Overview

The Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration at Central Michigan University provides students with the essential skills to lead in the diverse leisure and tourism industry. This programme focuses on improving community quality of life through expert management of recreational facilities, outdoor environments, and therapeutic services.

Students explore the personal and social benefits of leisure, learning how structured activities reduce stress and build self-confidence. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare graduates for leadership roles. You will develop the expertise needed to manage complex events and diverse populations effectively.

Why Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration at Central Michigan University?

This department was one of the first of its kind in the United States, establishing a legacy of excellence that dates back to 1946. The programme has maintained COAPRT accreditation for nearly four decades, ensuring that the curriculum meets the highest professional standards. Students study in the historic Finch Fieldhouse, which provides a supportive and accessible learning environment.

The faculty members serve as academic advisors, offering personalised guidance based on their extensive real-world experience. Distinctive features include the Disney College Program, which offers world-renowned internship opportunities. Students can also participate in adventure seminars involving indoor climbing walls and high-ropes courses to build leadership skills.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22200 per year
National fee: USD 13248 per year
Local fee: USD 13248 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is organised into distinct pathways to suit different career goals. Modules may include:

Event and Recreation Management
Recreational Therapy and Rehabilitation
Outdoor Environmental Recreation
Leisure Services
Disability Studies & Community Inclusion
Leadership
Event Management
Outdoor & Environmental Education

Careers with Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles within the significant recreation and leisure economy. Potential career paths include becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or a professional event manager. Many alumni find success in municipal park departments, commercial recreation centres, and outdoor environmental agencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Leave No Trace Ethics

Park and Natural Resource Management

Budgeting & Funding for Leisure Service Agencies

Liability and Risk Management in Leisure Services

Research & Philosophy in RPL

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 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

More details

National Fall start : Rolling admission

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Mount Pleasant, United States

Disciplines

Tourism & Leisure View 364 other Bachelors in Tourism & Leisure in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

If your GPA is at least 2.8, we will accept your application using the GPA you provide when you apply.
If your GPA is below 2.8, a transcript is required.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

We take several things into consideration when evaluating applications for admission, including GPA, test scores (optional) and academic improvement over time.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to pay a $40 application fee. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, speak to your high school guidance counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

You may submit an unofficial transcript with your application, or ask your school counselor to submit your official transcript. We can provide an admission decision and merit scholarship with either one. Keep us updated with new transcripts at the end of each semester. It may mean an upgrade in your scholarship.

You don’t have to submit a test score in order to be admitted and earn a merit award.

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

22200 USD / year

≈ 22200 USD / year
Out-of-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13248 USD / year

≈ 13248 USD / year

Additional Details

Lower level (less than 56 credit hours) tuition: For U.S. residents: $11,976 per year, for International students: $21,000 per year

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

United States

1000 - 1500 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, Parks and Leisure Services Administration.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

Mount Pleasant

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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