The Profession

The B.S. in Recreation prepares students for a wide variety of career opportunities. Because all people seek recreation services in a spectrum of agencies, this degree provides a foundation in liberal arts, leadership, human relations, and management skills. The degree prepares graduates to work in the thriving and diverse profession of recreation services, working with individuals, groups, and communities. The career opportunities in this field are expected to grow as fast or faster than average for all occupations. Students can pursue the B.S. in Recreation with a concentration in leisure/recreation program delivery or pursue the B.S. in recreation with no concentration. 
 

 
The Nationally Accredited Curriculum

The core curriculum is nationally accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association of Physical Activity and Recreation (NRPA/AAPAR) Council on Accreditation. The core courses, which integrate theory and practice, build on a solid liberal arts foundation. A concentration, if chosen, allows students to further specialize in the recreation field.

• Foundations of Recreation
• Programming in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
• Leadership in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
• Outdoor Education Practicum
• Diversity and Inclusive Recreation Services
• Management of Recreation Resources
• Evaluation and Research
• The Law of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
• Administration of Recreation
• Senior Seminar
• Recreation electives (2-3 courses)
• Internship
   

 
Internship

A key component of the curriculum in the recreation degree is the internship. This semester-long, capstone experience provides students the opportunity to integrate theory with practice under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and a professional in the field. Students complete their internship experiences in a wide variety of agencies: campus recreation programs, Boys or Girls Clubs, YM/WCA's, after-school programs, teen centers, senior centers, retirement communities, special event planning, camps, parks and recreation agencies,and more.
 

 
National Certification

Upon graduation, students are qualified to sit for the national certification exam for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional, administered by the NRPA National Certification Board.
 

 
Careers in Recreation

SUNY Cortland graduates in recreation hold positions in a wide array of agencies and programs. Here are a few examples: city, town, and state departments of parks and recreation; federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service or National Park Service; special recreation agencies, such as wheelchair sports, adaptive recreation or Easter Seals programs; agencies such as the YM/WCA’s, Boys and Girls Club, and Scouting; businesses and corporations; universities; school systems, nature centers, and summer camps; resorts and commercial facilities such as ski areas, sport and fitness centers; and, more. The diversity of the field is unmatched.

If you would like a career with an unmatched variety of exciting and meaningful opportunities, including the chance to improve the quality of life for individuals and society, and if you would like to study with the best, then we invite you to apply to SUNY Cortland.