Bachelor of Science in Recreation
(Emphasis Administration)

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.

Admission Requirements

Any student satisfying admission requirements through the university Office of Admissions is eligible for admission to the School of Human Performance and Recreation.

Additional Requirements: HPR majors must earn "C"s or better in all HPR and THY prefixed courses. Students pursuing teaching certification must complete additional core requirements as stipulated by the College of Education and Psychology. Additional program admission requirements exist for the Athletic Training and Kinesiotherapy programs. Students are encouraged to contact advisors for specific details.

Typical Job Title

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)

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.

University Core (38 hrs.)

Written and Oral Communication

ENG 101

ENG 102

Senior Capstone Course

Global History and Culture

ENG 203

SOC 101

One sequence HIS 101 or 102, HIS 101 or HIS 102 & PHI 151 or THE 100

Aesthetic Values

ART 130 or DAN 130 or MUS 365 or THE 100

Basic Science and Math

MAT 101

Two Lab Sciences

Decision Making and Responsibility

COH 100

Program Core (86-89 hrs.) Students must obtain a "C" or better in each course

ENG 333 Technical Writing

SCM 111 or 320 or 330 Oral Communication; Bus and Prof Speaking; Small Group

HPR 200 Leisure and Recreation in Society

HPR 201 Leisure Skills Development

HPR 210 Practicum (Repeat 3 times)

HPR 309 First Aid

HPR 322 Recreation Program Planning

HPR 323 Recreation Leadership

HPR 336 Assessment and Evaluation in Parks and Recreation

HPR 344 Commercial Recreation

HPR 345 Camp Management

HPR 351 Community Recreation Services for Persons with Disabilities

HPR 390 Recreational Sports Programming

HPR 400 Seminar in Recreation

HPR 413 Organization and Administration in Recreation

HPR 415 Business Procedures in Parks and Recreation

HPR 417 Legal Aspects of Recreation and Leisure Services

HPR 424 Community Recreation Resources, Services, and Organizations

HPR 433 Advanced Management of Recreation

HPR 434 Facility Design and Maintenance

HPR 443 Outdoor Education

HPR 447 Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources

HPR 452 Recreation for the Older Adult

HPR 495 Internship

Activity Two credit hours of advisor aproved activity courses

Electives Minimum nine hours advisor approved directed electives as needed to meet university requirements

For course descriptions, please click on Course Descriptions.