Recreation

A Bachelor of Science in Recreation from the University of Idaho prepares you to lead public and private programs that are designed to encourage active lifestyles. As a graduate of the only accredited recreation program in the state and one of three in the Pacific Northwest, you will have the credentials needed for national certification, and the expertise and training to improve the health of people of all ages.

With this nation's increasing overweight and obese population, an active lifestyle is more crucial than ever. Students in the recreation program develop the specialized skills and knowledge to help people increase their fitness level and become healthier. You will learn to organize and schedule activities to maximize the use of facilities and monitor sites, oversee recreation activities for different age groups in a variety of settings, and direct programs that help people make good choices in using their leisure time.

With its outstanding outdoor recreation and resources, Idaho offers one of the best settings to earn a degree in recreation. The University of Idaho's active partnerships with the National Recreation and Park Association and the Idaho Recreation and Park Association give you the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field and learn firsthand about current practices. This hands-on approach helped the University of Idaho receive recognition by Outside Magazine as the 23rd best site in the United States to minor in outdoor recreation, the university's most popular minor.

Prepare for Success

To be successful as a recreation student and professional, you should, first and foremost, lead by example by living an active and healthy lifestyle. The career requires an ability to work with and motivate people of all different activity levels and ages, in both indoor and outdoor settings. You should also build strong interpersonal, planning, organizational and leadership skills.

Your First Year

During your first year in the University of Idaho's Bachelor of Science in Recreation program,you may take:

• Introduction to Recreation Professions
• Outdoor Leisure Pursuits
• Psychology
• Swimming
• English Composition
• River Reading and Whitewater Safety
• First Aid: Emergency Response
• Wilderness First Responder

What You Can Do

With a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, you may pursue a career as a:

• Recreation director for cities and communities
• Director of campus recreational facilities
• Activity director for cruise ships or resorts
• Administer of after-school programs
• Activity director for a senior center

Graduates may also pursue a Master of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Leadership in Physical Activity & Recreation. This program helps students develop advanced skills, tools and the philosophy to be servant leaders in organizations related to physical activity, sports and recreation.

Opportunities

Recreation programs are essential to economic and community development, because they enhance the quality and health of individuals. In addition to larger cities, many rural communities have established recreation districts that administer summer recreation and after-school programs, and some have created full-time recreation and park programs. Recreation graduates are in high demand, and traditionally pursue careers as supervisors, managers and directors in these sectors:

• Parks and recreation facilities
• Campus recreation facilities
• Public schools
• Senior citizen centers
• Cruise ships
• Resorts

Current Research

Recreation faculty and student research and interests include:

• Aquatic safety and facility operation
• Communication theory in changing behavior
• Risk management of recreational facilities, including aquatic safety, facility standards and lighting safety
• Service levels and budgeting, self-sustaining versus the public good
• Design and engineering of aquatic facilities, training and certifying aquatic staff, aquatic codes
• Use of communication theory in public campaigns to change behavior
• Drowning prevention
• Team building and cooperative activity
• Wilderness education
• Playground and bike/pedestrian safety
• Effective cooperative and individualistic leadership style
• Curriculum development using games and team building activities
• Alpine climbers’ perceptions of the use of alpine wilderness

Activities

Recreation students may enhance their learning and professional opportunities through involvement in a variety of student clubs and activities offered on the University of Idaho campus, including:

• Recreation Student Organization: Focuses on participating in, learning about, and leading others in healthy, fun and exciting recreational activities and service projects.
• Aiki Jujutsu: Teaches self-defense through the study of Aiki jujutsu, a system of practical self-defense
• Ballroom Dance Club: Forwards the education of ballroom dancing and prepares participants to compete in teams.
• Bemani Club: Expands the genre of rhythm-based games such as Dance Dance Revolution, In the Groove, Guitar Hero and Beatmania. Many of these games are commonly referred to as “Bemani.”
• Climbing Club: Exploration of climbing for all skill levels and backgrounds by organizing climbing trips, providing instruction of climbing techniques, and holding competitions.
• Cycling Club: Promotes the sport of cycling in the Palouse on a competitive and recreational level.
• Collegiate Bass Fishing Club: Helps members understand Northwest bass and how to catch them.
• Fast Pitch Softball: Provides the opportunity to play in a competitive and fun-loving environment.
• Fencing Club: Vandal Swordplay is a club dedicated to fending at all skill levels.
• Men’s Lacrosse: Provides opportunities to compete at a collegiate level.
• Men’s Ice Hockey: A competitive National Collegiate Athletic Association/American Collegiate Hockey Association, Division 2 (NCAA/ACHA D2) hockey club that competes in the Western region.
• Racquetball Club: A fun opportunity to learn and play racquetball.
• Rodeo Club: Promotes rodeo as a standard collegiate sport with teams representing educational institutions
• Sei Shin Ryu Traditional Martial Arts: Traditional, noncompetitive martial art teaching Karate and Jujitsu to integrate knowledge, character and strength while teaching responsible self-defense.
• Snowboard Club: Focuses on active living, team building and having fun. Compete at a national level in the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) League.
• Triathalon: Provide students with a support group for participating in, and training for, triathlons.
• Longboard Club: Progresses students’ riding abilities and confidence in longboarding.
• Mountain Bike Club: Promotes the sport of mountain biking as part of a healthy lifestyle and supports students who complete in mountain bike racing in the Pacific Northwest.
• Women’s Ice Hockey: Teaches the fundamentals of ice hockey while promoting a positive team atmosphere and good sportsmanship

Hands-On Experience

The University of Idaho's active partnerships with the National Recreation and Park Association and the Idaho Recreation and Park Association give students the opportunity to interact with professionals in the field and learn firsthand about current practices. This hands-on approach helped the University of Idaho receive recognition by Outside Magazine as the 23rd best site in the United States to minor in outdoor recreation, the university's most popular minor.

Facilities

The Physical Education Building, home to the Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department, has two full-size basketball courts, two dance studios and the only squash court on campus. The program also offers courses at various outdoor locations (tennis courts, Guy Wicks Field, Kibbie Sprint Turf, Dan O'Brien Track & Field) and at the following on-campus facilities:

• Memorial Gymnasium
• ASUI Kibbie Dome
• Swim Center
• Student Recreation Center