Recreation, Sports Management and Therapeutic Recreation
Explore your passion for wellness, sports, and community engagement with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. Our programs in Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration, Sports Management and Therapeutic Recreation prepare you for careers focused on leading, managing, and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Our curriculum meets the highest national standards and follows the accreditation criteria established by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), which accredits higher education baccalaureate programs.
Why study Recreation, Sports Management and Therapeutic Recreation?
This major prepares you for a dynamic career in a multi-billion-dollar industry dedicated to health and wellness, sports management, and therapeutic recreation. You'll learn the essential skills needed to create, manage, and execute high-quality programs for a wide range of organizations. As well as designing programs that work to enhance the overall quality of life for urban and rural communities.
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Help others improve their mental, physical, and emotional health. |
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Create inclusive programs that bring people together. |
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Design memorable and impactful moments for people of all ages and abilities. |
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Build skills in management, leadership, communication, event planning and more. |
Choose your concentration
Parks, Recreation, and Sports Administration
Turn your passion for recreation and sports into a powerful career leading others in park districts, commercial recreation agencies, fitness and health facilities, campus recreation, military organizations and more.
After you graduate, you'll be qualified to pursue your Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification, giving you a competitive edge in your career.
Visit the Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration Catalog >>
Sports Management
Get in-depth experience with the business and management side of sports and gain the skills needed to manage the operations of professional athletics teams, college recreation departments, health clubs, and youth agencies.
After you graduate, you'll be qualified to pursue your Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification, preparing you to lead in diverse recreational and athletic environments. Students in this concentration can also complete credits towards a Master’s in Business Administration in our Sports Management + One program while completing the undergraduate curriculum.
Visit the Sports Management Catalog >>
Therapeutic Recreation
Learn how to assess individuals with special needs and create specialized recreation programs to help them develop skills, improve their well-being, and lead a more fulfilling life. After you graduate, you'll be ready to pursue certifications like Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.
Visit the Therapeutic Recreation Catalog >>
Expand Your Expertise
The Recreation program at Chicago State University opens doors to opportunities that advance your knowledge and skills.
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation - This program is designed to prepare you for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) exam offered by the National Council on Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC). The certificate requires five core courses and one elective, and courses may also be applied toward a master's degree.
- Undergraduate Certificate in Recreation - Designed for both new and existing professionals, this certificate provides the foundational knowledge needed for diverse career opportunities in the leisure services field. The program includes seven courses (six online, one hybrid) for a total of 20 hours.
- Master of Business Administration PRSA Concentration - This MBA concentration in Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration (PRSA), offered in partnership with the College of Business, is designed for professionals seeking mid-to-upper-level management careers in the leisure industry.
Career Outcomes and Pathways
Once you’ve completed the Recreation program, you’ll be ready to successfully enter the workforce for rewarding careers in:
- City Park Districts and County Recreation Departments
- Hospitals, rehabilitation centers and Senior Living facilities
- Entertainment, sports and fitness venues
- Non-profit administration
- Natural resource management
- Tourism, hospitality and events
- Resorts and resort communities
- Veteran affairs
- Youth and senior recreation services
Professional Associations
Program Assessment
Discover how we built the only Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation offered in the city of Chicago. Our program assessments for our Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration program provide a comprehensive look into our student outcomes, curriculum effectiveness, and commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets national standards.
Turn your passion into purpose
Ready to change lives through recreation? Apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career or contact us to learn more. We’re here to help every step of the way.
Program Director
Professor June N. Price-Shingles, Ed.D.
Director of Recreation Program
Chicago State University
Department of Education Studies & Recreation
JDC #201
Phone: (773) 995-3779
Email: jprice24@csu.edu
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(773) 995-2000
