Overview

What You'll Learn

Coursework prepares students to administer, plan, lead and instruct outdoor and recreational programs and study topics from ethics and hazards connected with back-country pursuits to coordinating commercial recreation services. Students perform service work in the region and gain hands-on experience through internships at sites such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center or local recreation departments. In addition, students have an opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications such as Wilderness First Aid for course credit. The Western Carolina University Parks and Recreation Management Club hosts social activities, assists with a community canoe slalom, and brings students together for activities from outdoor pursuits to trail maintenance. Students may choose to reside and study together in WCU’s Outdoor Adventure living and learning community, and participate in WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee outdoor program trips.

Where You'll Go

Graduates from Western Carolina University go on to lead programs for parks and recreation or community organizations, manage facilities such as a college campus recreation center, or work as a camp counselor-director, resort recreation coordinator or instructor at programs such as Outward Bound or skiing or rafting companies. Some work as outdoor guides, conference organizers, park rangers, trail crewmembers or in administrative positions with tourism-related businesses. Still others may work as group exercise instructors, aquatics directors or health-wellness program coordinators.

Programme Structure

Parks and Recreation Management curriculum include:

Foundations of Parks and Recreation Management
Professional Planning in PRM
Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation
Diversity and Inclusion in PRM
Program Planning and Evaluation in PRM
Mini-internship
Capstone Internship Orientation

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Any fall applications submitted or completed after February 2 will be considered on space available basis.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cullowhee, United States

Disciplines

Tourism & Leisure View 365 other Bachelors in Tourism & Leisure in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

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

Your application to WCU begins with a strong academic record. We particularly look for:

Competitive Coursework
Competitive Grades and Class Rank (if Applicable)
Competitive Sat I or Act Scores
Background Checks
Academic Program Requirements

Computer Requirement

Required Actions and Records

Application
Application Fee
High School Transcript
Standardized Test Scores
College Transcripts
Credit Examinations

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

11138 USD / year

≈ 11138 USD / year
Out-of-State

11138 USD / year

≈ 11138 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7138 USD / year

≈ 7138 USD / year

Living costs

Cullowhee

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

What You'll Learn

Where You'll Go

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

Cullowhee

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners