Dec 03, 2024  
2004-2005 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2004-2005 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Recreation Management Home Page

Recreation Management



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Recreation Management and Recreation Management/Outdoor
(132–133 semester hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Springfield College has been preparing recreation and leisure professionals for almost fifty 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 must select a track in outdoor recreation or 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.

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


CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS


I. General Education Program (30-34 s.h. in addition to courses taken for the major)


To integrate the humanics philosophy into their lives, Springfield College students engage in the search for knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of values through a variety of courses in the sciences and humanities. In addition to those General Education courses, students must complete 6 s.h. of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) courses. For more information see the General Education Program and WAC courses. In the major requirements listed below, selected courses which fulfill General Education categories are marked with an asterisk; selected WAC courses are marked with a “W”.

IV. Concentration Requirements


Students must select one of the concentrations described below.

Selectives (Choose 1)



Select 3 credits, in consultation with the advisor, from the following list of selectives:

B. Outdoor Recreation Concentration (47 s.h.)


The outdoor recreation concentration prepares students for professional employment as outdoor leaders in recreation agencies and areas including:

  • Appalachian Mountain Club
  • National Park Service
  • commercial rafting industry
  • ski resorts
  • organized camping
  • adventure therapy programs
  • outdoor education centers

Additional requirements for the outdoor recreation concentration:

V. 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 Pre-Practicum and Internship). To qualify for advanced standing, the student must meet the following standards by the conclusion of his or her sophomore year.

  1. The student’s overall cumulative grade point index must meet or exceed a 2.50 GPA.
  2. 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.

VI. Sample Program by Year


The program listed below is a sample—courses are not guaranteed to be offered during the semester or year listed. It is the student’s responsibility to insure that all requirements are met on a timely basis and that needed prerequisite courses are completed before taking upper-level requirements; therefore, they should consult carefully with an advisor when planning their program. Students must average a minimum of 17.25 s.h. a semester to complete this program in four years.

In addition to the courses identified below, the following General Education categories need to be fulfilled for this major: Mathematics, Computer Science, Health, Literature, Second Language/Culture, Visual and Performing Arts, Philosophy, and Religion. Students in the general recreation or tourism track will also need to fulfill the Natural Science category.

Courses marked with an * fulfill or partially fulfill a General Education category. Those marked with a w may fulfill a WAC requirement, depending on the year taken.

A. Sample Program for General Recreation Management Track


First Year - Spring or Fall Semesters


First Year - Spring Semester


Second Year - Fall or Spring Semesters


10-13 s.h. of General Education courses.

Third Year - Fall Semester


Third Year - Spring Semester


Fourth Year - Spring Semester


B. Sample Program for Outdoor Recreation Track


First Year - Fall Semester


First Year - Spring Semester


Second Year - Fall Semester


Third Year - Fall Semester


Third Year - Spring Semester


Fourth Year - Spring Semester


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