primary focus is how we can maintain natural areas for the enjoyment of people now and for generations to come. Graduates go on to long, enjoyable, well-respected careers as land managers, policy developers, and naturalists in local, regional, state and national parks.
Recreation Leadership and Management, Bachelor of Science
Ideal for students seeking a maximum variety of professional opportunities. Students in the Recreation Leadership and Management emphasis area are prepared to create and facilitate recreational experiences for individuals in a variety of settings, including nonprofits, municipal recreation, community recreation, and tourism outlets. Students will gain skills related to program and event planning, facilitation, and administration. Graduates are employed in every state, providing meaningful experiences while earning high wages and excellent health benefits.
Recreation, Minor
Ideal for students looking to diversify their skill set. The Recreation Minor is designed for students who are interested in developing skills and knowledge related to recreational programming, management, and leadership. The Recreation Minor supplements a wide variety of other majors, making job candidates more marketable by enhancing their ability to communicate, plan, organize, and respond to the world around them.
COAPRT Accreditation
The Department of Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato has been COAPRT accredited since 1986. COAPRT (Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions) recognizes programs that meet high educational standards in these fields.
Camp Maverick
Rec N' Read is a recreation and literacy intervention camp designed to help struggling readers improve reading and writing skills while having fun and playing games.
Learn More
Students in Action
Students in the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies Department are offered many leadership opportunities.
Rec Club
The Recreation Majors Club - or REC CLUB - is for anyone interested in Leadership within Parks and Recreation. It is a community for all who enjoy being outside, meeting new people and planning events.
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