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Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Park Administration

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Park Administration

Department of Parks, Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

College of Health Sciences

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Enjoy Limitless Career Possibilities in a Field You Love

Prepare for a variety of rewarding careers in a dynamic field with Eastern Kentucky University’s recreation and park administration bachelor’s degree. From working with the military morale, welfare, and recreation division to being an interpretive guide for the National Park Service, designing recreation programming for children with disabilities or planning events for a Hawaiian resort, our program will prepare you to excel in the career of your dreams.

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Career Outlook

Students in recreation and park administration are preparing to enter careers in a range of areas that span from local, state, and federal agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, to tourism and resort recreation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in recreation fields is projected to grow 5 percent from now until 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in recreation and park administration will prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

Job Titles Include:

  • Director of parks and recreation
  • Park ranger
  • Recreation coordinator

EKU recreation and park administration graduates pursue a variety of opportunities, including:

Employers Include:

  • Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Parks District
  • Paul Patton Eastern Kentucky Veterans Center
  • U.S. Army, Ft. Knox, KY
  • EKU Campus Recreation

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Department is the 8th longest accredited program in the nation
  • The only therapeutic recreation program in the Kentucky
  • Graduates of the therapeutic recreation concentration meet the requirements necessary to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
  • Free tutoring and career services assistance
  • 615 hours of internships & numerous service-learning experiences
  • Recreation therapy is BS level entry and CNN Money indicated recreation therapy has been named the 9th best job for saving the world
  • Family atmosphere

Program Options

Choose between four concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the job market. Options include:

Gain the skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career working in state park settings and with federal outdoor recreation agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Corps of Engineers.

Fulfill your passion providing recreation as therapy with a variety of clientele groups such as the mentally challenged, physically challenged, psychiatric patients, senior citizens, and at-risk youth.

Prepare to lead parks and recreation departments at the city, county, or metro levels.

Enter an exciting and dynamic career working at resorts or in the tourism industry. Internship opportunities vary from coastal resort settings, such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach, to cruise lines, local and state tourism offices, theme parks, or special event planning.

Earn your bachelor’s & master’s in as few as five years.

The 3+2 recreation and park administration program offers an accelerated pathway to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in recreation and park administration through dual enrollment.

Benefits:

  • Enroll in up to nine hours of graduate courses that will apply to both your undergraduate and graduate degree
  • Pay undergraduate tuition rates for the graduate coursework
  • Gain advanced knowledge in the desired subject area

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Environmental Education
  • Communication in the Workplace
  • Veterans Studies
  • Sustainable Hospitality
  • Gastronomic Tourism

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment

Eastern Kentucky University provides a balanced degree program that integrates recreation and park administration principles with hands-on learning opportunities. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as outdoor adventure activities, leisure diversity and culture, equine assisted therapy, programming special events, and natural resource tourism. All program options prepare students to pursue a variety of rewarding career possibilities or to excel in graduate school.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

The recreation and park administration programs are accredited by the Council on Accreditation Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Health Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

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Gabriella Thurman

College Enrollment Counselor


gabrielle.thurman@eku.edu

CHS Advising Information for Current Students

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

Erin Thompson

EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
I love how much service-learning experiences we have in RPA and that classes are not just lecture. I am building an amazing resume as a result.

Patrick Rood

EKU Recreation and Park Administration Graduate
I love RPA because it is family. If someone is struggling or feeling down, there is always someone to pick you up. You will always find a friendly face and a warm smile when you go into the department. My true and most happy self is all thanks to the department.

Danielle Johnson

EKU Recreation and Parks Administration Student
I love that recreation allows all individuals to have fun. It includes everyone and adapts to individuals with disabilities.

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Contact Information

Department of Parks, Recreation,
Exercise & Sport Science

521 Lancaster Avenue
Combs 208 & 215A
Richmond, KY 40475

Recreation & Park Administration
859-622-1833

Exercise & Sport Science
859-622-8149

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