2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Outdoor Recreation [OREC]


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The outdoor recreation major in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies Department  allows students to focus on different aspects of the outdoor recreation/education field. Outdoor leadership, natural resource recreation management and environmental and cultural interpretation are designated concentrations in this major. This major is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the outdoor recreation profession and its associated service delivery systems, and the foundations of the outdoor recreation profession in history, theory, science, and philosophy.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate outdoor recreation services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  3. Demonstrate entry-level knowledge about management/administration in parks and outdoor recreation services and/or related professions.
  4. Demonstrate the sustained ability to apply the outdoor recreation process, use diverse, structured ways of thinking to solve problems related to different facets of professional practice, engage in advocacy, and stimulate innovation.

Program Standard Grade Point Average Requirement

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

  • Program Standard GPA
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5 in any REC course except REC 475
  • Outdoor Recreation Major Requirements
    • 42 credits in any REC course except REC 475

Career Potential

  • Outdoor leader in a variety of agencies from Outward Bound, to campus outdoor programs, to camps
  • State or national park manager
  • Outdoor educator or interpretation specialist with nature centers, parks and other environmental agencies

Total Credit Hours Required for Major: 71-76


B. Outdoor Recreation: 9 credit hours


Natural Environment Area


Three credit hours from the following:

Environmental Attitudes and Literacy Area


Three credit hours from the following:

Environmental Teaching Area


Three credit hours from the following:

C. Required Concentration: 12-13 credit hours


Choose one of the following concentrations:

Three credit hours from the following:


  • A policy course approved by advisement or

3. Environmental and Cultural Interpretation Concentration: 12-13 credit hours [ENV]


D. Internship: 12 credit hours


 Students may not enroll in additional course work while enrolled in the internship.

E. Other: 8-12 credit hours


  • Activity Requirement: At least two different recreation activities (2-6 cr. hr.)
     
  • First Aid Requirement: OREC majors with a concentration in Outdoor Leadership need certification in Wilderness First Responder or higher. OREC majors with a concentration in Natural Resource Recreation Management or Environmental and Cultural Interpretation need certification in Wilderness First Aid or higher. This certification is a prerequisite for REC 475: Internship in Recreation and Leisure Services and must be current for the duration of the REC 475 internship. Acceptable certifications can be found in the advisement manual.

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 121


Example of B.S. in Outdoor Recreation over four years


General Education (GE); Foreign Language

Total credit hours for semester: 16


First Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester: 16-17


Total credit hours for semester: 16


Second Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Third Year Fall


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Third Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester: 16


Fourth Year Fall


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Total credit hours for semester: 12


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