Bachelor in Recreation, Adventure Education & Leisure Management

Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Adventure Education & Leisure Management

Learn to work with diverse groups to design and deliver high-quality recreation experiences that are ecologically and economically sound. Experiential education, leadership, management skills and adventure opportunities are the emphasis of this bachelor’s degree program. Students choose from several minors, including outdoor leadership, environmental communication and environmental studies. No matter which area of focus you select, you’ll graduate with a highly marketable and capable set of skills:

• “Leave No Trace” wilderness travel and camping
• Best practices in recreational program design and delivery
• Effective management techniques for sustainable nature-based operations
• Ability to analyze the cultural, historical and environmental impacts of nature-based tourism
• Communication, leadership and problem-solving

Career Options

• Environmental Educator/Interpreter
• Nature/Interpretive Center Management
• Recreation Outfitters Owner/Manager/Guide
• Health Club or Spa Manager
• Recreation Program and Operations Supervisor
• Eco-Tourism Guide/Manager
• Resort, Cruise Line or College Activities Director
• Camp Director
• K-12 Administration*
• Student Guidance/Counseling*
• College Student Development/Student Affairs*

*Master’s degree and certification required

Required Courses

Program Requirements

• English Comp I
• First Year Seminar
• Recreation & Leisure in the U.S.
• Adirondack Studies
• Adventure Education I/II
• Environmental Education
• Principles of Management
• Outdoor Recreation Leadership
• Outdoor Education Program Design & Planning
• Sustainable Practices in Entrepreneurship
• Principles of Marketing
• Sustainable Nature-Based Tourism
• Financial Decision Making
• Risk Management & Liability

Experiential Electives

• Recreation Practicum
• Outdoor Leadership Practicum
• Interdisciplinary Field Studies

Natural World Electives

• Biology I
• Introduction to Environmental Science
• The Adirondack Environment
• Geology
• Natural Habitat Interpretation
• Dendrology
• Introduction to Wildlife Management
• Natural History of North American Vertebrates
• Ecological Foundations of Sustainability

Diversity Electives

• Diversity & Inclusion By Design
• Cultural Anthropology
• Gerontology
• Shattering Gender Stereotypes
• The American Labor Movement

Recreation Management Electives

• Small Business Accounting
• Dispute Management
• Recreation & Resort Marketing & Management
• Festival & Event Management
• Human Resource Management
• Program Management & Decision Making
• The Family Enterprise
• Business Ethics & Decision Making
• Management Information Systems
• Facilities Management
• Visitor Management Services
• Park Management
• Destination Dynamics
• Hospitality Futures