Department of Human Performance and Health Education
Western Michigan University’s recreation management major is designed to prepare you for a leadership or administrative role in a public, nonprofit, commercial or recreational sport organization. This program allows you the flexibility to take courses from throughout the University to provide you with knowledge for many of the different fields of recreation. This program does not require a minor.
Beyond the classroom
Many of the classes in the recreation management major program are based on service learning, which means you will be engaged in programs and services throughout the Kalamazoo area that will allow you to learn while you work. Students are engaged in organizing and administering events for Kalamazoo City Parks and Recreation, Kalamazoo County Parks and other agencies.
As a recreation management student you are required to complete a 225-hour practicum experience. This experience gives you the opportunity to see if you want to enter the field. Upon completion of your coursework, you will be required to complete a 600-hour internship with an agency anywhere in the world.
After you graduate
Recent recreation management graduates are working as:
- Administrators
- Catering managers
- Recreation coordinators, directors and managers
Organizations employing WMU recreation management graduates include:
- Boy Scouts of America
- Cruise ships
- Girl Scouts of America
- Municipal, state and federal recreation agencies
- Nonprofit and for-profit enterprises
- Private health and fitness clubs
- U.S. military (civilian)
- YMCA
- YMCA camps
Where is this program offered?
- Kalamazoo