Program Description
If you love the outdoors, feel connected to the environment and enjoy educating people, you can turn that passion into a career in outdoor recreation. CMU outdoor and environmental recreation students combine class and fieldwork to prepare for careers in parks, protected areas, camps, and outdoor or environmental education programs — including at national parks or adventure programs. A minor and a required internship enhance your leadership skills, such as planning and supervising others.
Put Your Degree to Work
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Recreation Major: Outdoor and Environmental Recreation Concentration
An internship and a minor are required on this concentration. A minor or equivalent in Anthropology, Biology, Geography, Geology, Museum Studies, or Sustainability and Environmental Policy is preferred; other appropriate minors may be considered only through consultation and approval from a departmental advisor.
Total: 51-66 semester hours
Required Professional Core Courses
(42-57 hours)
Note: RPL 310 must be taken two semesters prior to actual internship.
Note: RPL 320 (Internship) is a capstone experience following the completion of all other course work at the university. Students electing the B.A. or B.S. degree plans will complete a 15 credit internship. Students electing the B.A.A. degree plan will complete a 30 credit internship.
RPL 118
Introduction to Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
2
The nature, scope, and significance of recreation, parks, and leisure in today's world. A survey of professional opportunities.
RPL 205
Outdoor Leadership
3
Introduction to outdoor leadership; study of leadership in outdoor and camp settings.
RPL 209
Inclusive Recreation with Diverse Populations
2
Introduction of inclusive recreation and activity programming with diverse populations. Recommended: RPL 118.
RPL 216
Introduction to Outdoor Recreation
3
Introduction to history and development of Outdoor Recreation as a profession. Overview of federal, state, and local governments as providers of outdoor recreation.
RPL 310
Pre-Internship in Leisure Services
1
Preparation for participation in the internship experience. Should be taken two semesters prior to internship. CR/NC only. Prerequisites: RPL 216 or 222.
RPL 320
Professional Internship in Recreation
1-30
In-depth, capstone internship experience in commercial, community, therapeutic, or outdoor recreation. Prerequisite: RPL 310.
RPL 358
Foundations of Outdoor and Environmental Education
3
Introduction to the foundational concepts, principles, and teaching methods of outdoor and environmental education for non-formal and formal education settings. May by offered as Writing Intensive.
RPL 370
Leave No Trace Ethics
1
Examines the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Instruction in effective Leave No Trace teaching techniques and certification as professional Leave No Trace Trainers. Prerequisite: RPL signed major/minor.
RPL 470
Park and Natural Resource Management
3
Management of federal, state, and local park systems, and natural resource areas. Focuses on environmental issues, administration, planning, and visitor management. May be offered as Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: RPL 118; one of the following: RPL 204, 216, 261.
RPL 508QR
Budgeting & Funding for Leisure Service Agencies
3
Budgetary and fund development procedures for leisure service agencies. Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: One of the following: RPL 204, 216, 222, 261, graduate status. Pre/Co-requisite: One of the following: RPL 358, 430, 431.
RPL 511
Liability and Risk Management in Leisure Services
3
Situational analysis of the legal systems impacting the delivery of recreation and leisure services. Emphasis on applied legal understanding and loss control strategies. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. Prerequisite: 6 credits in RPL or signed Event Management Minor; or Graduate Status.
RPL 518
Research & Philosophy in RPL
3
Exploration of the philosophical and social foundations, benefits, and application of recreation and leisure services. Develops skills for research and evaluation in leisure service settings. Prerequisites: 14 credits in RPL or graduate status.
Additional Requirements
(6 hours)
Through consultation with an advisor, the student will select from the following classes for a total of six (6) credits:
RPL 218
Teaching of Outdoor Skills
3
Techniques of teaching traditional outdoor recreation pursuits (archery, fishing, canoeing, map and compass). Emphasis on assisting people to develop lifetime outdoor recreation skills.
RPL 435
Leadership in Adventure Education Programming
3
Leadership in trip-planning, risk management, and outdoor etiquette in adventure education. In-depth content in facilitation, processing, campcraft skills, and environmental ethics. Weekend trips required. Prerequisites: RPL 205.
RPL 552
Environmental Interpretation
3
Advanced concepts and skills for cultural and natural heritage interpretation in parks, natural resource areas, non-profit agencies, zoos, camps, and nature centers. Prerequisites: RPL 358 or graduate status.
RPL 570
Wilderness Issues and Policy
3
Exploration of wilderness as a unique natural resource context. Examines legislative origins, policy decisions, and management philosophies in relation to current issues and trends. Prerequisites: RPL 216 or graduate status.
Electives
(3 hours)