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Parks, Recreation and Sport Management ,BS

Parks, Recreation and Sport Management, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Parks, Recreation and Sport Management

Community Services, Conservation, Consultant, Forestry, Leisure, Natural Resources, Park Ranger, Parks Wilderness Manager, Program Coordinator, government

Are you interested in a career that leverages recreation, parks or sports to positively impact quality of life? Gain the education and experience you need to become a park ranger, sports programmer, special events planner, recreation coordinator or other professional ready and able to improve the lives of others.

Program description

The BS program in parks, recreation and sport management provides a transdisciplinary education in the management of parks, protected areas, community-based recreation services, and sport and special event management. The parks and recreation field emerged from the youth development, recreation and park movements of the late 19th century.

Students in the program learn about wilderness, environmental communication, parks and recreation management and policy, assessment and evaluation, and sport and recreation planning and programming. Students learn through classroom instruction and field experiences to integrate the natural, social and managerial sciences to make informed decisions for recreation services, both natural resource-based and community-based.

The required internship component of the program allows students to gain practical experience in the parks and recreation professions.

The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions accredits this degree program.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") is required to change into this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Incorporate multiple perspectives when proposing solutions to complex PRSM issues.
  • Integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines to develop comprehensive strategies that address the complex challenges faced by park, recreation and sport organizations.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in written communications with diverse audiences (e.g., clients, interdisciplinary team members, families, community members).
Global opportunities
Global experience

Study abroad programs that include travel to some of the world's most renowned and pristine parks, wildlife reserves and other recreational facilities, as well as to forests, reefs and deserts, provide students with invaluable professional development and insight that they can use in their future career.

With more than 300 programs available, study abroad allows students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for professional positions in which they design, develop and manage services that address the recreational needs of a particular clientele. They are employed in a variety of public, private and nonprofit organizations in Arizona, nationally and abroad, and they find employment in such diverse settings as:

  • armed forces recreation
  • city park and recreation departments
  • county and state park agencies
  • federal natural resource agencies
  • hospitals and care facilities
  • nonprofit recreation programs
  • private and commercial recreation facilities
  • special event management
  • sport venues and theme parks
  • youth agencies

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.3%
$43,680
7.5%
$52,560
4.3%
$56,090
4.2%
$98,100
8.1%
$34,440
4.1%
$64,460
4.6%
$31,680
9.1%
$74,240
3.7%
$79,540
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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