Outdoor Recreation

The graduate program in outdoor recreation in Indiana University’s Department of Recreation and Park Administration prepares students to assume leadership positions in specializations reflective of the diverse field of outdoor recreation. The graduate program provides core courses related to the field of recreation along with in-depth curricula associated with four outdoor professions: resource management, outdoor interpretation, outdoor leadership, and outdoor recreation.

General Overview

Recreation Core Requirements

R500 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation (3)
R520 Organizational Leadership for Leisure Services (3)
T590 Introduction to Research in HPER (3)
T591 Interpretation of Data in HPER (3)
R539 Master’s Project (2-4)
                Or
R599 Master’s Thesis (5)

Specialization Areas

Thanks to the diversity of the outdoor recreation faculty interests, a student can choose from four specialization areas. Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in one of the four specializations: resource management, outdoor interpretation, outdoor leadership, and outdoor recreation. A total of 12 credit hours must be taken within the Recreation Department.

Specific Information

Recreation Core Requirements

A student pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Recreation and Park Administration must complete four core courses that help develop skills in park and recreation administration, knowledge in the philosophy of leisure and recreation, and the ability to conduct research in this dynamic field:

R500 Philosophy of Leisure and Recreation (3)
R520 Administration of Recreation and Parks (3)
T590 Introduction to Research in HPER (3)
T591 Interpretation of Data in HPER (3)

Master’s Project and Master’s Thesis

A master’s degree in outdoor recreation gives a student the opportunity to choose between two capstone experiences: master’s project or master’s thesis. The master’s project (R539) gives the professionally oriented student the ability to complete an intensive 5 credit hour project that summarizes the knowledge and skills gained from coursework while producing a tangible outcome that could enhance career objectives. The master’s thesis (R599) enables students to conduct accountable and thorough research in the outdoor field.

Specialization Areas

Thanks to the diversity of the outdoor recreation faculty interests, a student can choose from four specialization areas. Students have the opportunity to complete 18 credit hours in one of the specializations described below:

Resource Management

Courses chosen by the student and advisor will help prepare individuals to obtain leadership positions at city, county, state, or federal entities. These jobs are associated with planning and managing outdoor recreation sites to enhance the recreational experience of the visitor while protecting the natural resources they have come to enjoy. These positions can include:

·        Outdoor recreation planner for the U.S. Forest Service

·        Land manager for a state park

·        Park planner for a county agency

Outdoor Interpretation

This concentration allows students to pursue a field associated with nonformal programs, such as outdoor education, environmental education and interpretation. There are thousands of nature centers, museums, aquariums, zoos, and residential centers that offer program coordinator / management positions. The courses will help the student obtain leadership positions at these institutions. Positions could include:

·        Program coordinator for a county nature center

·        Interpretive naturalist for a state park

·        Education coordinator for an environmental center

Outdoor Leadership

There are two general tracks that can be taken with this concentration. A student may pursue courses that focus on the knowledge and skills to become program leaders in adventure / challenge education. Jobs in this area are associated with organizations that offer adventure experiences for pleasure or for personal development. A second area under this concentration is camp administration. Students can choose a set of classes that will prepare them for leadership positions in the camping industry. Positions related to these two tracks include:

·        Wilderness trip coordinator for an adventure program

·        Challenge education manager for an outdoor residential center

·        Director of a camp

Outdoor Recreation

A fourth specialization allows a graduate student to combine courses from several of the concentration areas above. This option offers a generalist approach that can be advantageous in a variety of outdoor career tracks.

Return to Graduate Home Page