Bachelor of Science in
Recreation Management

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Make Moves in Recreation Management

Crave a career that feels less like a job and more like a way of life? EWU’s nationally accredited Recreation Management program prepares you for meaningful, hands-on work that gets you out from behind a desk and allows you to create memorable experiences for others.

In this dynamic program, you’ll learn to design and manage recreation activities, outdoor and adventure excursions, and community initiatives that help people live healthier, more connected lives.

You’ll also develop leadership, collaborative, and problem-solving skills through practical learning experiences with our local industry partners, including Washington State Parks, Spokane Sports, Cheney Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and more.

Students who complete this degree are eligible to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exams.

Many grads go on to manage resorts, coordinate events, run youth and professional sport entities, oversee parks and recreation departments, and lead outdoor adventures for diverse groups.

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Why Study Recreation Management at EWU?

Get a hands-on education, real-world experience, and personalized support from faculty so you can launch your career with confidence.

Experiential Learning

From group activities and class trips to special training and boots-on-the-ground experiences, adventure is built into the curriculum and always within reach.

Career Connections

EWU's partnerships with local organizations lead to internships, applied learning, and job opportunities, helping you launch your career in the multi-billion-dollar recreation industry.

Mentorship

Work closely with dedicated and experienced faculty members on real-world projects while receiving personalized support and guidance along the way.

Community

Build lifelong friendships, collaborate with peers, and make a meaningful impact in the region while growing your skills.

Affordable & Amazing

Benefit from competitive tuition rates and financial aid options designed to help you graduate with little to no debt.

Alumni Spotlight

Headshot of Brandon Lange, an alum of the Recreation Management program“I graduated with a degree in Recreation Management, and to this day, it is the best professional decision I have made. The instruction and support I received gave me the ability to own my own indoor playground business and become the Recreation Manager for the City of Kennewick. The program allowed me the opportunity to follow my passion, become financially independent, and opened my eyes to hundreds of different career paths. I absolutely loved my professors! They had years of industry knowledge and cared about my long-term success, something that is not always present at other universities.”

Brandon Lange ’09, Recreation Manager, City of Kennewick, WA | Business Owner, We Play Spokane

What You'll Learn

The following information comes from the official EWU catalog, which outlines all degree requirements and serves as the guide to earning a degree. Courses are designed to provide a well-rounded and versatile degree, covering a wide range of subject areas.

Recreation Management Major, Bachelor of Science (BS)

The nationally accredited Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management trains recreation professionals for positions with community and college recreation, corporate training and management, resort and tourism companies, youth and adventure programs, outfitting companies, sport management companies, event and convention centers, health/wellness and rehabilitative medicine, federal and state land management agencies, corrections, military recreation, and much more. Students who complete this degree are eligible to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exams. 

The curriculum is designed to aid students in developing a philosophical and practical knowledge of the recreation experience industry. Students are exposed to skill sets and competencies that are relevant to a management career in recreation through the means of a variety of experiential learning opportunities. Students may choose from minors in Experiential Training and Development, Sport Management, or Therapeutic Recreation.

Students must also complete the following requirements: 

  • Must earn a grade >C in all coursework
  • Membership in a professional organization
  • 500 hours of relevant practical experience
Required Courses
RCLS 201FOUNDATIONS OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 206OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RECREATION4
RCLS 220LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 240INTRODUCTION TO THERAPEUTIC RECREATION4
RCLS 313PARKS & PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 333FACILITATION AND GROUP DYNAMICS IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 335PRACTITIONER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT IN RECREATION EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 349SPORTS MANAGEMENT2
RCLS 360FACILITY PLANNING FOR RECREATION & SPORT4
RCLS 385EVENT PLANNING4
RCLS 400LIABILITY AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 410OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP4
RCLS 425EVALUATION IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 435PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT2
RCLS 455RESORT & COMMERCIAL RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 470ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
RCLS 480FINANCIAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN RECREATION4
MKTG 310PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING4
PHED 193STANDARD FIRST AID AND SAFETY2
or RCLS 290 WILDERNESS AND REMOTE FIRST AID
RCLS 495RECREATION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP12
Required Senior Capstone
RCLS 490SENIOR CAPSTONE IN RECREATION MANAGEMENT4
Total Credits86

The following plan of study is for a student with zero credits. Individual students may have different factors such as: credit through transfer work, Advanced Placement, Running Start, or any other type of college-level coursework that requires an individual plan.

