Recreation and Leisure Studies

Empowering Communities, Inspiring Wellness, Leading Through Experience

With a major in Recreation & Leisure Studies, you'll learn how to harness the power of leisure to transform lives—whether by organizing a summer adventure retreat, designing inclusive community events, or using creative recreation therapies. Our hands-on programs prepare students to lead with impact across diverse settings—from city parks and university recreation and wellness centers to hospitals, wilderness areas, and travel destinations.

Why Choose Recreation & Leisure Studies?

✔ Make a Real Difference
Design programs that build community, boost well-being, and foster active lifestyles for all ages and abilities

✔ Learn Through Doing
Our classes go beyond the textbook—students engage in hands-on, experiential learning through real-world projects, community partnerships, and collaborative problem-solving. You'll complete fieldwork, service learning, and internships that prepare you to lead with confidence from day one.

✔ Diverse Career Paths
Step into roles such as park and recreation coordinator, inclusive programming coordinator, recreation therapist, tourism planner, or outdoor education instructor, and much more.

✔ Accredited & Cutting-Edge
Our department is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions—ensuring quality education and industry relevance.

 

 

— BA in Recreation
Choose your focus—Parks & Recreation Management or Sustainable Coastal Tourism & Outdoor Recreation—and learn skills ranging from coordinating community events to planning eco-tourism experiences.

— BS in Recreation Therapy
Train to use arts, sports, and play as therapeutic tools to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of individuals in healthcare and community settings.

— MS in Recreation Administration
Deepen your leadership and research skills to manage organizations and agencies in parks, tourism, or therapeutic recreation. 

— Minors & Certificates
Explore focused areas like Event Planning, Wilderness Studies, or build a minor that complements your major and expands your toolkit. We even offer a certificate in Recreation Therapy for students who have already finished their BA. 

Next Steps 

Enroll in class like REC 141 Intro to Leisure Studies, REC 168 Intro to Travel and Tourism, or REC 201 Teamwork and Group Dynamics to see what we’re about. You can also visit the RLS Department in ET-101 to chat with faculty who are leaders in the field or check in with the CHHS Academic Advising Center to meet with an advisor. Start shaping your future today! 

Mission in Action: Engagement • Participation • Leadership

  • Engagement: Collaborate with local communities, health services, and outdoor programs to design meaningful experiences.
  • Participation: Empower people of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy recreation and leisure fully.
  • Leadership: Step up as a skilled, ethical leader committed to wellness, equity, and sustainability.

  • Undergraduate admission to the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies requires no special admission procedures.
  • For any questions regarding the graduate program (MS in Recreation Administration), please contact Dr. Laurel Richmond (Laurel Richmond). The deadline for the application is June 1 and please visit Cal State Apply for your application.

Recreation manager leading outdoor activity

Professional positions held by graduates and annual median salaries:

Median annual wages (National Recreation and Park Association)

  • Park and Recreation Agency Director: $123,000
  • Planning Director: $106,500
  • Director of Finance: $100,245
  • Recreation Director: $90,000
  • Park Operations Director: $85,000
  • Park Operations: $65,952
  • Facilites Manager: $70,000
  • Athletics Supervisor: $60,347
  • Aquatics Supervisor: $64,500
  • Recreation Programs Coordinator: $58,000
  • Marketing and Communications Director: $70,000
  • Fitness Center Manager: $60,181
  • Administrative Assistant: $47,840

Median annual wages (California Park and Recreation Society job board)

  • Recreation supervisors: $53,710 CA
  • Recreation coordinator: $60,000 – 95,000 CA
  • Recreation director: $175,000 – 211,000 CA
    • Wages vary with job location and level of experience

Median annual wages: Rec Therapists

  • Recreation therapists: $89,660 CA, $57,120 US

  • National accreditation of the program has been awarded continuously since 1982. The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredits recreation, park resources and leisure services curricula. Our department offers the only academic program accredited by COAPRT in Southern California.
  • Learn more about academic accreditation.