Department of Recreation and Park Administration
Chair
Dr. Jon McChesney
(859) 622-1833
Combs 208
Faculty
B. Clark, M. Gerken, S. Jones, and J. McChesney
The Department of Recreation and Park Administration offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Park Administration with four concentrations: Tourism & Resort Recreation, Natural Resources & Recreation Management, Recreation Management and Event Planning, and Recreation Therapy. The department also offers a minor in Recreation and Park Administration.
Students who transfer from another college or university must earn a minimum of 12 hours at EKU in their major. Students who transfer from another college or university must earn a minimum of six hours at EKU in their minor.
Graduates of the Tourism & Resort Recreation concentration find career opportunities in local, state, federal and private agencies that promote tourism, travel agencies, convention services, resort supervision and management, cruise lines, amusement and theme parks, as well as other commercial recreation agencies.
Graduates of the Natural Resources & Recreation Management concentration find a wide variety of career opportunities such as park ranger, interpretive naturalist, camp director, recreation forester, fish and wildlife positions, and youth and adult outdoor recreation programming positions.
Graduates of the Recreation Management and Event Planning concentration find professional careers available in local, state, county and federal agencies, park management, golf course management, recreation supervision, aquatics, cultural arts programming, athletic programming, YMCA and YWCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, 4-H, and various other private and public agencies providing park, recreation and leisure services.
Graduates of the Recreation Therapy concentration find one of the fastest growing areas in the field of recreation and leisure services. Professionals in TR design programs to meet the needs of special populations, people with physical or developmental disabilities, and people with temporary or permanent psychiatric disorders. TR professionals work in children’s hospitals, mental health institutions and psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, medical care facilities, transitional living facilities, group homes, camps, community-based programs, and community residential agencies.
The BS degree in Recreation and Park Administration provides 15 credit hours of direct hands-on field experience. The senior internship (12 credit hours) serves as an excellent transition from school to work, and many students are hired directly out of their internship.
Students majoring or minoring in Recreation and Park Administration are required to attain a minimum grade of “C” in all REC courses and a 2.5 or better average in all REC courses. All REC core and REC concentration courses must be completed prior to enrollment in REC 463 Internship or REC 473 Therapeutic Recreation Internship.
Bachelor’s
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Natural Resources & Recreation Management (B.S.)
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Recreation Management and Event Planning (B.S.)
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Recreation Therapy (B.S.)
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science with a Concentration in Tourism & Resort Recreation (B.S.)
Accelerated
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Accelerated 3+2 Dual Degree Program with a Concentration in Natural Resources Recreation Management
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Accelerated 3+2 Dual Degree Program with a Concentration in Recreation Management and Event Planning
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Accelerated 3+2 Dual Degree Program with a Concentration in Recreation Therapy
- Recreation and Park Administration, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) Accelerated 3+2 Dual Degree Program with a Concentration in Tourism & Resort Recreation
Minor
Certificate
Courses
REC 101. Recreation and Tourism Careers. (1 Credit)
I, II. Introduction to the broad scope of careers and employment in recreation, parks, and leisure services organizations.
REC 102. Introduction to Recreation Leadership. (3 Credits)
I, II. Techniques of leadership in working with individuals in groups in various settings. Methods of organization, guidance, and supervision of program activities.
REC 110. SCUBA Confined Water. (1 Credit)
I. Relationships of scuba diving to adventure tourism, introduction to scuba diving equipment and techniques in confined water settings. This course is prerequisite to REC 111 Scube Diving- Open Water.
REC 111. SCUBA Open Water. (1 Credit)
II. Prerequisite: REC 110. Relationships of scuba diving to advernture tourism, introduction to SCUBA diving equipment and techniques in open water settings. this course will be conducted over a 2.5 day period at an off-campus dive site.
REC 112. Intr to Hiking and Backpacking. (1 Credit)
(1) A. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, physical skills, technical skills and environmental ethics required for hiking and backpacking.
REC 113. Intro Kayaking and Canoeing. (1 Credit)
(1) A. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, physical skills, technical skills and environmental ethics required for Kayaking and Canoeing.
REC 114. Intro to Mountain Biking. (1 Credit)
(1) A. This course introduces students to the basic concepts, physical skills, technical skills and environmental ethics required for Mountain Biking.
REC 163. Fieldwork I. (1 Credit)
A. On-site observation and assistance within a recreation, park or leisure services agency. Observe and assist with recreation activities, programs and special events.
