Recreation (REC)

REC 1310. Introduction to Recreation and Sport Management.

This course surveys the evolution, purpose, and practice of recreation and sport management in contemporary society. Students learn about the field’s historical trajectory, professional opportunities, and major service sectors, including community recreation, campus recreation, nonprofit organizations, and sport management settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding theories of leisure behavior, identifying emerging trends, and examining the role of recreation and sport in supporting community well being. Instruction incorporates lecture, guided discussion, and structured analysis of professional literature. Students completing the course will be able to describe fundamental concepts, recognize professional responsibilities, and explain how recreation and sport services are organized and delivered.

REC 1330. Introduction to Outdoor Recreation.

This course introduces students to the study of outdoor recreation within natural environments and the systems that support it. Students examine how outdoor recreation has developed in the United States, including major historical influences, service structures, and public resource frameworks. The course explores research on leisure behavior, participation patterns, and the perceived benefits associated with nature based recreation. Attention is given to environmental impacts, stewardship approaches, and the roles of federal, state, and local agencies. Through inquiry based activities, students analyze trends shaping the field and consider how outdoor recreation professionals support a variety of communities. By the end of the course, students will be able to interpret key concepts, management practices, and contemporary issues in outdoor recreation.

REC 1370. Introduction to Recreational Therapy.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of recreational therapy as a profession within healthcare and human services. Students study the historical development of the field, including terminology, treatment approaches, legislation, and philosophical perspectives that shape contemporary practice. Attention is given to service settings, professional roles, and the characteristics of client populations receiving recreational therapy services. The course also introduces theoretical foundations and the recreational therapy process, emphasizing the profession’s contribution to improving functioning, participation, and overall quality of life. Through analysis of case examples and professional standards, students gain a foundational understanding of how recreational therapists collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and apply structured interventions to support client goals.

REC 2330. Leadership Theory and Experiential Application in Recreation and Sport Services.

This course examines foundational leadership theories and introduces practical methods used in recreation and sport environments. Students explore approaches to communication, group management, and activity sequencing for indoor and outdoor settings. The required weekly lab provides structured opportunities to practice facilitation skills, observe group dynamics, and identify potential risks in a beginner-level environment. Emphasis is placed on analyzing leadership techniques, applying experiential learning principles, and gaining experience with guided peer feedback.

REC 2335. Recreation and Sport Program and Event Development.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and processes involved in planning and developing recreation and sport programs. Students examine methods for identifying participant interests, structuring programs, and organizing events in a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding the stages of program design, applying organizational strategies, and evaluating factors that influence program quality and effectiveness. Through applied assignments, students develop practical skills in planning, assessing, and implementing recreation and sport opportunities that align with organizational goals and operational constraints. Prerequisite: REC 1310 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 2336. Fieldwork Experience in Recreation and Sport Programming.

This course offers students a 200-hour field-based experience in recreation and sport leadership through supervised work with an affiliated recreation or sports agency. Students actively assist with planning and leading programs while learning how professional organizations operate. Online course assignments support students’ field experience by helping them connect prior course content and skills to hands on application at their site. Each student will be supervised by an on-site mentor and faculty member with expertise in the recreation and sport field to ensure a safe, structured, and guided learning experience. Prerequisite: REC 2335 with a grade of "C" or better and a minimum 2.0 Texas State GPA and instructor approval.

REC 2370. Planning Recreational Therapy Services.

This course introduces students to principles of program planning within recreational therapy practice. Students examine theoretical models used in the field and learn how these models inform the development of programs, specific program design, and activity and task analysis. Through structured learning experiences, students gain practical skills in organizing intervention components, analyzing activity demands, and aligning program goals with participant needs. The course emphasizes understanding how program structure, sequencing, and documentation contribute to effective recreational therapy services in a variety of settings. Prerequisites: REC 1370 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisites: REC 1310 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 3325. Principles of Administration in Recreation and Sport.

This course provides an overview of administrative functions used in recreation and sport organizations. Students examine foundational management concepts, including organizational structure, decision making, delegation, planning, coordination of resources, and professional ethics. Instruction emphasizes the study of how administrative processes function within recreation and sport environments. Students apply course concepts by analyzing organizational scenarios and completing team based and individual activities that reflect common administrative responsibilities within the field. Prerequisite: REC 2335 with a grade of "C" or better and [MATH 1312 or MATH 1315 or MATH 1316 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 1329 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471 or HON 2302A] with a grade of "D" or better.

