by our College Data Analytics TeamEveryone enjoys time to rest and relax. A degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies will allow you to provide services that will help others chill out while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are many areas of specialization you can choose from within the Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies field. Some of the lesser know areas include Ski Resort Management, Personal Training, and Sports training. Depending on your area of specialization, you will take classes in management, hospitality, finance, administration, and marketing or exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and physiology.
In 2020-2021, other parks, recreation and leisure studies was the 323rd most popular major nationwide with 174 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 5 over the prior year, a growth of 2.9%.
Our 2023 Best Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools ranking analyzes 7 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for other parks, recreation and leisure studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other parks and rec programs later in this article.
Students who pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure studies often work in careers interacting with people. This requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. Students should also have strong customer service skills as they are expected to provide different types of services to paying customers.
Some jobs in the parks and recreation industry can be seasonal or part time. Those who are in management positions often have full time jobs and may have to work overtime during busy seasons. Those who are self-employed set their own hours and may be busy depending on the demand for their services.
When pursuing a career in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, it is best to pursue a summer job or internship in the field. This will allow students to get hands-on experience outside the classroom along with gaining relevant experience that will make them competitive in the job market.
other parks, recreation and leisure studies degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic other parks, recreation and leisure studies program qualifications, to serve in some other parks and rec careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Other Parks & Rec degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in other parks, recreation and leisure studies to the highest other parks and rec degree, a . Depending on the other parks, recreation and leisure studies degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Job locations and work environments vary depending on the area of specialization within the field. Students who specialized in Ski Resort Management work at a variety of ski resorts both around the country and around the world. Students with degrees in areas such as Personal or Sports Training work in gyms, for collegiate or professional teams, or become self-employed. Graduates looking for jobs in specialized areas may need to relocate in order to find work.
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $27,065 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $23,117 to as high as $31,039. As you might expect, salaries for other parks and rec graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies is one of 4 different types of Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies programs to choose from.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health & Physical Education | 67,146 |
| Recreation Administration | 3,122 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 3,106 |
| Outdoor Education | 265 |