REC 180. Outdoor Adventure Activities. (1 Credit)
(1) I. Outdoor adventure course where students will gain skills in hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, caving, rafting, sailing, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, snorkeling, and snow skiing. Students will attend skill-based workshops.
REC 190. Challenge Course Introduction. (1 Credit)
A. Outdoor-based experiential focus using the EKU Challenge Course, climbing tower, and group initiatives.
REC 200. Leisure Diversity and Culture. (3 Credits)
I, II. Examination of personal, philosophical, cultural diversity, economic, behavioral, and historical dimensions of play, recreation and leisure; evolution of leisure lifestyles; impact of leisure on the quality of life; and knowledge of professional roles.
REC 210. Equine Assisted Therapeutic Recreation. (3 Credits)
(3) I. Prerequisite: OTS 205 or departmental approval. Introduction to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT). The history and application of EAAT and the general emotional, physical and medical benefits of EAAT for individuals with diverse needs. This course provides hands on activities with a local program.
REC 225. Recreation Hobbies. (3 Credits)
A. Comprehensive study of recreation services and leisure education; emphasis on leisure time skills, hobbies, avocations, and lifetime recreation; utilization of constructive leisure from youth to senior adults including the disabled person.
REC 250. Tourism Videography and Social Media. (3 Credits)
II. An examination in tourism and recreation video production, with emphasis in field production and social media. The course combines theory, history and practice. Hands-on demonstrations, screenings, readings, lectures and discussion prepare students to develop skills in outdoor video production.
REC 263. Fieldwork II. (2 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: REC 163. On-site practical experience in a recreation, park, or leisure services agency. Organize and lead recreation programs.
REC 270. Introduction to Rock Climbing. (3 Credits)
A. This course introduces students to concepts, physical skills, technical skills and philosophical ethics required for indoor and outdoor rock climbing.
REC 280. Programming Special Events. (3 Credits)
A. Introduction to the methods and techniques of delivering fairs, festivals and special events. Course focuses on the principles and concepts of event planning, management, marketing, and evaluation.
REC 290. Adventure Programming. (3 Credits)
A. Application of adventure programming delivered experientially through problem solving activities, program design and technical skill development. Planning and implementation, facilitation strategies, safety procedures, equipment management, personnel administration, and program design are addressed.
REC 300. Civic Engagement Experiences. (1-3 Credits)
(1-3) I, II. Prerequisite: Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing. Students will engage in structured civic engagement activities by completing community projects. Students will work as a group toward enhancing the local environment or community. This course blends an ongoing academic focus with experiential learning and service experiences. May be retaken to a maximum of six credit hours.
REC 311. Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation. (3 Credits)
I, II. An introductory course focusing on individuals with a variety of disabilities, legislation, barriers, accessibility, basic terminology, and awareness of special recreation, recreation therapy, sports, and the needs of individuals with disabilities.
REC 325. Camp Supervision. (3 Credits)
II. Supervision of camp programs, auxiliary services, and personnel.
REC 349. Applied Learning in Recreation and Park Administration. (0.5-8 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: department chair approval. Agency supervised fieldwork course. Minimum of 80 clock hours for each academic credit. Students must register with the Cooperative Education Office.
REC 349A. Cooperative Study: Recreation and Park Administration. (0.5-8 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: department chair approval. Agency supervised fieldwork course. Minimum of 80 clock hours for each academic credit. Students must register with the Cooperative Education Office.
REC 349B. Cooperative Study: Recreation and Park Administration. (0.5-8 Credits)
Agency supervised fieldwork course. Students must register with the Cooperative Education Office.
REC 349C. Cooperative Study: Recreation and Park Administration. (0.5-8 Credits)
Agency supervised fieldwork course. Students must register with the Cooperative Education office.
REC 350. Supervision of Recreation Personnel. (3 Credits)
A. Analysis of skills and techniques utilized in effective supervision of park, recreation, and leisure service personnel.
REC 380. Natural Resource Tourism. (3 Credits)
A. Issues in understanding natural resource tourism, sustainability, tourism lifecycle, impacts associated with natural resource tourism, and effective management. Theoretical approaches, case studies and applications. Emphasis on student participation and discussion.
REC 401. Management of Recreation Services. (3 Credits)
A. Management concepts and processes, organizational structure, policies, personnel, budget, and fiscal management, marketing and public relations, legal issues, and risk management.
