Recreation Management Minor

The Union Commonwealth University Recreation Management Minor centers on the administration of leisure services, encompassing a diverse range of recreation management careers. Opportunities include event management, community park and recreation departments, non-profit administration, campus recreation, military recreation, camps, fitness facilities, golf and tennis operations, sports complexes, and various other areas.

RESOURCES

  • Admission Information

    A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

  • Curriculum Summary

    Recreation Management Minor Requirements (21 Credit Hours)


    21 semester hours, which must include 6 hours of required courses (RECM 111 and RECM 201), plus 15hours of electives (5, 3-hour courses):


    RECM 111 Introduction to Recreation & Leisure (3 Credit Hours)

    An introduction into leisure in our society. The course explores leisure service concepts; examines the differences among play, sport, leisure, recreation, and work; and explores modern and historic patterns of leisure, delivery systems, and the premise on which the public provision of recreation services is founded.


    RECM 201 Principles of Outdoor Recreation (3 Credit Hours)

    Designed to deliver a comprehensive overview of outdoor recreation in the United States. It explores the full range of the outdoor recreation movement, from its underlying philosophical and social underpinnings, to its rich history, to the current providers of the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities which exist. Includes off-campus sessions.


    Elective Courses, 15 hours:


    RECM 130 Wilderness Survival (3 Credit Hours)

    Explores the skills required for survival in the wild. Land navigation, survival (air, shelter, water, and food), and wilderness first aid skills will be covered. This course will include off campus class sessions.


    RECM 235 Wilderness Adventure & Education (3 Credit Hours)

    This course introduces the student to ropes and challenge courses, rappelling, rock climbing, cave exploration, and backcountry recreation, both in theory and practical application. Students will learn to plan, organize, and lead various exercises. Includes off-campus sessions.


    RECM 237 Expedition Planning (3 Credit Hours)

    This course explores backcountry travel and living, particularly in the context of extended expeditions. Topics covered include hiking, backpacking, backcountry nutrition, trip planning, and low impact/leave no trace camping. Of necessity, the course will also deal to varying degrees with wilderness leadership, ethics, and land use policies. Depending upon the interests and preferences of the members of the class, the course may delve into specific skills needed for multi-day backcountry excursions involving water travel, bicycle touring, horse packing, and extreme-environment travel.


    RECM 250 Recreation Programming (3 Credit Hours)

    This course will cover the program planning and delivery process as a logical problem-solving system, covering needs analysis, population identification, design implementation, and program evaluation. Includes off-campus sessions.


    RECM 333 Recreation Visitor Behavior (3 Credit Hours)

    Examining the social psychological principles at work when people recreate in the outdoors. This course is essentially the study of recreation and leisure behavior as it impacts the planning, design, and management of natural resource-based recreation opportunities. Special consideration will be given to the effect of human behavior on natural environments. Prerequisites: RECM 111 and RECM 201 or permission from instructor. Includes off-campus sessions


    RECM 350 Recreation Administration & Leadership (3 Credit Hours)

    The study of leadership techniques and applications necessary for the delivery of recreation programs, in a variety of leisure settings.


    RECM 411 Interpretive Methods (3 Credit Hours)

    This course covers the basic principles of interpretation/education in the natural setting that contribute to the leisure experience and as part of natural and cultural resource management. Communication, educational, and media skills will be demonstrated through instructor and student organized applications. Prerequisite: upper division status or permission from instructor. Even years only. Includes off-campus sessions.


    RECM 475 Philosophy of Recreation Management (3 Credit Hours)

    A career in recreation management is one of considerable responsibilities and rewards. Developing a professional philosophy is a necessity for a fulfilling career. At the heart of recreation management are the philosophical ideals of excellence, care, equity, and respect for self and for others. Prerequisite: upper division status or permission from instructor.


    RECM 480 Environmental Ethics (3 Credit Hours)

    Environmental ethics is a principled attempt to redefine boundaries of ethical obligation. This class will introduce the student to a wide range of environmental ethical theories and philosophies. Designed as a “taking sides” course, discussions will center on current major environmental issues, emphasizing an examination of all relevant positions. Prerequisite: upper division status or permission from instructor. Even years only.


    RECM 485 Recreation Management Internship (6 Credit Hours)

    Supervised recreational internship in an outdoor/park setting for either 180 or 360 hours of practical and related work experience, which occurs no sooner than two semesters prior to graduation. Application shall be made by midterm of the preceding semester. Prerequisite: minimum 2.5 GPA in RECM course work.

Recreation Management Minor FAQs

  • What career paths can a Recreation Management minor support?

    A Recreation Management minor from Union Commonwealth University can support a wide range of career paths across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students may pursue roles in parks and recreation departments, event planning, campus recreation, outdoor leadership, fitness and wellness facilities, and nonprofit program coordination. The curriculum is designed to provide both leadership and operational knowledge, making it a strong complement to majors in business, education, health sciences, and sports-related fields.

  • What skills will I develop in this program?

    Students build practical skills in program planning, leadership, risk management, and community engagement. Courses such as recreation programming and administration focus on identifying community needs, designing effective programs, and evaluating outcomes. Additionally, hands-on outdoor and experiential courses help students develop teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills that are highly transferable across industries.

  • Is this minor a good fit for students outside of sports-related majors?

    Absolutely. While the minor is valuable for students interested in sports and recreation careers, it is also highly relevant for those studying business, education, psychology, or health-related fields. The focus on leadership, program development, and human behavior makes it applicable to a wide range of professions that involve working with groups and communities.

The Recreation Management minor at Union Commonwealth University offers a flexible and engaging way to expand your academic experience while gaining practical, career-ready skills. With a blend of classroom instruction, experiential learning, and opportunities for real-world application, students are prepared to lead, organize, and innovate in a variety of recreation and community-focused environments. 


Whether your goal is to enhance your current major or explore a passion for outdoor leadership and program development, this minor provides a strong foundation for meaningful, people-centered work.

Gather your supporting documents and visit our Undergraduate Application for Admission to begin your educational journey at Union Commonwealth University.


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Union Commonwealth University Admissions

Phone: 1-800-489-8646


Union Commonwealth University

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admissions@unionky.edu