REC 3335. Advanced Program Planning in Recreation and Sport.

This course provides students with advanced program planning skills used in recreation and sport settings. Students examine theories and models of program development, approaches for identifying target groups, methods for conducting needs assessments, and processes for analyzing potential risk and liability considerations. Instruction emphasizes how planning frameworks operate within recreation and sport environments. Students apply course concepts through an applied project that requires them to design a program, outline operational needs, and evaluate planning decisions using established professional standards. (WI) Prerequisite: REC 2335 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 3340. Recreation and Sport Facility Operations and Management.

This course introduces participants to practical considerations involved in the issues relating to the operation, maintenance, administration, development and design of facilities and areas that have recreational purposes or potential. Students examine processes such as facility planning, site assessment, construction considerations, maintenance procedures, and operational problem solving. Learning methods may include dedicated text readings, site visitation, and applied in-and-out-of-class assignments that analyze real or hypothetical and address maintenance, operation, development, design, or program problems. Topics will span needs conception (for space and experience) to construction. Prerequisite: REC 1310 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

REC 3351. Evaluation of Recreation and Sport Programs.

This course introduces methods and techniques used to evaluate recreation and sport programs. Students examine approaches for assessing clientele characteristics, program effectiveness, personnel performance, facility use, and organizational operations. The course emphasizes the systematic collection, summarization, and communication of data using established evaluation practices. Through readings, case studies, and applied exercises, students practice using interviews, questionnaires, and observational techniques, as well as practicing writing basic statistical summaries. Students also prepare written, numerical, and graphical presentations to communicate findings clearly and accurately. (WI) Prerequisite: REC 2335 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 3370. Assessment and Documentation in Recreational Therapy.

This course introduces students to assessment procedures and documentation practices used in recreational therapy. Students learn how to select and administer assessment instruments, observe client abilities and needs, and interpret assessment findings to inform treatment planning. The course emphasizes accurate documentation, use of standardized formats, and application of clinical reasoning when reporting client progress. Students also explore professional standards and regulatory expectations relevant to assessment and documentation. Through applied exercises, students develop entry level competence in collecting assessment data, documenting results, and supporting treatment decisions. Prerequisite: HIM 2360 and REC 1370 and REC 2370 all with grades of "C" or better.

REC 3371. Facilitation and Processing in Recreational Therapy.

This course presents an overview of processes for leading therapeutic groups, facilitation techniques, and counseling techniques used in the selection and implementation of interventions used in recreational therapy practice. Students will apply current research and theoretical perspectives to the selection and implementation of therapeutic interventions. In addition, focus will be on development of skills necessary to implement evidence-based goal-directed outcomes using recreational therapy interventions. Prerequisite: REC 1370 and REC 2370 both with grades of "C" or better.

REC 3380. Practicum in Outdoor Recreation.

This course offers students a 200-hour supervised practicum in an outdoor recreation services agency, emphasizing the application of industry standards in leadership, administration, and customer engagement. Students participate in day-to-day agency operations, complete assigned tasks, and collaborate with agency personnel to support organizational goals. Through the completion of an applied project, students integrate academic learning with field practice to develop foundational competencies for professional roles in outdoor recreation. Each student is supervised by an on-site mentor and a faculty member with expertise in an outdoor-related field to ensure a safe, structured, and guided learning experience. This course may be repeated once with a different agency. Prerequisite: REC 1310 and REC 1330 and REC 2336 with grades of "C" or better and a minimum 2.25 Major GPA and instructor approval.

REC 4318G. Global Perspectives in Recreation & Sport Facility Operation.

This course will introduce theories and provide practical experience in the design, development, operation, maintenance, administration of various recreation and sport facilities. Students will compare facility amenities from the United States with those in another country. Students will have behind the scenes tours of recreation and sport facilities and parks, meet with managers from all sectors of the recreation and sport industry, and learn from faculty abroad. It is specifically for students participating in a Study Abroad program.

REC 4318H. Recreation & Sport Research in an International Context.

This course introduces concepts, techniques, and processes used in conducting evaluation and research within recreation and sport agencies. Students identify an area of interest related to recreation, sport, or leisure and complete a research project comparing practices in the United States with those in the study abroad destination. Instruction emphasizes neutral research design, data collection, and analytical skills suitable for international comparative inquiry. The course is designed for students participating in a Study Abroad program.

REC 4330. Entrepreneurial Management in Recreation and Sport.

