Career Specializations

Students who select a major from the Department of Recreation & Leisure Services Management may concentrate their course work in one of three career emphasis areas: Commercial Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, or Therapeutic Recreation

COMMERCIAL  RECREATION

The career specialty in commercial recreation is intended for those students who desire professional employment in profit oriented enterprises such as resorts, ski areas, convention centers, theme parks, arenas and stadiums, cruise ships, and health clubs. While opportunities are varied, in this discipline, being a "people person" is a valuable personal attribute. Leadership ability, good business sense, and enjoyment of activity are also essential in this career area. Graduates of our program are employed as resort recreation directors, special event coordinators, marketing directors, resort sales managers, and operations supervisors.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

A career in outdoor recreation may involve the management of outdoor recreation resources such as state and national parks, leadership of outdoor adventure pursuits, or provision of environmental education and interpretive services at parks or nature centers. Careers may be pursued through the National Park Service, state park and other natural resource management agencies and local government parks and nature centers. Graduates of our degree program are working as national park rangers, state park managers, environmental educators and wilderness expedition leaders.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

Therapeutic recreation is utilized in health care and community settings. People with disabilities are provided services to enable them to improve both their functional ability and quality of life. Employment settings for a recreation therapist include physical rehabilitation hospitals, day treatment programs, psychiatric hospitals, long term care centers, chemical dependency programs, and community based agencies.

PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

ESU's Department of Recreation & Leisure Services Management is fully accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Association for Leisure and Recreation. The department has maintained this accreditation since 1983.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The internship experience provides the student with the opportunity to obtain supervised professional experience prior to graduation. Students are placed with agencies related to their career interests. A wide variety of placements in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States have been developed, and new internship opportunities continue to be added.

RECREATION MAJORS CLUB

Students are encouraged to join the Recreation Majors Club. The goals of the club are to promote professional identity, perform community service, and develop a sense of community among the students in the major. The club supports student attendance at professional conferences and workshops. An annual Egg Hunt for the children of faculty, administration and students is a popular event conducted by the Club.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID

Each year, one recreation student is honored with the John H. Jones Memorial Scholarship. Named for a former faculty member, the scholarship recognizes excellence in leadership, participation, and academics. Additionally, scholarships from the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Resorts USA, and Camelback provide annual awards to recreation majors who have demonstrated academic excellence as well as a high level of involvement in the area of commercial recreation. These scholarship opportunities are in addition to many others offered through the University's Office of Financial Aid. Information on Financial Aid can be obtained by calling (570) 422-3340 or (800) 378-6732.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Many students in Recreation & Leisure Services Management are transfer students from community colleges, as well as other universities. ESU welcomes your inquiries. More information about credit and course transfers is available from the Admissions Office.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY

East Stroudsburg University is nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, a resort area famous for year-round recreation and entertainment. Because of its location in the Poconos, students take advantage of the many scenic, historic and recreational sites including the Delaware Water Gap and the famous Pocono ski areas. Resorts and restaurants offer an excellent opportunity for weekend employment. The campus is located approximately 75 miles west of New York City and 85 miles northeast of Philadelphia. East Stroudsburg University is one of fourteen institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The University is located 1/4 mile from the East Stroudsburg exit of I-80, exit 308. Click here to view a map and get driving directions

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