REC 406. Planning, Design , and Maintenance of Recreation Facilities. (3 Credits)
II. Planning principles and procedures of recreation and park areas. Facilities, design problems, details of structure and equipment, master planning methods, study of standards and trends.
REC 409. Independent Study. (1-3 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: for majors and minors only. Independent study of special topics through directed readings and research. Student must have the independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment. May be retaken up to six hours.
REC 410. Recreation Research & Evaluation. (3 Credits)
II. Assessment and evaluation of recreation needs, interests, and agency effectiveness. Research processes including marketing and budgeting as related to recreation services will be the focus of this course.
REC 411. Therap Rec Serv For Sr Adult. (3 Credits)
I. Leisure problems, needs, assessments and etiology of the aging population. Basic terminology, organizations, programming, trends, resources, and facilities. Introduction to geriatrics.
REC 411S. Therapeutic Recreation Services for Senior Adult. (3 Credits)
I. Explores successful aging and the benefits of recreation therapy for seniors. The course includes a service learning project with a community partner determining the recreation needs of seniors, preventative lifestyle changes and opportunities for meaningful activities. Credit will not be awarded for both REC 411S and REC 411.
REC 450W. Senior Seminar. (3 Credits)
(3) I, II. Prerequisites: ENG 102 or 102R, 105(B), or HON 102 and for Recreation and Park Administration majors only; enroll the semester immediately preceding REC 463 or REC 473. Introduction to the senior internship and professional requirements. Study of trends in recreation practices. Development of a professional philosophy.
REC 460. Advanced Leadership and Programming. (3 Credits)
I, II. Prerequisite: REC 102. Comprehensive course in recreation program planning, development, and leadership techniques with individuals and groups. Students plan a seasonal program. 2 Lec/2 Lab.
REC 463. Internship. (12 Credits)
A. Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; REC core and REC option courses. Placement in a recreation agency to lead and develop recreation programs, supervise personnel and facilities, and perform administrative duties. A minimum of 480 clock hours typically covering 12 or more weeks.
REC 473. Therapeutic Recreation Internship. (12 Credits)
I, II. Prerequisite: All REC Core and RT Concentration Courses with a 2.0 GPA. Placement in a recreation therapy agency to lead and develop recreation therapy programs, supervise clients, facilities, and perform administrative duties. A minimum of 560 clock hours typically covering 14 weeks.
REC 480. Resort Recreation Management. (3 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: REC 280. Investigation of the methods and techniques of resort recreation management, and its position within the tourism and hospitality industries. Examines customer service and marketing, international markets, human resources, and fiscal implications.
REC 481. Research Methods in Tourism. (3 Credits)
A. Prerequisites: REC 280 and REC 380. Introduction to the methods and techniques of tourism research. Student competencies include understanding, interpreting, and applying research to tourism related services.
REC 490. Challenge Course Management. (3 Credits)
A. Prerequisite: REC 290. Advanced leadership and facilitation techniques for challenge course management. Designed for individuals who have experience on challenge courses and need additional training.
REC 511. Therapeutic Recreation Practices and Services. (3 Credits)
I, II. Interventions and utilization of terminology. Apply leadership skills, assistive technology, and programming applications. 2 Lec/2 Lab.
REC 512. Mgmt of Therapeutic Rec Serv. (3 Credits)
Management concepts applied to delivering theapeutic recreation services, and includes: documentaion, activity analysis, assessment, liability, legislation, and standards of practice.
REC 512S. Management of Therapeutic Recreation Services. (3 Credits)
I, II. Prerequisite: for majors only. Management concepts applied to delivering recreation therapy services, and includes: documentation, activity analysis, assessment, liability, legislation, and standards of practice. Includes 15 service learning hours.
REC 516. Recreation and Park Interpretive Services. (3 Credits)
The interpretation of natural, historical and cultural resources in recreation and park settings. Frequent agency visits and educational field seminrs are components of this course.
REC 520. Trends and Issues in Therapeutic Recreation. (3 Credits)
A. Pre-requisite: REC 311. A professional issues and trends discussion on topics related to recreation therapy such as clinical practice, licensure, legislative and regulatory issues, curricular standardization, professional ethics and other relevant professional topics.
REC 530. Park Management. (3 Credits)
II. Park purposes and operations with an emphasis on natural resources and visitor management. Concentration on design, resource conservation and preservation, public relations, and park policies.
REC 590. Special Topics:___. (1-3 Credits)
A. Identification and study of specialized techniques in recreation leadership, activity skills, operational methods, and services. May be retaken under different workshop title.