Individuals receiving a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in recreation administration are prepared to fill supervisory and leadership roles in a wide variety of public and private sector leisure service agencies. Students will have the opportunity to work with all ages of participants and in settings including parks, aquatic areas, communities, campus recreation, and resorts.

Typical Job Title

Job titles include:

• activities coordinator
• recreation director
• special events coordinator
• trip coordinator
• park ranger
• park manager
• outdoor educator
• park interpreter
• camp director
• community center supervisor
• aquatics director
• minister of recreation
• campus recreation director
• intramural coordinator
• youth center director
• senior adult recreation coordinator
• guest services director

Typical Job Responsibilities

Professionals involved in direct leadership are responsible for:

• planning and delivery of recreation programs and services
• supvervisory personnel planning
• organizational planning
• managing program areas and facilities
• serving as liasisons between agency directors and direct leaders
• comprehensive planning and management of facilities, areas, personnel, and participants

All levels of jobs involve:

• fiscal planning and management
• risk management
• marketing and promotion
• facilities maintenance and operation

Market Outlook

Overall employment is expected to remain strong through 2012 as an increasing number of people spend more time and money on recreation, fitness, and leisure services and as more businesses recognize the benefits of recreation and other wellness programs and Individuals seek to spend discretionary income in a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Public sector leaders recognize the economic, comunity, environmental, and individual benefits accrued through recreation and leisure programs and services.

Internship

Following completion of all course work, the internship includes a minimum of 400 hours at an approved site. Past internship sites have been throughout the continental United States and Mexico.

Licensure/Certification

To obtain certification as a certified park and recreation professional, applicants must pass a national exam in conjunction with a degree in recreation. To maintain certification, applicants must earn CEUs (continuing education units) on an annual basis as stipulated by the National Recreation and Park Association. CPRP is not always required for employment but is often an asset in initial hiring and advancement. Other specialty certifications include:

• Certified Playground Inspector (CPI)
• Aquatic Facility Operations (AFO)
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• and other specialty leadership and instructor certification, such as SCUBA, Ropes Course)

Salary Ranges

Because there is a wide variety of employment opportunities in recreation, starting salaries vary according to the level of responsibility, experience, and other requirements, but entry level positions begin in the mid-twenties and senior level positions begin in the upper thirties. Salary may also be complemented by benefits, such as housing, travel, vehicle allowance, meals, and uniforms.

Placement of Graduates

Southern Miss Recreation Administration graduates are employed with community, outdoor, commercial, church, and campus recreation agencies in areas, such as Natchez, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Ridgeland, McComb, and Baton Rouge Parks and Recreation Departments; National Park Service; U. S. Army Corps of Engineers; Pat Harrison Waterway District; Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; Nemocolin Woodlands Resort; Marriott's Grande Vista in Orlando and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Sandestin, FL.