Program Information

Since 1946, the Recreation Management program has prepared students for exciting careers that impact societies through the improvement of health and wellness, protection of open space, and promotion of economic development and social equity.

Graduates of the Recreation Management program are employed professionally throughout the world, such as in municipal recreation departments, YMCAs, commercial recreation services, outdoor recreation centers, armed forces recreation programs, resorts, and the tourism industry.

Our curriculum blends theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare the next generation of recreation leaders. Students can expect to learn about key foundational knowledge in a wide array of recreation-serving professions, how to create and deliver meaningful programs and events, and how to operate and strategically manage recreation services.

Students in the Recreation Management program may also elect to extend their education through study abroad in international recreation programs, such as courses offered at Hong Kong Baptist University’s Physical Education and Recreation Management program or through training sessions promoted by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Outward Bound. Limited college credit for NOLS 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 on the Recreation Management major, click here.

To view a major program sequence to assist with course planning, click here.

Degree Information

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

(120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change

Contact Information

For more information about the Recreation Management major, contact Dr. Ariel Rodriguez, Program Director for Recreation Management, at arodriguez16@springfieldcollege.edu or Dr. Kevin McAllister, chairperson of the Sport Management and Recreation Department, at (413) 748-3476 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Curricular Requirements

General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. 

For specific requirements, see the General Education Program - Traditional Undergraduate Students (40 - 46 credits)  section.

I. Core Requirements (48 credits)

The General Recreation Management concentration is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Students in this program are eligible to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification exam as early as their final semester on campus.

• SMRT 103 - Introduction to the Global Recreation Industry Credits: 3
• SMRT 106 - Dynamics of Leadership Credits: 3
• SMRT 116 - Event Management and Promotions Credits: 3
• SMRT 120 - Recreation Program Planning in Modern Society Credits: 3
• SMRT 272 - Inclusive Recreation Services Credits: 3
• SMRT 278 - Customer Hospitality Credits: 3
• SMRT 350 - Marketing and Public Relations for Sport and Recreation Management Credits: 3
• SMRT 360 - Supervisor Management for Recreation Services Credits: 3
• SMRT 384 - Practicum Credits: 3
• SMRT 475 - Legal Issues in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
• SMRT 478 - Management of Financial Resources Credits: 3
• SMRT 482 - Seminar and Problem Solving Credits: 3
• SMRT 485 - Undergraduate Internship Credits: 3-12

• (must be taken for 12 credits, 540 hours minimum, to meet program requirements)

II. Additional Requirements (12 credits)

Select four courses from the following:

• CYDL 185 - Adolescent Development in Context Credits: 3
• CYDL 210 - Alternative Theories in Youth Development Credits: 3
• HUSB 451 - Grant Writing and Fundraising Credits: 3
• SMRT 114 - Leisure in Modern Society Credits: 3
• SMRT 254 - Commercial Recreation and Tourism Credits: 3
• SMRT 280 - Community Recreation Credits: 3
• SMRT 307 - Campus and Intramural Recreation Credits: 3
• SMRT 375 - Adventure Theory and Practice Credits: 3
• SMRT 440 - Ethics in Sport and Recreation Credits: 3
• SOCI 341 - Group Work Credits: 3

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

Students have a variety of minors to consider depending upon the recreation area of focus they wish to pursue.  For instance, students interested in outdoor or military recreation are encouraged to take the Adventure Education minor program.  Students interested in pursuing a professional career with the YMCA are encouraged to take the YMCA Professional Studies minor.  Students interested in commercial recreation are encouraged to take the Business Management minor.

Also, students are strongly encouraged to take:

MOSK 101 - Outdoor Pursuits  

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.

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 behavior while 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.

Appeal Process
A student may appeal any action taken by the department regarding his or her probation or dismissal from the major. In order to appeal, the student must submit a letter to the department chairperson requesting a review of their status. This appeal must be submitted within two weeks of the student being notified of his or her probation or dismissal. The sport management and recreation chairperson will call a meeting of the appropriate faculty to which the student will be invited. The student will be notified within ten days of the meeting regarding the outcome of their appeal.