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking the academic schedule is paramount in keeping an individual plan current. Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

All Undergraduate students are required to meet the Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

First Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits 
ENGL 1015ENGL 2015Global Studies - graduation requirement15 
MATH 1075Natural Science BACR 115Humanities & Arts BACR 115 
Social Science BACR 115Social Science BACR 215Natural Science BACR 215 
 15 15 15 
Second Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits 
RCLS 2014RCLS 3334RCLS 2064 
RCLS 2204Diversity - graduation requirement 15RCLS 3354 
Humanities & Arts BACR 215Elective - minor, or general elective5Elective - minor, or general elective5 
 13 14 13 
Third Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCredits 
RCLS 3492RCLS 3604RCLS 2404 
PHED 1932MKTG 3104RCLS 3134 
Elective - minor, or general elective5Elective - minor, or general elective5Elective - minor, or general elective5 
Elective - minor, or general elective5Elective - minor, or general elective2Elective - minor, or general elective2 
 14 15 15 
Fourth Year
Fall QuarterCreditsWinter QuarterCreditsSpring QuarterCreditsSummer QuarterCredits
RCLS 3854RCLS 4004RCLS 4104RCLS 49512
RCLS 4254RCLS 4704RCLS 4554 
RCLS 4352RCLS 4804RCLS 490 (Senior Capstone - graduation requirement)4 
Elective - minor, or general elective5   
 15 12 12 12
Total Credits 180
1

University Graduation Requirements (UGR) and Breadth Area Course Requirements (BACR) courses may be less than 5 credits and additional credits may be required to reach the required 180 total credits needed to graduate.  Students should connect with an advisor to ensure they are on track to graduate.

University Competencies and Proficiencies

English 
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning
Placement and Clearance 
Prior Learning/Sources of Credit AP, CLEP, IB

General Education Requirements (GER)

  • Minimum Credits—180 cumulative credit hours 
    • 60 upper-division credits (300 level or above)
    • 45 credits in residence (attendance) at Eastern, with at least 15 upper-division credits in major in residence at Eastern
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA ≥2.0

Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR)

Humanities and Arts 
Natural Sciences 
Social Sciences

University Graduation Requirements (UGR)

Diversity Course List
World Language (for Bachelor of Arts)
Global Studies Course List
Minor or Certificate
Senior Capstone Course List

Application for Graduation (use EagleNET) must be made at least two terms in advance of the term expected to graduate (undergraduate and post-baccalaureate).

Use the Catalog Archives to determine two important catalog years.

  1. The catalog in effect at the student's first term of current matriculation is used to determine BACR (Breadth Area Core Requirements) and UGR (Undergraduate Graduation Requirements).
  2. The catalog in effect at the time the student declares a major or minor is used to determine the program requirements.

Students who earn a BS in Recreation Management from EWU should be able to:​​

  • demonstrate an understanding and ability to perform essential functions within business management of the recreation industry, which include event planning; liability and risk management; financial resource management; facility design and management; administration; evaluation and assessment; promotions and marketing; recreation leadership and facilitation; employee recruitment, training, and supervision; customer service; and small business enterprise;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the principles of organizational leadership, group development, and employee/client motivation;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the principles of commercial, non-profit, and government enterprise as they apply to the recreation industry;
  • demonstrate an understanding and apply skills of entrepreneurship as they apply to the recreation industry;
  • demonstrate the ability to use land management philosophy to guide professional practice.

Applied Learning Opportunities

People playing a team building game.

  • Classroom-Based Applied Learning/Simulation: Practice real-world decision-making through simulations, case studies, role playing, and other hands-on activities in the classroom.
  • Community-Based Projects: Team up with local organizations on projects that allow you to solve problems and make a difference.
  • Field Work: Take your learning outside the classroom to field experiences with campus and community groups and industry partners.
  • Internships: Get real-world experience (and often credit or pay) by working in a professional setting connected to your career goals.
  • Practicums: Build hands-on skills in structured field placements—like classrooms or community agencies—that are often required for professional certification.
  • Service-Learning Experiences: Work on critical issues—such as food security, poverty, or climate change—that connect community service with what you’re learning in class.
  • Student Employment & Leadership at EWU: Gain skills, connections, and confidence through on-campus jobs and leadership roles in student government, departments, athletics, or clubs.
  • Volunteerism: Give back to your community while gaining experience, building connections, and seeing how you can apply your classroom knowledge to make an impact in the world.

Enhance Your Degree

Pair your Recreation Management BS with a minor that aligns with your interests and career goals.

Therapeutic Recreation

If you want to help individuals with disabilities create meaningful and independent leisure lifestyles, the Therapeutic Recreation minor may be a great fit for you. This field focuses on using recreation as a therapeutic tool to support rehabilitation and skill development.

