A nationally accredited program, the Bachelor of Science in Recreation offered by the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation prepares students to work in the ever-growing field of recreation. In addition to the core, students complete an emphasis in either Recreation Administration, Therapeutic Recreation, or Community, Corporate and Hospital Wellness. A minor and internship are also required.
Unique to the Major in Recreation is the opportunity to complete one of the specialty areas of emphases:
The Recreation Administration emphasis equips students with the skills needed to serve leadership, supervisory, and management roles in city park and recreation capacities and other leisure service agencies. Upon completion of the program, students are encouraged to take the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Exam offered by the National Recreation and Park Association. This program includes a minor in Business Administration, Dance, Marketing, or Natural History.
The Therapeutic Recreation emphasis equips students for supervisory and leadership positions in various private and community-based health care facilities delivering care to individuals with various disabilities. Completing the Therapeutic Recreation emphasis qualifies students to sit for the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Exam. This program includes a minor in Psychology, Gerontology, or Public Health.
The Community, Corporate & Hospital Wellness emphasis prepares students for supervisory and leadership positions in the wellness field in community, corporate (private), and hospital-based settings. Students completing the emphasis are encouraged to take the Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Exam offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This program includes a minor in Dance, Exercise Science, Public Health, Business Administration or Marketing.
Students completing the Major in Recreation will have the knowledge and ability to work in such positions as:
The Recreation degree program of study culminates in a 12-15-week internship. Although this career enhancing requirement can be completed locally, many students serve paid internships across the United States.
There are opportunities to gain Recreation experience while taking classes:
The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation (HHPR) is located in the new Student Recreation Center. The HHPR faculty possess a wide array of specializations. The department offers undergraduate degree programs in Exercise Science, Recreation, and Physical Education, a minor and certificate in Dance, as well as a graduate program in HHPR. Within each of the degree programs, are emphases/concentration areas from which students select the professional paths that best fit their needs. Exercise Science and Recreation meet requirements for the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), which is a tuition discount program for non-resident students to attend Pittsburg State University. Students who have been selected to receive the MSEP discount will be charged 150 percent of resident tuition rates. Residents from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin are eligible.