Recreation

Chicago State University Recreation and Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).  Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, and at nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico.   

Why Study Recreation?

Your interest in studying recreation comes at a turning point regarding the way in which our society values recreation and leisure. More and more people are turn-ing towards their leisure pursuits for self-fulfillment, creative expression, wellness and enjoyment.

The delivery of recreation and leisure services has become a multi-billion dollar industry. Well-educated individuals are needed to create, manage and execute high-quality recreation programs for youth and community agencies, health care facilities, health clubs, sports facil-ities, municipal parks and recreation de-partments, resorts, entertainment places, schools, colleges and universities.

Moreover, the employment outlook for college graduates with a major in recre-ation/leisure is very bright. Job oppor-tuntities within the recreation field continue to be strong, as the Department of Labor projects that Recreation Pro-fessionals will be one of the fastest growing job opportunities in the near future!

The success of recent Chicago State University (CSU) graduates in all areas of recreation and leisure studies confirms the projections by the Department of Labor and reflects the respect that employers have for CSU in the field of recreation.

Why Choose Chicago State University?

Chicago State University's undergraduate Recreation Program provides students with a comprehensive, high quality, yet af-fordable course of study relating to Ge-neral Recreation, Recreation Management, Sport Studies, and Therapeutic Recreation. In addition to the opportunity for inter-action with a very talented "student-centered" faculty, students are afforded numerous opportunities for professional development. Students are encouraged to participate in state and national confer-ences with other recreation professionals, take field trips to appropriate recreation facilities, participate in the Recreation Major's Club (Phi Lambda Sigma), and engage in fieldwork at a variety of agencies.

How Do I Know if the Recreation Profession is for Me?

If you enjoy:

• living, playing, and engaging in recre-ation activities;
• designing, organizing, planning, and implementing recreation programs;
• working with people;
• enabling people to live richer, fuller, happier lives; and/or
• promoting healthy lifestyles through recreation, sport and/or fitness programs…

…then the undergraduate program in Recreation at Chicago State University may be the place for you.

Courses of Study

The professional program of study is designed to prepare graduates for a career in the recreation and leisure industry. The Recreation Program at CSU offers four emphasis areas:

General Recreation
Prepares graduates for leadership, programming and supervisory positions in park and recreation departments, camps, YMCAs/YWCAs, and other youth and community agencies.

Recreation Management
Prepares graduates for leadership in supervisory and administrative positions in park and recreation departments, youth and community agencies, com-mercial recreation, fitness and health facilities, resort areas, campus recreation, and arm forces/military.

Sport Studies
The Sport Studies specialty area in the Recreation major at CSU allows the student to choose from three tracts: Coaching, Sports Management, and Fit-ness Management. These tracks prepare graduates for coaching and management positions in campus recreation, health/ fitness clubs, intramurals, recreation fa-cilities, parks and recreation departments, sports clubs, sport facilities, and other community agencies.

Therapeutic Recreation
Prepares students to deliver therapeutic recreation services (e.g. client assess-ment; plan, implement and evaluate pro-grams) in a variety of settings to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, and special needs who need assistance in developing skills for and experiencing leisure. Graduates may work in reha-bilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare agencies, correctional facilities, schools, parks and recreation agencies, and other health and human service agencies.

Important Information Regarding Degree Mills

Please watch this important video (click HERE) regarding degree and accreditation mills. According to CHEA, "Degree mills and accreditation mills mislead and harm. In the United States, degrees and certificates from mills may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degree mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. “Accreditation” from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential." Read more on CHEA's website.

For More Information Contact

Dr. June N. Price-Shingles
Director of Recreation Program
Chicago State University
Department of Secondary Education, Professional Studies and Recreation
JDC #216
Chicago, IL 60628-1598
Phone: (773)995-3779
Email: jprice24@csu.edu