Overview

The Recreation programme at Western Washington University provides students with a multidisciplinary foundation in the social, behavioural, and environmental sciences. This degree is designed to prepare future leaders who can enhance the quality of community life through the strategic management of leisure and natural resources.

The curriculum is delivered through a unique cohort model, where students progress together through four sequential phases of study. This structure fosters a supportive learning environment and ensures that every participant gains a deep understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate diverse recreation services effectively.

Why Recreation at Western Washington University?

This programme has maintained national accreditation since 1986, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to academic and professional standards. It is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, benefiting from a faculty dedicated to developing virtuous and competent professionals in the field.

A distinctive feature of the course is the emphasis on practical experience and community service. Students are required to complete 240 hours of leadership service followed by a substantial 400-hour internship, providing them with extensive real-world exposure before they enter the global workforce.

The institution offers specialised concentrations that allow students to tailor their studies to specific career goals. These pathways include focus areas in tourism, community recreation, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic recreation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for their chosen professional niche.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured into four distinct phases. Modules may include:

Recreation Management & Leadership
Tourism
Community Recreation
Outdoor Recreation
Therapeutic Recreation
Health and Human Development

Careers with Recreation

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across the public and private sectors, working with international organisations, government agencies, and non-profit groups. The skills acquired during the programme are highly transferable to various industries focused on human services and environmental stewardship.

Common career paths for alumni include roles as recreation therapists, park rangers, and outdoor adventure trip leaders. Many graduates also find success managing youth-serving agencies, coordinating community cultural arts, or operating sustainable tourism ventures on a global scale.

Recent employers of graduates include national park services, major cruise lines, and various municipal parks and departments. Additionally, some students apply their expertise in related fields such as social work, law enforcement, and environmental education.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Recreation and Leisure

Community Recreation and Leisure Services

Outdoor Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation

Professional Practicum and Seminar

Tourism

Management of Recreation and Leisure Services

Recreation Programming

Human Relations: Concepts and Skills

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

More details

First priority is given to students who have submitted applications by the first Thursday in November during fall quarter.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Tourism & Leisure View 366 other Bachelors in Tourism & Leisure in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The International Student Application for Admission

$60 non-refundable application fee

An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Official academic credentials

Evidence of English language proficiency

Statement of Financial Responsibility

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Recreation.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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