A BRIEF HISTORY OF RECREATION & PARK ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
The Recreation program was established at Arkansas Tech University in 1965 as part of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER). The first Bachelor of Science degrees in Recreation were conferred in 1966.The Recreation Program was moved out of the HPER Department in 1968 and designated as the Department of Recreation and Park Administration.
The Recreation and Park Administration Program was first accredited by the Council on Accreditation National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation in 1997. The program was reaccredited in 2002 and 2007, and 2013.
About the Program
VISION
The Recreation and Park Administration will produce leaders in Recreation and Park Administration.
MISSION
The mission of the Recreation and Park Administration Program is to educate Recreation and Park professionals for self, community, and society
VALUES
- Lifelong learning
- Service to community
- Personal and Professional development
- Diversity of experience
- Environmental stewardship
- Interpersonal communication
- Healthy lifestyles
Areas Of Emphasis
Natural Resource
The Natural Resource emphasis prepares students to manage large resource areas and visitor facilities. Planning and management aspect of land and water resources are a major point, with private and public recreation and park systems as targeted employment areas.
Learn more about the Natural Resource Emphasis
Recreation Sport Management
The Recreation Sport Management emphasis prepares students to work in community and agency settings and commercial recreation businesses. Programming and people management are the major focal points in this area.
Learn more about the Recreation Sport Emphasis
Interpretation
The Interpretation emphasis prepares students for a career with various interpretive and outdoor education programs in private, state, and federal agencies.
Learn more about the Interpretation Emphasis
Therapeutic Recreation
The Therapeutic Recreation emphasis prepares students for a career as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) working with special populations in clinical and community recreation environments.
Learn more about the Therpeutic Emphasis
