What do park and recreation professionals do? Among other things we
- create jobs and help stimulate the economy
- generate tourism
- protect wildlife habitat
- conserve open space
- connect children and families to nature and the outdoors
- reduce physical and mental illness
- mitigate childhood obesity.
And you thought that we only played games! The field of Parks and Recreation in the 21st century involves much more and requires a level of competence reflective of society’s need for meaningful leisure time experiences.
Consider what you like to do in your free time or think of a memorable vacation and chances are these experiences involved a park, recreation area, or resort. Or perhaps you participated in a program or event conducted by a knowledgeable individual. These are a few of the opportunities created by our graduates.
The Parks and Recreation/Environmental Education Department offers programs leading to undergraduate degrees in
- Park and Resource Management
- Recreation Resort Management/Tourism
- Therapeutic Recreation
Graduate degree programs include online and on campus programs in
- Park and Resource Management
- Environmental Education.
The PREE Department offers a state of the art curriculum taught by professional faculty who are recognized as both regional and national experts in their respective disciplines with diverse interests and experience in park and resource management, resort and tourism management, recreation therapy, community recreation, camp administration, outdoor leadership, park protection, interpretation, environmental education, and open space planning. Our faculty members are dedicated to mentoring students while preparing them for careers in the park and recreation field.
Field-based Internships insure that our students are ready to take their place in the profession. Visit our Alumni page to see what can happen once you leave SRU.
The Department is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Related Professions (COAPRT) through the National Recreation and Park Association. We are recognized as one of the top programs in the nation.
Parks and Recreation at Slippery Rock University - we make life better!
Dr. Dan Dziubek, Chair
Anita Culley, Department Secretary