Program Overview

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Parks, Recreation and Sport Management, BS

The Bachelor of Science program in parks, recreation and sport management provides a transdisciplinary education in the management of parks, protected areas, community-based recreation services, and sport and special event management. The parks and recreation field emerged from the youth development, recreation and park movements of the late 19th century.

Program Description

Students in the program learn about wilderness, environmental communication, parks and recreation management and policy, assessment and evaluation, and sport and recreation planning and programming. They learn through classroom instruction and field experiences to integrate the natural, social and managerial sciences to make informed decisions for recreation services, both natural resource-based and community-based.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
• First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
• Math intensity: General

Curriculum

The curriculum for the program can be viewed in the 2025-2026 curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated Program Options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") is required to change into this program.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Incorporate multiple perspectives when proposing solutions to complex PRSM issues.
• Integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines to develop comprehensive strategies that address the complex challenges faced by park, recreation and sport organizations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in written communications with diverse audiences.

Global Opportunities

Study abroad programs that include travel to some of the world's most renowned and pristine parks, wildlife reserves and other recreational facilities, as well as to forests, reefs and deserts, provide students with invaluable professional development and insight that they can use in their future career.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for professional positions in which they design, develop and manage services that address the recreational needs of a particular clientele. They are employed in a variety of public, private and nonprofit organizations in Arizona, nationally and abroad, and they find employment in such diverse settings as:

• Armed forces recreation
• City park and recreation departments
• County and state park agencies
• Federal natural resource agencies
• Hospitals and care facilities
• Nonprofit recreation programs
• Private and commercial recreation facilities
• Special event management
• Sport venues and theme parks
• Youth agencies

Example job titles and salaries include:

• Community Life Director: $47,080
• Event Planner: $59,440
• Fitness and Wellness Coordinator: $61,340
• General Manager (GM): $102,950
• Museum Educator: $36,660
• Park Ranger: $67,950
• Recreation Coordinator: $35,380
• Social Services Director: $78,240
• Urban Planner: $83,720

Accelerated Master's Programs

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

• Community Resources and Development (Nonprofits and NGOs), MS
• Community Resources and Development (Parks and Recreation Management), MS
• Community Resources and Development (Sustainable Communities), MS
• Community Resources and Development (Tourism), MS
• Community Resources and Development, MS
• Public Administration, MPA

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.