Students who are interested in the recreation and leisure services industry usually pursue a bachelor's degree in the field, according to Education-Portal.com. These types of programs are available online. Bachelor's degree program emphasis areas can range from national park recreation to sports franchise management or even recreational therapy.
Many employers require students to have at least an associate degree in the field. Professionals who are interested in advancing in the field additionally can pursue a master's degree in parks/recreation, business administration or public administration. Many bachelor's degree programs in parks and recreation are accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association, which certifies individuals for professional and technical jobs. An education in recreation and leisure services also prepares students for accreditation boards such as the American Association for Leisure and Recreation and the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness certification examinations.
Completing an online degree program in recreation and leisure services can be helpful for working adults who want to pursue a post-secondary education in this field while juggling other personal commitments. Northern Arizona University is an example of a school that offers online bachelor's degree programs in parks and recreation management as well as a parks and recreation management certificate program. These types of programs feature small class sizes that allow students to gain one-on-one attention from instructors through web-based courses. Online programs also allow students to move at their own pace, according to Johns Hopkins University. Students simply need a working email address and Internet access.
Students in an online program in recreation and leisure services can learn how public parks operate and how to apply this knowledge to recreational services available to the public. Students also study how recreational activities can help in chemical dependency counseling and how to enable more individuals with disabilities to take advantage of physical activities. In addition, students might take courses on grant writing, recreation leadership, recreation law, administration and perspectives in leisure. Other classes might cover psychosociological dynamics of leisure behavior, research perspectives/health promotion, recreation program design and program/event planning. A student's courses depend on the degree emphasis he or she chooses in this wide-ranging field.
With an online education in recreation and leisure services, students can work in a variety of roles, such as those of park rangers or directors, adult educators, physical fitness directors or even intramural sports directors. They also can work for a rehabilitation center, community and senior center, local playground and recreation area or even a nursing home.
Employment of recreation workers is projected to grow by 15 percent from 2008 to 2018. Median annual wages of recreation workers in May 2008 were $21,960, with the highest earners working in nursing-care facilities.