Parks and Recreation Management (Community, Commercial and Tourism) Northern Arizona University

Overview

The Parks and Recreation Management (Community, Commercial and Tourism) at Northern Arizona University provides students with a robust foundation in the professional management of leisure and natural resources. This programme is designed to foster global awareness and healthy lifestyles while equipping graduates with the technical skills required for diverse roles in the tourism and recreation sectors.

The curriculum is distinguished by its commitment to small class sizes and high levels of interaction between students and expert faculty. By integrating on-site field experiences with theoretical study, the university ensures that learners gain practical insights into the industry. This experiential approach is central to developing the professional competencies needed to enhance the quality of community leisure spaces.

Why Parks and Recreation Management (Community, Commercial and Tourism) at Northern Arizona University?

This programme holds prestigious accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). It is also formally recognised by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), ensuring the curriculum meets rigorous industry standards. Students benefit from a focus on service learning, which connects academic study with meaningful community engagement and civic responsibility.

Facilities and teaching methods at the institution emphasise sustainability and the interconnectedness of humans and their environment. The programme includes a mandatory comprehensive internship of at least 400 clock hours over 10 weeks. This significant professional placement allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world supervisory settings, building a strong bridge between education and future employment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 29568 per year
• National fee: USD 29568 per year
• Local fee: USD 11352 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of at least 120 units, including core requirements and specific emphasis coursework. Modules may include:

• Accounting
• Public Speaking
• Parks and Recreation Management
• Administration and Leisure Services
• Recreation Programme Planning
• Inclusion and Diversity in Leisure
• Program Evaluation and Research
• Outdoor Education
• Leisure Education
• Natural Resource Management
• Professional Development
• Finance and Budgeting
• Human Resource Management
• Leadership and Supervision
• Technical Writing
• Internship
• Statistics

Specific modules for the Community, Commercial and Tourism emphasis include:

• Financial Accounting
• Hospitality Marketing
• Marketing
• Environmental Planning
• Commercial Recreation
• Tourism and Recreation Management
• Event Planning
• Hotel Operations
• Food and Beverage Cost Control
• Wellness
• Public Administration

Careers with Parks and Recreation Management (Community, Commercial and Tourism)

Graduates are prepared for supervisory and management roles within diverse organisations, including municipal recreation departments, commercial tourism enterprises, and non-profit agencies. The programme focuses on developing skills in event implementation, financial management, and facility operation, which are highly valued in the global tourism and leisure industry.

Potential career paths include roles in community event coordination, sustainable tourism development, and the management of commercial recreation facilities. By mastering accounting, marketing, and cultural diversity strategies, students are well-positioned to lead organisations that promote healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness on a local or international scale.