Careers in therapeutic recreation are diverse and in high demand. Graduates often work in rehabilitation and leisure education settings, such as hospitals, state facilities, group treatment programs, and community-based organizations.

Explore the Minor

Sport Management

Dream of coaching, executing sporting events, or working for a pro team? The Sport Management minor explores the world of sports through a business and management lens, allowing you to apply your classroom learning to real-world local sport programs.

You’ll study sports economics, marketing, and management while examining current issues and future challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. This interdisciplinary minor develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills to help you succeed.

Explore the Minor

Experiential Training and Development (ETD)

Interested in leadership and teaching? The ETD minor offers courses in experiential learning, adult learning theory, and organizational development, preparing you to make a meaningful impact in your future workplace.

You’ll improve your ability to work independently, collaborate effectively within teams, and lead in professional settings. Grads may pursue roles in group facilitation, team development, and other related fields.
 

 

Careers in Recreation Management

Graduates with a degree in Recreation Management are prepared for a variety of career opportunities.

Municipal Parks and Recreation

Resort and Tourism Companies

Sport Management Companies

Health/Wellness and Rehabilitative Medicine Centers

Federal and State Land Management Agencies

Outdoor Adventure Programs

From Our Alumni

Julia Lupkes portrait

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julia Lupkes, 22′
Event Coordinator, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars
Spokane, WA

"Recreation Management was the perfect program to set me up for success. Every assignment and task was beneficial, and I still reference a lot of it in my current role. I would not have found my path or set my goals without the knowledge I was given and the people who helped get me here.”

EWU Recreation Management Industry Partners

Industry partners support the program by providing guest lectures, facility tours, experiential learning collaborations, student internships, and career pathways.
washington state parks - 1913
us fish & wildlife service - department of the interior
cheney parks & rec - play local, choose cheney
spokane sports
No-Li Brewhouse logo
City of Spokane Parks & Rec logo

BS in Recreation Management FAQs

Recreation management focuses on planning, leading, and managing recreation programs, outdoor experiences, and community initiatives that promote healthy, active lifestyles.

A degree from EWU’s nationally accredited Recreation Management program prepares you for careers within various sectors of the industry, such as:

  • event management
  • tourism
  • municipal recreation
  • outdoor recreation
  • natural resources
  • rehabilitative medicine
  • experiential training
  • university recreation
  • sports management

The recreation industry includes a wide range of roles and career paths, so salaries vary significantly by position, employer, and location. You can find general salary information for recreation managers on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Yes. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) exams.

Yes. You can tailor your Recreation Management BS with minors such as Therapeutic Recreation, Experiential Training and Development, or Sports Management.

Yes. Students get numerous opportunities for experiential and applied learning through:

  • community projects
  • field experiences
  • team-building events
  • technical skill and certification training
  • leadership training
  • simulations
  • group activities
  • internships
  • partnerships with organizations like Washington State Parks and local recreation agencies

The recreation industry is broad and diverse, but the skills learned in the program allow students to work in any sector of the industry. Recent graduates have found employment in various organizations, often beginning after completing their internships with the organizations. Some of these places include:

  • Arbor Crest Winery
  • No-Li Brewhouse
  • Coeur D’Alene Resort
  • Sun River Resort
  • Sun Mountain Lodge
  • Davenport Hotels
  • The Great Wolf Lodge
  • Seattle Mariners
  • Spokane Indians
  • Spokane Parks and Recreation
  • Airway Heights Parks and Recreation
  • Seattle Mariners
  • Spokane Arena
  • Eastern State Hospital
  • Beyoutiful Hot Yoga
  • Mt. Spokane State Park
  • Glacier National Park
  • Mount St. Helens Institute
  • Cispus Learning Center
  • Row Adventures

Contact the Program Director

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out!

Jeremy Jostad, PhD

Professor
Photo of Jeremy Jostad, PhD
PEC 233
509.359.7097
Expert Profile
A park ranger walks in the mountains
An EWU student leads a group on an EPIC Adventures kayak trip
Two bikers on a trail looking down the path.
A yoga instructor leads a class

EWU Recreation Management
Physical Education Building
1106 Washington St.
Cheney, WA 99004
509.359.7097

Accreditation

The EWU REM Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Evidence of continued compliance with COAPRT requirements can be found on the REM accreditation website.

WINTER, SPRING, FALL 2024 Annual Report
2024 REM Annual Report (AY 22-23)
2023 Annual Report (AY 21-22)
2022 Annual Report (AY 20-21)
2021 Annual Report (AY 19-20)
2022 Annual Report: Therapeutic Recreation
2021 Annual Report: Therapeutic Recreation

Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions