The Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.
General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units
See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.
- JOUR 260 is an approved GE Writing Intensive substitution.
- RECR 400 is an approved GE Capstone substitution.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .
Literacy Requirement:
See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must pass ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I (or equivalent) with a C- or higher before you may register for a WP course.
Application to the Major:
Departmental approval is required before you begin course work for this major. Application to the major can be made at the department office.
Course Requirements for the Major: 56-68 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.
Note: A maximum of 15 units of internship (courses numbered 189, 289, 389, 489, 589) may be applied to a bachelor's degree at CSU, Chico.
Since the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management uses a mentor-advisor system, it is important for you to request an advisor when you declare Recreation Administration as your major. In general, Recreation Administration majors are encouraged to take RECR 200 and complete the computer literacy requirement during the first semester in the department. Depending on the desired option, RECR 250 (for the Options in Resort and Lodging Management and Event Management) or RECR 240 (for the Options in Community/Commercial Recreation and Tourism and Parks and Natural Resource Management) or RECR 260 (for the Option in Recreation Therapy) should also be considered.
Major Core Program: 41 units
Computer Literacy
3 units selected from:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CSCI 100 | Computer Literacy | 3.0 | FS | ||
RECR 201 | Computers in Recreation | 3.0 | FS | ||
SOSC 210 | Survival Skills for a Digital Age | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Pathway Foundation Quantitative Reasoning. |
Recreation majors are strongly advised to develop computer literacy skills early in their course of study. Most community college computer literacy courses are transferable.
8 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 200 | Foundations of Leisure and Recreation | 3.0 | FS | ||
RECR 220 | Program Planning | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200 or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 260 | Recreation Therapy and Inclusion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200 or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 300 | Leisure Science | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200; one course chosen from RECR 220, RECR 240, RECR 250, or RECR 260; successful completion of computer literacy requirement. Open to Recreation majors only. | |||||
RECR 301 | Leadership and Supervision in Recreation | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 371 | Customer Service in Recreation Operations | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of one course chosen from RECR 220, RECR 240, RECR 250, or RECR 260. | |||||
RECR 400 | Management of Recreation and Parks | 3.0 | FS | GW | |
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 or JOUR 130 (or equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, successful completion of computer literacy requirement, RECR 200, RECR 301; one course chosen from RECR 220, RECR 240, RECR 250, or RECR 260; senior standing. | |||||
RECR 420 | Recreation Budgeting and Finance Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 220, RECR 300 (for RECR majors only); ACCT 201, NFSC 230 (for NFSC majors only); or faculty permission. |
14 units selected from:
one of the following two plans:
Plan I - Internship Program
3 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 584 | Internship Preparation | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Senior standing and faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 586 | Internship Seminar | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. Corequisite: RECR 589. | |||||
RECR 589 | Internship in Parks, Recreation, and/or Hospitality | 12.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Graduating senior standing, completion of other course requirements, RECR 584, 700 hours of approved field experience, concurrent enrollment in RECR 586, cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, faculty permission. |
Plan II - Merit Internship Program
Students whose GPA in overall course work is 3.0 or above may elect to enter the Merit Internship Program. Formal application for this program must occur by the second semester of the junior year.
3 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 585 | Merit Internship Preparation | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Senior standing, cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 587 | Merit Internship Seminar | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Cumulative overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, and faculty permission. Corequisites: RECR 589M. | |||||
RECR 589M | Merit Internship in Parks, Recreation, and/or Hospitality | 12.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Graduating senior standing, GPA of 3.0 or higher in overall course work, completion of other course requirements, RECR 585, 1000 hours of approved field experience, concurrent enrollment in RECR 587, faculty permission. |
Major Option Course Requirements: 15-27 units
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements. Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.
- The Option in Community and Commercial Recreation and Tourism
- The Option in Parks and Natural Resources Management
- The Option in Resort and Lodging Management
- The Option in Recreation Therapy
- The Option in Event Management
The Option in Community and Commercial Recreation and Tourism: 17-18 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 240 | Outdoor Recreation Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 270 | Commercial Recreation and Tourism | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 220, RECR 240, RECR 250, or RECR 260, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 220, RECR 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 466 | Program Management in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 260. | |||||
RECR 524 | Commercial Recreation Operation | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 420 (may be taken concurrently). |
1 course selected from:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANTH 338 | Culture and Tourism | 3.0 | INQ | ||
MKTG 305 | Survey of Marketing | 3.0 | FS | ||
MKTG 371 | Consumer Behavior | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: MKTG 305. | |||||
MKTG 478 | Service Marketing | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: MKTG 371. | |||||
RECR 190 | Service Learning in Recreation Programs | 2.0 | FS | ||
RECR 360 | Recreation Therapy for Older Adults | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 428 | Recreation Law and Legal Principles | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RECR 474 | Association Operations and Events | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. |
The Option in Parks and Natural Resources Management: 25-27 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 240 | Outdoor Recreation Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 342 | Systems Management in Maintenance and Operations | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 441 | Citizen Involvement in Recreation Resource Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RECR 444 | Environmental Interpretation and Communication | 4.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RECR 446 | Natural Resources Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 240, RECR 300, or faculty permission. |
3 courses selected from:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AGET 340 | GPS & GIS in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
AGET 360 | Irrigation | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: PSSC 101 or PSSC 250 or faculty permission. | |||||
ANTH 461 | Museum Collections Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
ANTH 466 | Exhibit Research and Design | 3.0 | SP | ||
ANTH 467 | Exhibit Installation | 3.0 | FA | ||
APCG 110 | Computer-Assisted Art I | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
ARTS 250 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: ARTS 122 or ARTS 125, sophomore standing. | |||||
BIOL 334 | Conservation Ecology | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course. | |||||
BIOL 342 | Field Biology | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: NSCI 102. | |||||
CDES 206 | Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging | 3.0 | FS | ||
CDES 214 | Computer Graphics | 3.0 | FS | ||
EDCI 448 | Methods and Materials for Environmental Education | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or GEOS 130 or NSCI 343 or equivalent. This course is also offered as RECR 448. | |||||
GEOG 211 | Introduction to Geographical Information Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
GEOG 427 | Environmental Impact Analysis | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: GEOG 320 or equivalent. | |||||
JOUR 260 | Writing for Mass Media | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: ENGL 130. | |||||
KINE 224 | Methods of Teaching Rock Climbing | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 123 or KINE 124 recommended. | |||||
KINE 226 | Methods of Teaching Wilderness Living | 4.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 121 recommended but not required. | |||||
KINE 227 | Winter and the Mountain | 4.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 226 or equivalent. | |||||
KINE 228 | Methods of Teaching Canoeing and Kayaking | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 226 (may be taken concurrently). | |||||
KINE 460 | Foundations of Outdoor Education | 3.0 | FS | ||
KINE 564 | Facilitating the Adventure Experience | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 222 recommended. | |||||
PHIL 332 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3.0 | FS | ||
This course is also offered as
POLS 332. | |||||
POLS 250 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 | SP | GE USD | |
POLS 259A | Introduction to Criminal Law | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: POLS 250 or faculty permission. | |||||
PSSC 101 | Introduction to Plant Science | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
PSSC 250 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111. | |||||
PSSC 330 | Rangeland Resources and Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
RECR 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 220, RECR 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 428 | Recreation Law and Legal Principles | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RECR 448 | Methods and Materials for Environmental Education | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: BIOL 342 or GEOS 130 or NSCI 343 or equivalent. This course is also offered as EDCI 448. |
Students are encouraged to select courses with the approval of an advisor. Also, with an advisor's approval, additional courses not listed above may be used to meet the elective requirement above.
An approved minor or certificate may be substituted for the 9 units (3 courses) listed above. Approved minors/certificates include biological sciences, communication design, communication studies, criminal justice, environmental studies, geography, geology, instructional design, journalism, museum studies (certificate), and outdoor education (certificate). Other minors may also be acceptable with advisor's approval.
The Option in Resort and Lodging Management: 15 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 250 | Hospitality Industry Introduction | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in RECR 200 or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 350 | Food and Beverage Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 250. | |||||
RECR 354 | Resort/Lodging Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 250, successful completion of computer literacy requirement, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 452 | Resort/Lodging Planning and Development | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 354 or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 558 | Resort/Lodging Senior Seminar | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 452 or faculty permission. |
The Option in Recreation Therapy: 26 units
The Recreation Therapy Option is designed to prepare students to work as allied health professionals with people who have special needs in clinical, residential, and community-based agencies. Students studying in this option will meet the standards developed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC). Successfully completing this curriculum will provide students with knowledge competencies necessary to qualify for both the National and State Therapeutic Recreation Certification Exams.
8 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 103 | Human Anatomy | 4.0 | FS | GE | |
BIOL 104 | Human Physiology | 4.0 | FS | GE | |
PSYC 381 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 | FS | ||
RECR 360 | Recreation Therapy for Older Adults | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RECR 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 460 | Advanced Recreation Therapy Practices | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 260. | |||||
RECR 466 | Program Management in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 260. | |||||
RECR 468 | Facilitation Techniques in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 260 or faculty permission. | |||||
SWRK 302 | Human Behavior Across the Lifespan | 3.0 | FS | ||
Corequisites: SWRK 200 for majors only. |
The Option in Event Management: 15 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RECR 250 | Hospitality Industry Introduction | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Prior completion of or concurrent enrollment in RECR 200 or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 323 | Principles of Event Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 220, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 200, RECR 220, RECR 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 470 | Meeting and Conference Planning | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 323, successful completion of computer literacy requirement, or faculty permission. | |||||
RECR 523 | Special Event Planning and Operations | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RECR 323 or faculty permission. |
Electives Requirement:
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.