This course examines the principles and practices of entrepreneurial management within recreation and sport industries. Students explore commercial recreation, entrepreneurial concepts, and introductory elements of travel and tourism. The course addresses economic considerations, marketing strategies, and financing options relevant to commercial recreation operations. Additional attention is given to factors influencing business development and the range of opportunities available in private, nonprofit, and commercial sectors. Students develop an applied understanding of how entrepreneurial ideas are evaluated and implemented in recreation and sport settings. Prerequisite: REC 1310 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

REC 4335. Outdoor Recreation Programming.

This course prepares students to design and lead outdoor recreation programs using research supported practices and industry guidelines. Topics include program planning models, group facilitation, risk management, emergency action planning, and outdoor ethics frameworks. Students gain experience applying logistical and leadership skills in field based contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to plan and conduct an outdoor recreation program that demonstrates effective organization, environmental awareness, and participant centered leadership. Students will apply established outdoor ethics frameworks, including the Leave No Trace (LNT) standards used across the outdoor recreation profession.

REC 4337. Independent Study in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course provides students with the opportunity to pursue an independent study project in Recreation and Sport Management under the supervision of a faculty member. Students identify an approved topic, develop a structured plan of inquiry, and engage in systematic academic work appropriate to upper level study. The faculty mentor and student collaboratively establish the project scope, expectations, and timeline. Projects may involve applied analysis, literature review, program evaluation, or other forms of scholarly or professional work aligned with disciplinary standards. Emphasis is placed on developing research skills, applying relevant theoretical frameworks, and producing a clear academic product. Independent study allows students to explore focused interests while demonstrating initiative, academic integrity, and professional communication. Prerequisite: Department approval.

REC 4350. Human Resource Management in Recreation and Sport Organizations.

This course introduces the principles and practices of supervising employees in recreation and sport settings. Students examine recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and disciplinary procedures, as well as basic legal considerations related to personnel supervision. Instruction begins by exploring the expectations of entry level staff and progresses toward foundational supervisory responsibilities. Students will develop resumes and cover letters as part of the course. Emphasis is placed on understanding workplace policies, applying human resource practices, and developing skills for managing staff in a structured, professional environment. Prerequisite: REC 2335 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 4370. Administrative Principles of Recreational Therapy.

This course introduces students to administrative principles that guide recreational therapy services across various practice settings. Students examine standards of practice, ethical codes, credentialing systems, and regulatory expectations that influence program operation and service delivery. Emphasis is placed on understanding administrative components such as comprehensive program design, quality improvement processes, accountability measures, and documentation of operational procedures. Students also investigate accrediting and regulatory bodies, including their roles in shaping compliance and professional expectations. Through discussion and applied activities, students explore current issues and industry trends that inform administrative decision making within recreational therapy. Prerequisite: REC 1370 and REC 2370 and REC 3370 and REC 3371 all with grades of "C" or better.

REC 4371. Application of Evidence-Based Practice in Recreational Therapy.

This course introduces students to the principles and application of evidence-based practice within recreational therapy. Students learn to locate, evaluate, and integrate peer reviewed research, professional judgment, and client preferences to support effective clinical decision making. Through course activities, students examine how evidence informs assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation across a variety of populations and settings. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for interpreting research quality, applying findings in practice, and supporting goal directed outcomes across the lifespan. Prerequisite: REC 1370 and REC 2370 both with grades of "C" or better.

REC 4380. Seminar in Recreation and Sport Trends and Issues.

This course is a capstone seminar which examines major trends, issues, and developments influencing contemporary recreation and sport management. Students analyze the interaction among services, consumers, organizational environments, and broader industry forces. Emphasis is placed on understanding how professional standards, managerial practices, and emerging challenges shape decision making across a variety of recreation and sport settings. Through readings, case studies, and discussion, students learn to evaluate current professional issues and communicate findings effectively. The course should be taken in the last spring semester preceding enrollment in REC 4680 or REC 4681. (WI) Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

REC 4680. Internship in Recreation and Sport.

This course serves as the programs culminating academic experience that provides students with a 400-hour field-based experience with an affiliated recreation or sport agency. Students will enhance professional competencies in communication, programming, operations, human resources, and budgeting through the completion of administrative tasks and guidance from their agency mentor. Each student will be supervised by an on-site mentor and faculty member with expertise in the recreation and sport field to ensure a safe, structured, and guided learning experience. Prerequisite: REC 1310 and REC 2335 and REC 2336 and REC 3325 and REC 4380 all with grades of "C" or better and all major coursework must be completed and a minimum 2.25 Major GPA and instructor approval.

