Recreation Management—Career Opportunities

Students in this program will gain hands-on experience and will be able to:

• Plan, organize, and manage recreational activities to meet the needs of a variety of populations

• Train, supervise, and evaluate recreation leaders

• Schedule use of facilities

• Direct major activities and special events

• Prepare budgets

Employment Settings

• Amusement Parks

• Camps

• Cruise Ships

• Fitness Centers

• Health Clubs

• Hotels and Resorts

• Park and Recreation Departments

• Park Districts

• Retirement Villages

• Sports and Entertainment Centers

• Senior Citizen Centers

Related Job Titles
Athletic supervisor, community center supervisor, outdoor adventure leader, teen supervisor, park planner, golf course personnel, preschool director, cultural arts supervisor, nature center supervisor, recreation program supervisor, fitness center supervisor, outdoor education specialist, water park supervisor, special events coordinator.

Employment Outlook
Overall, employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Industry growth has resulted in an increasing number of people spending more time and money on leisure and fitness services. Projected job growth stems, in part, from rising demand for recreational and fitness activities for older adults in senior centers, retirement communities, and other settings. Recreation and fitness jobs also will continue to increase as more businesses recognize the benefits of recreation, fitness, and wellness programs. The level of education necessary for jobs in the Recreation Management Professional Career varies by position. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook 2008-2009 (www.bls.gov/oco).

Salary Information
The mean annual earnings of recreation workers were $21,220 in 2006. Resource: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook 2008-2009 (www.bls.gov/oco).

However, earnings of recreation supervisors, directors or managerial positions were substantially higher.

Recreation Directors - $42,675
Park Superintendents - $43,269
Recreation Superintendents - $42,510
Recreation Supervisors - $28,935
Recreation Center Directors - $27,939
(National Recreation and Parks Association www.nrpa.org)

Most public and private recreation agencies provide full-time workers with benefits.

Admission Requirements
There are no prerequisites for enrollment in Moraine Valley's Recreation Management Program. You may register in fall, spring, or summer semesters. When you register, please mention that you are in the 1261 (Recreation Management) Curriculum. This will enable us to contact you regarding program scheduling. To be sure you are selecting courses in the appropriate sequence, please contact Coordinator Donna J. McCauley at (708) 974-5227 or mccauley@morainevalley.edu.