Tour guide talking in the wilderness.

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

The median annual wage for Life, Physical, and Social Science occupations in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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. 

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. 

COAPRT Accreditation Process

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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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Department of Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies

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The College of Allied Health and Nursing is a thriving community dedicated to preparing future leaders in nursing, communication sciences, and health-related fields. With state-of-the-art learning centers, real-world experiences clinical practicums and fieldwork, and strong community connections, students gain the hands-on training needed for success. Committed to equity and inclusion, we create an environment where all learners can excel and make a meaningful impact in health and wellness.

Learn More About the College of Allied Health and Nursing