REC 4681. Internship in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides students with a supervised internship experience in recreational therapy. Over a minimum of 14 weeks and 560 hours, students apply academic knowledge in a professional setting under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a CTRS credentialed faculty member. Students engage in the full recreational therapy process, including assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and documentation. The internship emphasizes professional behavior, application of clinical skills, and adherence to standards of practice. Through direct client interaction and structured supervision, students gain experience in delivering services, demonstrating competencies from the NCTRC Job Analysis, and integrating evidence informed practices into professional decision making. Prerequisites: REC 1310 and REC 1370 and REC 2335 and REC 2336 and REC 2370 and REC 3325 and REC 3370 and REC 3371 and REC 4370 and REC 4371 and REC 4380 all with grades of "C" or better and all major coursework completed and a minimum 2.25 Major GPA and instructor approval.

REC 5199B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5299B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5310. Philosophical Foundations of Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines the historical and conceptual foundations of leisure, recreation, and sport. Students analyze major philosophical perspectives, definitions, and debates that have shaped these fields over time. Readings include historical, analytical, and theoretical works that explore how leisure practices emerge within social and organizational contexts. Emphasis will be placed on structural conditions that allow an activity or an experience to be defined as leisure. Students develop analytical tools for understanding how professional practices are informed by philosophical assumptions and ethical considerations. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate various definitions of leisure and consider their implications for contemporary recreation and sport management.

REC 5318P. Advanced Recreation Practices for Individuals with Disabilities.

This course examines advanced practices in recreation services for individuals with disabilities. Students analyze theories, models, and current trends related to adaptive, adapted, and general recreation, including best practices in sport and activity design. The course examines concepts such as environmental accessibility and social isolation as objects of study within recreation contexts, emphasizing research-based approaches rather than prescriptive viewpoints. Students evaluate strategies for adapting activities, modifying environments, and enhancing service delivery across varied settings. Through case examples and applied learning, students develop skills to implement evidence informed recreation practices that support a variety of participant needs.

REC 5318Q. Evaluation of Recreation and Sport Programs.

This course provides an applied overview of evaluation methods used in recreation and sport program settings. Students examine the historical development of program evaluation and study approaches suited to a variety of participants, organizational contexts, and program types. Readings and activities focus on selecting evaluation techniques, designing data collection instruments, and applying both quantitative and qualitative measures. Students practice interpreting results and presenting findings in formats appropriate for administrators, staff, and stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on developing practical, evidence based skills for assessing program effectiveness and supporting decision making within recreation and sport organizations.

REC 5321. Issues and Trends in Recreational Therapy.

This course introduces students to current issues and trends shaping recreational therapy practice, education, research, and service delivery. Students investigate emerging developments, examining how these trends influence professional expectations, treatment approaches, and organizational structures. Course activities emphasize critical analysis, interpretation of evidence, and evaluation of stakeholder perspectives. Students explore how trends impact practice environments while maintaining focus on objective inquiry rather than prescriptive action. Through guided discussion and applied projects, students develop the ability to analyze professional issues and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders in a value neutral and academically grounded manner. Prerequisite: REC 5328 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5325. Philosophical Foundations of Recreational Therapy.

This course examines the history, theory, and philosophy of recreational therapy, including service models, diagnostic groups, the recreational therapy process, evidence‑based practice, and relevant legislation. Students will explore how recreational therapy supports the attainment and maintenance of well‑being for individuals with various characteristics, disabilities, and abilities. Emphasis is placed on applying research evidence to the planning and delivery of recreational therapy across a variety of service settings. Students will develop skills in locating, critically appraising, analyzing, and producing evidence related to treatment modalities and techniques used in recreational therapy practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

