Parks and Recreation — Park Resource Management

The Parks and Recreation – Park Resource Management program at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the management, development, and stewardship of parks, recreational facilities, and natural resources. This comprehensive curriculum combines foundational knowledge in recreation, environmental science, and resource management with practical skills necessary for effective leadership in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Students gain an understanding of park planning, sustainability practices, environmental conservation, and community engagement, equipping them to serve diverse populations and foster healthy outdoor environments.

Throughout the program, students explore topics such as outdoor recreation management, facility operations, natural resource preservation, and risk management. Special emphasis is placed on sustainable practices that balance ecological integrity with recreational use, ensuring that future professionals can contribute to the conservation of natural landscapes while providing quality recreational experiences. The curriculum incorporates hands-on learning through internships, fieldwork, and project-based assignments, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Faculty members bring extensive industry expertise, mentoring students in areas such as park development, leisure services, environmental law, and public administration. The program also emphasizes leadership, communication, and teamwork skills essential for managing complex projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Graduates are prepared for careers in parks and recreation agencies, environmental consulting, urban planning, and outdoor education, among others.

Combining classroom instruction with experiential learning opportunities, the Parks and Recreation – Park Resource Management program at Slippery Rock University ensures students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of resource management in a rapidly changing environment. Graduates exit the program ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities through sustainable park and recreation initiatives, environmental stewardship, and innovative resource management strategies that promote quality of life and environmental health.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

• PREE 110 - Foundations of Parks and Recreation I Credits: 3
• PREE 111 - Foundations of Parks and Recreation II Credits: 3
• PREE 120 - Inclusive Leisure Services Credits: 3
• PREE 214 - Parks and Recreation Planning Credits: 3
• PREE 215 - Park and Recreation Public Relations Credits: 3
• PREE 222 - Recreation Programming and Leadership Credits: 3
• PREE 316 - Management of Leisure Services and Commercial Facilities Credits: 3
• PREE 318 - Park and Recreation Administration Credits: 3
• PREE 351 - Practicum Credits: 3
• PREE 415 - Challenges and Trends in Parks and Recreation Credits: 3
• PREE 450 - Internship Credits: 12

• PREE 315 - Recreation Resource Planning and Analysis Credits: 3
• PREE 347 - Interpretive Methods and Programming Credits: 3
• PREE 348 - Natural History of Ecosystems I Credits: 3
• PREE 349 - Natural History of Ecosystems II Credits: 3
• PREE 475 - Park and Resource Management Credits: 3
• PREE 477 - Parks, Wildlife and Wildlife Management Credits: 3

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen). We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable

• SAT or ACT Scores

• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.
Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

The Parks and Recreation — Park Resource Management program at Slippery Rock University is designed to prepare students for careers in managing public parks, recreational facilities, and natural resources. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, focusing on sustainable park management, ecological conservation, recreation programming, and community engagement. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental stewardship, park planning and development, and the operation of recreational services. The curriculum includes coursework in natural resource management, park operations, leisure services, budgeting and finance, and leadership skills essential for managing public parks and recreation departments. Opportunities for internships and fieldwork provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, collaborate with professionals, and develop leadership capabilities. Graduates of this program are equipped to work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector companies dedicated to park and recreation services. The program emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability, customer service, and organizational management, fostering the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate recreational programs that meet community needs. With a focus on leadership development, students are prepared to take on roles such as park rangers, recreation directors, natural resource managers, and community recreation coordinators. The faculty members bring a wealth of professional experience and academic expertise, guiding students through a curriculum that balances foundational principles with innovative practices in the field. The program also promotes research, community involvement, and professional development, encouraging students to stay current with emerging trends and technological advancements in parks and recreation management. Graduates are well-positioned to contribute to the preservation of natural landscapes, enhance public access to recreational opportunities, and promote healthy, active lifestyles among diverse populations. Overall, the Parks and Recreation — Park Resource Management program at Slippery Rock University provides a robust educational foundation for those passionate about outdoor recreation, environmental responsibility, and community service.