Carson-Newman College offers a comprehensive bachelor's degree program in leisure science for those seeking entry-level employment in outdoor parks. With 20 course offerings in areas such as outdoor-activity instruction, principles of park management, recreational theory, and facility design and maintenance, aspiring park rangers can tailor the program to their specific career goals. Students can concentrate on business, therapeutic recreation or outdoor recreation, with a minor in business administration or environmental studies.
1646 Russell Avenue
Jefferson City TN 37760
865-471-2000
Maryville College, a private liberal arts college, offers a bachelor's degree or minor in outdoor recreation. Requirements include six activity courses (five of which must be outdoor activities) as well as core classes in psychology, biology, business and environmental studies. Certification by the Red Cross in first aid and community CPR is also required.
502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
1-800-597-2687
Through the Department of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Memphis, aspiring park rangers can receive a bachelor's degree in sport and leisure management. The program requires completion of courses such as resource management, facility planning, recreational program development, financial management and visitor management. Requirements also include a supervised summer internship at a recreational facility.
101 Wilder Tower
Memphis, TN 38152-3520
1-800-669-2678
Middle Tennessee State University offers a major in recreation and tourism management. Prospective park rangers can take classes in outdoor recreation planning, natural resource management, recreation management and outdoor program administration. The program includes instruction about visitor safety, outdoor programs for those with disabilities and legal aspects of facility administration. Students complete an internship in outdoor recreation or a field study in parks and recreation.
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132-0001
615-898-2300
Through the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture, students can obtain a bachelor's degree in forestry or wildlife and fisheries management. The school has access to more than 21,000 acres of forestland, which provides hands-on learning. In addition to its own land and facilities, the university works with the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee National Forest to provide students with additional resources. With nearly 100 courses to choose from, students can tailor their degrees to meet individual career goals.
274 Ellington Plant Science Building
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
865-974-7126
Through the Department of Sports and Leisure Management, East Tennessee State University offers a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management with a minor in recreation administration or outdoor leadership. The program offers courses in first aid, wildlife conservation and environmental education. Internships are available in places such as Charleston County Parks and Recreation, the U.S. Forestry Service and the U.S. Department of Interior.
807 University Parkway
Johnson City, TN 37614
423-439-1000