Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions at Southern Illinois University is designed for students passionate about enhancing lives through leisure, recreation, and therapeutic activities. You will explore diverse areas such as outdoor recreation, adaptive sports, and recreational therapy, gaining the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to lead and innovate within this dynamic field. This undergraduate degree provides a comprehensive understanding of program design, administration, and the ethical considerations vital for impactful professional practice.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, your learning experience will be hands-on, incorporating fieldwork, practical skill development in areas like canoeing and rock climbing, and potentially an internship in recreation or recreational therapy. You will develop expertise in areas like leadership, program evaluation, and risk management, preparing you for a variety of roles. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in outdoor adventure leadership, recreational therapy, community recreation management, and facility administration, making a tangible difference in people's well-being.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for diverse roles in the recreation and leisure services industry. The program explores various aspects of recreation, including outdoor pursuits, therapeutic applications, program design, and administration. Students will gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge in areas such as leadership, risk management, and inclusive practices, equipping them for impactful careers in the field.

1 Course Offerings

Backpacking
Introduction to Mountain Biking
Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
Canoeing
Kayaking
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Adaptive Paddlesports
Swift Water Canoeing
Land Navigation
Wilderness First Aid
Disc Golf
Introduction to Pickleball
Indoor Rock Climbing
Outdoor Rock Climbing
Introduction to Trail Building
Recreational Arts and Crafts
Nature-Based Crafts
Outdoor Cooking
Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy
Adaptive Fitness & Sports
Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies
Leisure Based Strategies for Stress Management
Introduction to Recreation
Leadership in Recreation
Recreation Program Design & Evaluation
Inclusive Recreation
Professional Development
Recreation Fieldwork 1
Recreation Fieldwork 2
Outdoor Recreation
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership
Administration of Recreation and Leisure Services
Readings in Recreation
Problems in Recreation
Fundamentals of Environmental Education
Foundations of Recreational Therapy
RT Implementation: Cognitive, Intellectual, and Developmental Disabilities
RT Implementation: Physical Disorders & Chronic Illness
RT Implementation: Psychiatric & Behavioral Disorders
Environmental Interpretation
Planning and Design of Recreational Facilities
Outdoor Adventure Land Based Pursuits
Outdoor Adventure Water Based Pursuits
Outdoor Adventure Challenge Based Pursuits
Planning, Logistics, & Risk Management in Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Living Skills
Expedition Leadership
Environmental Issues and Ethics in Outdoor Recreation
Adventure Education
Wilderness First Responder
Advanced Outdoor Leadership
Introduction to Adventure Therapy
Outdoor Recreation Management
Backcountry and Wilderness Trail Stewardship
Administration of Recreational Therapy Services
Assessment and Documentation for Recreational Therapy
Human Resources for Recreation Professions
Community Recreation
Commercial Recreation
Campus Recreation
Internship in Recreation
Internship in Recreation Therapy

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,276.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,276.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,276.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,276.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 77,104.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,950.00 - USD 2,250.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Carbondale campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

53%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Banking & Financial ServicesCorporate Finance & TreasuryCorporate Training & DevelopmentEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEducation Policy & AdministrationEvent Promotion & ManagementFinancial Technology (Fintech)Luxury & Wellness HospitalityRehabilitation & PhysiotherapySports & Athletics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Athletico

Chicago Public Schools

Hilton

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

State Farm

The Walt Disney Company

Why Study Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions at Southern Illinois University

What makes this program stand out

Very Fast Application response time

Southern Illinois University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Southern Illinois University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions at Southern Illinois University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without needing extra permits. Work on-campus is allowed immediately, while off-campus work may require university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English test requirements include a Duolingo overall score of 95, or a TOEFL overall score of 68. Other acceptable tests are IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 and PTE with an overall score of 47.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as outdoor adventure leaders, recreational therapists, community recreation managers, or facility administrators.

What will I actually study in this course?

This degree focuses on enhancing lives through leisure and recreation, covering topics like program design and ethical considerations. Students will gain practical skills in areas such as outdoor recreation and therapeutic activities.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the Bachelor of Science in Recreation Professions is September. Ensure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot for the upcoming academic year.
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