REC 5326. Advanced Program Planning for Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of the recreational therapy process. Focus will be on planning individualized services and support for persons with disabling conditions and limitations. Students will analyze interventions, modalities, instruction, leadership, supervision, and leisure counseling techniques in relation to program planning and implementation of recreational therapy services. Through advanced, structured learning experiences, students will critically analyze foundational and emerging theoretical models, develop comprehensive program designs, and apply detailed activity and task analyses that inform and enhance effective recreational therapy service delivery. Prerequisite: REC 5327 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5327. Advanced Assessment & Documentation in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an in depth examination of assessment and documentation processes used in recreational therapy practice. Students review standardized and specialized assessment instruments and learn procedures for selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting these tools in a clinically accurate and objective manner. The course emphasizes documentation methods commonly used in clinical and community settings, including narrative summaries, progress notes, and treatment related reporting structures. Using collected assessment data, students develop individualized treatment plans that align with professional standards and respond to the strengths, needs, and goals of individuals receiving services. Attention is given to accuracy, consistency, and evidence-based decision making in all phases of assessment and documentation. Corequisite: REC 5325 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5328. Advanced Principles of Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of administrative principles used in designing, organizing, and managing recreational therapy services across a variety of settings. Students explore professional credentialing processes, administrative policies, standards of practice, scope of practice, professional standards, and regulatory expectations relevant to recreational therapy. The course emphasizes analysis of administrative structures, quality improvement processes, and program evaluation components that support effective service delivery. Students apply administrative frameworks to case based examples, examining how operational planning, regulatory alignment, and professional standards inform organizational decision making in recreational therapy programs. Prerequisite: REC 5327 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5329. Applied Implementation in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides an advanced examination of the recreational therapy process focused on implementation of services and supports tailored for persons with disabling conditions and limitations. Applying current research and theoretical perspectives in relation to leading therapeutic groups, students will explore facilitation techniques and counseling techniques used in selection and implementation of interventions. Additional focus will be on developing skills necessary to implement evidence-based goal-directed outcomes using recreational therapy interventions. Prerequisite: REC 5328 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5330. Organizational Leadership in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines leadership and management practices within recreation and sport organizations. Students explore the leader’s role in facilitating organizational effectiveness and study human resource functions such as hiring, supervision, evaluation, and compensation. The course also reviews federal and state employment laws and considers how managers implement legal requirements and agency policies in daily operations. Emphasis is placed on analyzing management processes, understanding leadership responsibilities, and applying administrative concepts through case based examples.

REC 5336. Independent Study in Recreational Therapy.

This course is an independent study related to recreational therapy under direct supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated for additional credit at the discretion of the department chair. Prerequisite: Department Approval.

REC 5337. Independent Study in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course provides students the opportunity to pursue an individualized project in Recreation and Sport Management under the guidance of a faculty member. Students will identify an academically rigorous topic, develop a proposal, and complete an independent study plan that includes scheduled faculty supervision. The project must result in a professional academic product such as a research paper, analysis, or applied report. Emphasis is placed on disciplined inquiry, sound methodological reasoning, and clear communication of findings relevant to recreation or sport management settings. This course supports students in demonstrating self directed learning, applying disciplinary concepts, and producing work that meets graduate level academic standards.

REC 5338. Internship in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides a supervised internship in recreational therapy over a minimum of 14 weeks and 560 hours. Students apply academic knowledge in a professional setting under the supervision of a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and a CTRS credentialed faculty member. The internship includes participation in assessment, treatment planning, implementation, evaluation, documentation, and professional communication. Emphasis is placed on applying the recreational therapy process, demonstrating professional competencies, and meeting administrative expectations of the agency. Students gain experience integrating evidence informed practices, adhering to professional standards, and demonstrating independent clinical decision making within supervised practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

REC 5339. Advanced Research Methods in Recreational Therapy.

This course provides students with an opportunity to enhance research knowledge related to Recreational Therapy. The focus will be on developing advanced competencies in research methodology, critical analysis of literature, and application of evidence-based practice in recreational therapy throughout the therapeutic process. Students will engage in a comprehensive case study project that integrates theoretical knowledge, clinical judgement and practical application, emphasizing the importance of research in informing recreational therapy practice. Corequisite: REC 5338 with a grade of "C" or better.

REC 5340. Social Psychology of Recreation and Sport.

This course introduces graduate students to major social psychological theories and empirical research addressing leisure, sport, and recreation behavior. Students examine how individual attributes, social contexts, and group processes shape participation patterns across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on understanding foundational models, evaluating peer reviewed research, and applying theoretical constructs to contemporary issues in recreation management. Through analysis of interdisciplinary literature, students develop the conceptual tools needed to describe, compare, and interpret the social psychological dimensions of leisure in a variety of settings.

REC 5346. Literature and Research in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course introduces students to academic literature in recreation and sport management and provides tools for analyzing scholarly articles and research reports. Students examine research design, content organization, methodology, and potential limitations in published studies. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the clarity, validity, and structure of research as well as identifying common flaws in reporting. The course also addresses ethical considerations relevant to conducting and reviewing research, allowing students to understand established professional standards without requiring agreement with any particular ethical stance. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to critically evaluate research within the field using systematic and transparent analytical approaches.

REC 5350. Legal and Ethical Issues in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines the legal and ethical foundations that guide contemporary recreation and sport management. Students study legal terminology, tort principles, risk exposure, participant rights, legal access requirements, and credentialing standards relevant to professional practice. Ethical reasoning frameworks are explored and applied to real-world scenarios involving confidentiality, conflict of interest, professional boundaries, and organizational responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on objective analysis, informed decision‑making, and the ability to locate credible legal resources. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to evaluate legal risks, interpret professional duties, and apply ethical frameworks without being required to adopt any particular viewpoint.

REC 5360. Financial Management in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course examines financial concepts, principles, and practices used within recreation and sport delivery systems. Students study approaches such as full cost accounting, pricing strategies, budgeting processes, and techniques for analyzing organizational financial plans. Emphasis is placed on understanding how financial decisions are made across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students apply established financial management tools to evaluate revenue sources, assess program costs, and develop resource proposals. Through case studies and structured analysis, the course supports the development of professional judgment and the ability to interpret financial information within recreation and sport contexts. Prerequisite: REC 5380 with a grade of "C" or better or instructor approval.

REC 5372. Design and Technology in Physical Environments of Leisure.

This course examines how individuals experience physical environments in leisure contexts. Content includes analysis of environments such as homes, cities, and outdoor spaces, including arenas, and their influence on leisure, recreation, and sport activities. The course addresses the role of technology in shaping these environments and examines design processes, including the use of drawings and planning documents to meet functional and experiential needs. Emphasis is placed on evaluating how physical and technological elements interact within leisure settings.

REC 5373. Innovative Technology Solutions and Applications in Recreation and Sport.

This course examines the use of contemporary technologies within recreation, sport, and leisure service environments. Students develop research skills related to user needs, user technology interaction, and technology evaluation. Emphasis is placed on analytical techniques used to assess technology including diagramming, descriptive documentation, and analysis of functions. Through applied examples and case studies, students explore how technological tools influence service delivery, operational processes, and user experience. The course prepares students to analyze opportunities for innovation while assessing both benefits and limitations of specific technologies within recreation and sport settings.

REC 5380. Organizational Planning in Recreation and Sport Management.

This course provides students with organizational planning and administration tools developed and tested within the recreation and sport industries. Topics may include the exploration of programming and organizational theory, administrative processes, and the application of organizational planning principles to the recreation and sport delivery systems. Emphasis will be placed on successful, evidence-based planning strategies used in a variety of businesses, organizations and agencies around the world. Topics include program planning, and the components necessary for effective master, strategic and comprehensive planning.

REC 5381. Outdoor Program Leadership and Administration.

This course provides an overview of leadership, administration, and program delivery within the outdoor recreation sector. Students explore foundational theories of outdoor programs and adventure experiences, along with historical developments that have shaped the meaning and use of wilderness and public outdoor spaces in the United States. The course examines the evolution of federal land management agencies and their influence on recreation policy, resource allocation, and visitor services. Through case studies and current research, students apply management principles to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor recreation opportunities. Attention is also given to professional standards in outdoor education, interpretive programming, and the operation of a variety of outdoor recreation systems.

REC 5382. Facility Management in Recreation and Sport Services.

This course provides an overview of the practices involved in managing recreation and sport facilities. Students examine the role of facility manager, work management functions, and user interaction. Topics include health and safety considerations, accessibility frameworks, environment and sustainability practices, technologies, sourcing procedures, emergency preparedness, and approaches to assessing space needs. The course emphasizes analysis of real-world documents and professional literature to support evidence based decision-making. Students develop practical tools and frameworks to evaluate facility operations while maintaining a value neutral, inquiry driven approach to professional standards and responsibilities.

REC 5399A. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5399B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5599B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.

REC 5999B. Thesis.

This course provides structured graduate enrollment for students completing a thesis in Recreation and Sport Management. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor, students identify an academically appropriate research problem, review relevant literature, and design a methodologically sound inquiry. Emphasis is placed on developing the advanced research, writing, and analytical skills expected of graduate-level scholarship. Students continue in this course until they have completed the required thesis hours. No thesis credit is awarded until all required hours are completed and the thesis is approved by the supervising faculty member or thesis committee.