Recreation Management

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in Recreation Management

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and park professionals for sixty years, recognizing the contribution which recreation experiences make to the quality of life. Leadership, management, and program skills are the focus of the curriculum, which is accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association. Recreation management majors follow a track in general recreation management.

Recreation management is an accredited professional program that prepares students for leadership positions in recreation programming, program design, personnel management, and basic research. Graduates of this program are employed professionally throughout the world in outdoor recreation centers, the travel business, the National Park Service, resorts, the adventure trip industry, armed forces recreation programs, campus recreation, corporate recreation services, municipal recreation, and YMCAs. The program aims to impart an understanding of the following:

Recreation management and leadership practices in the context of human-helping professions.
Experiential learning concepts that enhance skills in management, programming, and group dynamics.
Current management applications, such as total quality management, team and project approaches, strategic planning, entrepreneurial strategies, the development of learning organizations, and active listening.

Springfield College also manages an outdoor education center, located on the East Campus. Students learn in an urban wilderness setting, testing formulas for spiritual, physical, and intellectual growth. Students may also elect to attend training sessions promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound. Limited college credit for NOLS, study abroad, or outdoor expeditions may be arranged to supplement the student’s academic program and professional development.

If students opt for an additional semester to satisfy the program’s internship requirement, additional tuition charges will apply.

For more information about the recreation management major, contact Dr. Matthew J. Pantera, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3693 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a Recreation Management Program Checksheet

II. Major Requirements

A. Core Requirements

HPER 475 - Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
HPER 478 - Budgeting for Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
HPER 479 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits: 3
SMRT 103 - Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services Credits: 3
SMRT 106 - Dynamics of Leadership Credits: 3
SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
SMRT 272 - Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 304 - Marketing Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 348 - Management of Leisure Services Credits: 3
SMRT 350 - Public Relations Credits: 3
SMRT 361 - Facility Design, Operations and Maintenance Credits: 3
SMRT 378 - Customer Service Credits: 3
SMRT 384 - Practicum Credits: 3
SMRT 405 - Historical Perspectives of Leisure and Recreation Credits: 2
SMRT 426 - Management of Natural Resources Credits: 3
SMRT 482 - Undergraduate Seminar in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
SMRT 485 - Undergraduate Internship Credits: 12
(must be taken for 12 credits, 480 hours minuimum, to meet program requirements)

B. Related Requirements

MGTE 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3

III. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Students are strongly advised to consider the Business Management Minor in order to strengthen their preparation for entry into their profession.

ECON 200 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3
ECON 205 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3
ECON 350 - Economics of Sports Credits: 3
MGTE 210 - Principles of Accounting I Credits: 3
MGTE 215 - Principles of Management Credits: 3

Program and Advanced Standing Requirements

Recreation management majors must qualify for advanced standing in order to register for the third and fourth year sequences of required courses (including Practicum and Internship). To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
Proper professional and responsible behavior is expected of each recreation management student. This includes behaviorwhile a student (on- and off-campus) and as a member of the college community.

After achieving the minimum GPA, the student must maintain those standards through the remainder of the program. If the student fails to meet or maintain those standards, the faculty will review the student’s record and recommend departmental probation (with appropriate prescription to overcome the deficiency) or dismissal from the program.