Overview

Students in the Recreation Management and Event Planning program offered at Eastern Kentucky University will be working in state park settings and with federal outdoor recreation agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Corps of Engineers. Students in this curriculum concentration may also be interested in the business and profit motive capabilities of outdoor adventure pursuits.

Why Recreation and Park Administration?

Degree Benefits

The senior practicum (REC 463) serves as an excellent transition from school to work, and many students are hired directly from their practicum. A career in park, recreation and tourism services enables students to have an impact in their work, in their communities, on the environment, and in the lives of others!

Rewarding Career Opportunities

Recreation, Natural Resource, Tourism and Resort, and Facility Management

Special Events Programming

Outdoor and Adventure, Therapeutic, Campus, Military, and Church Recreation

Camps

Non-Profit organizations such as the YMCA, Girl Scouts, 4-H and Boys and Girls Club

Bachelor of Science Degree Concentrations

Recreation Management and Programming

This concentration is designed for students interested in working for city/county/metro parks and recreation departments. Students also land jobs with nonprofit community agencies, such as YMCA/YWCA, 4H, or scouting programs. Students may also be interested in working in military/MWR settings, campus recreation, or special event planning.

Natural Resources Recreation Management

This concentration is designed for students interested in working in state park settings and with federal outdoor recreation agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Corps of Engineers. Students in this curriculum concentration may also be interested in the business and profit motive capabilities of outdoor adventure pursuits.

Therapeutic Recreation

Students in this concentration are typically interested in working in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. Their interests are with a variety of clientele groups such as the mentally challenged, physically challenged, psychiatric patients, senior citizens, and youth-at-risk. Most therapeutic recreation majors select one or two populations of persons they are most interested in working with in a recreation setting. Some students enter the career area of community therapeutic recreation and work with a local/county/metro park and recreation department serving the needs of special populations. Students graduating with this concentration meet the requirements necessary to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

Tourism and Resort Recreation

Students choosing this concentration are interested in working in a resort setting or in some tourism related capacity. Internship opportunities vary from coastal resort settings, such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach; to cruise lines; to local and state tourism offices; to theme parks; to special event planning.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Leisure Services Careers

Recreation Leadership

Challenge Course

Leisure Diversity and Culture

Education for Leisure and Recreative Living

Programming Special Events

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Richmond, United States

Disciplines

Event Management Tourism & Leisure View 370 other Bachelors in Tourism & Leisure in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Fill out the free online application. Students must indicate the major they wish to pursue in order for an I-20 to be issued.
Submit a copy of your valid passport
Submit transcripts:

Complete secondary school records reflecting a cumulative grade of 75% (2.5 GPA equivalent) or higher.

Submit an official copy of your high school diploma or graduation certificate (if applicable).
Provide a declaration of finances - A Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) will not be authorized until financial verification is received. Providing false information may jeopardize visa status and result in the University revoking acceptance. U.S. immigration law requires international students to prove they have funds available for their educational and living expenses.

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

12000 USD / year

≈ 12000 USD / year
Out-of-State

12000 USD / year

≈ 12000 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10440 USD / year

≈ 10440 USD / year

Living costs

Richmond

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

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Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Why Recreation and Park Administration?

Rewarding Career Opportunities

Bachelor of Science Degree Concentrations

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

Richmond

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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