Department of Recreation & Leisure Services Management
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
School of Professional Studies
Areas of Specialization
Over the years the recreation profession has become increasingly specialized. As a result, the degree program in Recreation and Leisure Services Management (RLSM) provides students with the opportunity to select a specialty area best suited to their career interests. Therefore, in addition to the basic core curriculum in recreation, students may select a career specialty area in commercial recreation, outdoor recreation, or therapeutic recreation.
Students should note that specializing in a particular area of recreation is entirely optional and in no way is the completion of a specialty area required for graduation.
Faculty will also advise and work with students who are interested in pursuing additional areas of specialization, such as community recreation, military recreation, employee recreation and others.
On the following pages are descriptions of the 3 primary areas of specialization which are offered by the department: Commercial Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, and 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, theme parks, convention centers, ski areas, and sports arenas. Completing an emphasis in commercial recreation will also expose students to opportunities in the areas of special event management, travel and tourism, as well as entrepreneurship; that is, the ownership of your own recreation business.
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Commercial recreation is big business. Large investments have been made in leisure operations and trained professionals are needed to plan, promote, and manage recreation programs and services. With the public interest in commercial leisure services increasing, commercial recreation is projected to be "one of the fastest growing professions in the years to come" (N.Y. Times). As a result, the demand for professionals in this career area will be great. |
Commercial recreation comprises a major portion of our economy and provides hundreds of thousands of jobs. The field is diverse and career opportunities are quite varied. Commercial recreation career locations include:
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In order to pursue a career in commercial recreation, you should obtain coursework beyond the required core curriculum in Recreation and Leisure Services Management. Typically, the specialty in commercial recreation requires a concentration of courses in the area of business management, hospitality services, or marketing.
Dr. Brad Seid serves as the department's coordinator for this specialty area.
If you have questions about careers or coursework in this specialty area, please contact Dr. Seid at 570-422-3028 or email him at bseid@po-box.esu.edu.
Outdoor Recreation
A career specialty in outdoor recreation involves the leadership and/or programming of outdoor recreational activities or the management of outdoor recreation facilities, areas or resources. Typical careers in outdoor recreation include:
| Careers in outdoor recreation may be pursued through public (government) or non-profit agencies or commercial businesses. Federal government agencies include the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. State agencies in each of the 50 states manage state resources such as parks, forests and wildlife and provide career opportunities for those with an interest in outdoor recreation. There are civilian opportunities with the military branches as an outdoor recreation specialist or program director. Non-profit agencies such as the YMCA, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer outdoor recreation careers. Commercial businesses include wilderness outfitters, recreation equipment liveries and adventure travel organizations. |  |
In order to pursue a career in outdoor recreation, you should obtain coursework beyond the required core curriculum in Recreation and Leisure Services Management at ESU, typically in the Biology Department and the Geography Department.
Dr. Elaine Rogers serves as the department's outdoor recreation coordinator.
If you have questions about careers or courses in this specialty area, please contact Dr. Rogers at 570-422-3297 or email her at erogers@po-box.esu.edu.
Therapeutic Recreation
Therapeutic recreation or recreation therapy provides recreation services to persons with disabling conditions or illnesses. Based on one's needs, recreation therapy is used to (1) improve the ability to function more effectively, (2) maintain or improve health, or (3) enhance quality of life. A therapeutic recreation specialist also facilitates the integration of persons with disabilities into the typical leisure services offered in their community.
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Therapeutic recreation is practiced in both healthcare (clinical) and community-based settings. Examples of healthcare settings include physical rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, programs for persons with developmental disabilities, long-term care facilities, pediatric units, and drug rehabilitation centers. There is also a broad range of community-based settings such as residential centers, day care programs, special residential schools, or programs within public park and recreation departments. |
Not for profit organizations such as Easter Seals Society, Arcs, or American Association for the Blind are examples where recreation therapists can be part of the professional staff.A student who plans to pursue a career in Therapeutic Recreation should become certified in the field. The Department of Recreation and Leisure Services Management is able to prepare the student to meet the specific criteria for certification. Certification is a professional process to recognize individuals who have met standards of competence. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is the credentialing organization that awards individuals the right to use the CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) credential. This is determined by successfully completing a standardized national examination after graduation from the University.
Dr. Angela Vauter serves as the coordinator for this specialty.
If you have questions about this specialty area, please contact Dr. Vauter at 570-422-3571 or email her at avauter@po-box.esu.edu.
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Contact:
Department Chair
Recreation & Leisure Services Management Department
231 DeNike Building
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
(570) 422-3305Email the Department Chair, Dr. S. Elaine Rogers, at erogers@po-box.esu.edu
Or write or call:
Or contact a faculty member directly via electronic mail:Director of Admissions
215 Normal Street
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301
(570) 422-3542Email the Admissions Office for More Information
Use the Electronic Admission Submission Form available on line
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Page Designed & Created by Dr. John Confer '86
This page was last updated: 01/10/2007
