by our College Data Analytics TeamEveryone enjoys time to rest and relax. A degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies will allow you to provide services that will help others chill out while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
There are many areas of specialization you can choose from within the Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies field. Some of the lesser know areas include Ski Resort Management, Personal Training, and Sports training. Depending on your area of specialization, you will take classes in management, hospitality, finance, administration, and marketing or exercise science, anatomy, nutrition, and physiology.
In 2021-2022, other parks, recreation & leisure studies was the 323rd most popular major nationwide with 232 degrees awarded. Our 2025 Best Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies Schools ranking analyzes 6 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for other parks, recreation & leisure studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other parks & rec programs later in this article.
Students who pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure studies often work in careers interacting with people. This requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. Students should also have strong customer service skills as they are expected to provide different types of services to paying customers.
Some jobs in the parks and recreation industry can be seasonal or part time. Those who are in management positions often have full time jobs and may have to work overtime during busy seasons. Those who are self-employed set their own hours and may be busy depending on the demand for their services.
When pursuing a career in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, it is best to pursue a summer job or internship in the field. This will allow students to get hands-on experience outside the classroom along with gaining relevant experience that will make them competitive in the job market.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most other parks & rec degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic other parks, recreation & leisure studies program qualifications, to serve in some other parks & rec careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Other Parks & Rec degree levels vary. Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest other parks & rec degree you can get. Depending on the other parks, recreation & leisure studies degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
Job locations and work environments vary depending on the area of specialization within the field. Students who specialized in Ski Resort Management work at a variety of ski resorts both around the country and around the world. Students with degrees in areas such as Personal or Sports Training work in gyms, for collegiate or professional teams, or become self-employed. Graduates looking for jobs in specialized areas may need to relocate in order to find work.
Recently graduated other parks, recreation & leisure studies students earned an average of $27,731 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $25,785 to as high as $39,638. As you might expect, salaries for other parks & rec graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies is one of 4 different types of Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 232 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Health & Physical Education | 66,552 |
| Recreation Administration | 2,826 |
| Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies | 2,818 |
| Outdoor Education | 313 |
