About

The recreation management industry is expanding and expected to grow faster than average over the next eight years. At Appalachian State University, you’ll prepare for careers in recreation management in one of the United States’ most beautiful places for year-round recreation.

In the Recreation Management (BS) - Outdoor Experiential Education degree, students are trained on the foundational theories and philosophies of experiential education; learn and practice teaching basic leadership, wilderness, adventure, and safety skills; understand and develop a sound trip plan and risk management plans; understand individual and group dynamics as it relates to leadership; understand and practice sound problem-solving, decision-making, and judgment skills; and understand and practice a variety of leadership, teaching and facilitation skills.

The program also allows students to obtain a number of certifications through a selection of skills classes. Certifications can include:

• Wilderness First Responder
• Wilderness First Aid Instructor
• Leave No Trace Trainer
• Swiftwater Rescue

After Graduation

Employment: Students have careers as camp directors, outdoor leaders and managers for organizations such as Outward Bound, university outdoor programs, and in student development. They also work in the wilderness therapy field, or in national and state parks as environmental educators and interpretive rangers.

Former students have found internships and employment at Alaska Mountain Guides, Outward Bound, SUWS Wilderness Treatment Program, Sky Valley Zip Tours, Brooklyn Parks and Recreation, Allen Marine Tours, U.S. National Whitewater Center and other locations.

Graduate School: Students may pursue graduate school in Recreation, Leisure Studies, Student Development, Psychology and Business, or obtain advanced certification in skills related to their field from organizations such as American Mountain Guides Association, American Canoe Association or others.

Career Exploration website

People

• 

  Faculty Profile: Kristian Jackson

  Senior Lecturer Kristian Jackson applies his personal passion for mountain biking into an act of stewardship and community service, as well as an educational opportunity for his students.

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  Peterson’s recognizes App State as top-20 school for outdoor enthusiasts

  App State University and its Blue Ridge Mountains setting likely offer an adventure — both academic and recreational — for every lover of the great outdoors.

• 

  Alumna Profile: Lynn Heinmuller Fisher ’97

  Making the best out of the worst is Lynn Heinmuller Fisher’s professional calling. She applies skills learned in outdoor experiential education to a career in emergency planning – including roles as the community preparedness program manager for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management and director of emergency management at Austin Peay State University.

Related Programs

• Recreation Management (BS) - Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management
• Recreation Management (BS) - Recreation and Park Management

Minors

A minor is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

The Recreation Management Association (RMA) - a club providing extra recreational, social, and professional development opportunities to supplement Appalachian’s Recreation Management (RM) program. Membership is open to all Recreation Management majors/minors as well other interested students.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.