Recreation Administration

Recreation Administration A program at Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University offers one of California’s best programs in Recreation Administration—career-focused, hands-on learning in a natural setting that Outside magazine called a “Dream Town” for outdoor play. Are you creative, motivated, professional-minded student who wants to provide life changing experiences for others? Then a degree and practical experience from Humboldt State could be your first step into a multibillion-dollar industry.

The Recreation Administration major includes three options: 

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Outdoor Adventure Recreation is for those students who see themselves working outside and providing opportunities to grow, play and safely experience the great outdoors.

Self Designed is for students who wish to create an individually tailored option that will meet their personal needs and career goals.

Travel and Tourism Management is for students who see themselves working in one of the most dynamic, interesting, and fastest growing industries in the world.

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Table of Contents Title

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Recreation Administration……..………………………………………………..…………....….2 Table of Contents……………………………………………….…………………………..……...….3 Major Overview.……………………………………………...……………………..…………….…..4 Related Job Titles…………………………...……………………………………………………...….5 Possible Employers………………………………………...………………………………………….6 Marketable Skills……………………………………………….……………………………………....7 Additional Resources………………………………………………………………………………....8 Finding More Information………………………………..…………………………………….....9

Overview The Recreation, tourism and leisure services industry is the largest and fastest growing industry in the world – designing and providing leisure experiences through outdoor adventure companies, hotels and resorts, corporate wellness programs, youth agencies, municipal recreation departments and many other organizations. With the changing nature of leisure time, the demand for quality recreation professionals is continually increasing. We are doing our part to meet this demand by offering a professional and personalized atmosphere in which one can work, grow and learn while majoring in recreational administration. It is our aim to enter into a partnership with you by providing the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity needed to help secure a position in the recreation profession.

Students completing this program will have demonstrated the ability to: 1. Develop, implement, and evaluate traditional leisure services and programs within their specified professional pathway area.

2. Identify and create leisure opportunities that maximize participation for diverse populations.

3. Apply effective professional communication, leadership, and management to the leisure industry.

4. Select, implement and evaluate appropriate technologies as related to the leisure industry .

5. Apply professional knowledge, skill and abilities to field based work experience within the general area of Recreational Administration and within their profession pathway.

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Related Job Titles Recreational Administration is a broad major that offers diverse job opportunities.

The following is a sample of the myriad opportunities available for Recreational Administration majors; many other job alternatives may exist. Some require further education. 

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Amusement Park Manager Arts and Craft Director Aquatic Director Camp Counselor/ Supervisor Community Center Leader Corrective Therapist Environmental Education Instructor Facility Manager

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Professional Golf/Tennis • Recreation Supervisor • Resort Sport Director Player Industrial Recreation • Recreation Therapist Leader • Recreation Researcher League Manager • Safari Leader Military Recreation • Senior Citizen Program Specialist Leader Outdoor Education Leader • Sports Editor Park Technician • Supervisor of Nature Park Naturalist Activities Park Ranger • Swimming Instructor Recreation Counselor • Swimming Pool Manager Recreation Planner • YMCA Director

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Possible Employers Private and Non-Profit: Bus Lines Camps Cruise Lines Convention Services

Environmental Education/ Nature Centers Fitness Centers Guide Services

Museums Outdoor Recreation Programs Private Schools Resorts/ Ecotourism Agencies Sportsman's Clubs

Department of Defense Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Protection Agency

Food and Drug Administration National Park Services Natural Resources Conservation Service Public Health Services U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Federal Agencies: Agricultural Research Services Bureau of Indian Affairs Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Reclamation Centers of Disease Control Consumer Protection Agency

State, County and Local Agencies: Air Resources Board Athletics Club Community Center Correction Facilities Communication Recreation Centers Community Mental Health

Fish and Game Nonprofit and Social Services Parks and Recreation Department Rehabilitation Center

Schools Senior Center Water Recourses Department YWCA/ YMCA

A Bachelors Degree is designed to give you the Top Skills employers are looking for.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top ten are: •

Effective Communication

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Working in a team structure

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Making decisions/ solving problems

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Planning/ organizing and prioritizing Obtaining and processing information

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Analyzing quantitative data

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Proficiency with computers and software

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Creating and editing written reports

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Selling and influencing others

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Self Efficiency

Marketable Skills In Your Major Management/Leadership

Effective Communication

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Leading/Participating with groups

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Ability to work with diverse populations

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Understanding of group dynamics

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Empathetic

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Contemporary management skills

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Listening Skills

Teamwork

Teaching/ Organizing 

Planning and Teaching

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Prioritizing

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Implementation and evaluation

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Problem Solving Working in a team structure Influencing Others

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Resources Professional Organizations Job Search  Association of Experiential Education  HSU Handshake  Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals  The Jobs Clearing Houses  American Alliance for Health, Physical  Fitness Jobs Education and Dance  Get that Gig  National Recreation and Parks Association  Mountain Jobs  Resort and Commercial Recreation  Cool Works Association  Idealist Graduate School Internship  Getting In: An Applicants Guide to Graduate   

School Admissions GradSchool.com US News & World Report Video: Getting into Highly Competitive Graduate School

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HSU Handshake Backdoor Jobs Camp Staff Association of Experiential Education Humboldt.edu/acac

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Further Exploration..

To continue to explore majors, discuss your interests or further research career goals contact a career advisor at (707)826-3341 or visit Gist Hall, Room 114.

If you have specific questions regarding the major, contact the Kinesiology and Recreation Administration department at (707) 826-4536, kra@humboldt.edu or visit Kinesiology and Athletics Building, Room 305.