Recreation

A Master of Science in Recreation focuses on the study of human fitness and explores the fundamental principles of managing recreational and fitness facilities. You'll learn to promote and enhance the well-being of individuals and the environment through recreational, leisure and fitness programs.

This degree allows for joint minors in outdoor recreation leadership and in sustainable tourism and leisure enterprises.

Students will develop leadership skills and become advocates for individual development as well as social change. This will be accomplished through a foundation of education, research and hands-on learning and service opportunities. Graduates are prepared to become a part of the industries built around the growing concern for the health and well-being of society.

The University of Idaho has a multitude of diverse recreational opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Pristine lakes, white-water rivers, high mountains and ski slopes offer unlimited opportunities for hands-on field research.

Prepare for Success

Preference for admission is given to prospective students with educational backgrounds in health, physical education, recreation and other related fields. A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) is required.

Your First Year

Below is a list of some of the courses you will take:

• Recreation Program Planning and Marketing
• Management of Leisure Services and Facilities
• Leadership, Programming and Marketing
• Budgeting, Financing and Managing Recreational Facilities
• Ethical Communication in Physical Activity
• Contemporary Issues in Health and Activity

What You Can Do

Recreation graduates plan, organize and direct recreational activities in recreation areas, parks, community centers, religious organizations, camps, theme parks or tourist attractions. Increasingly, recreation professionals are employed by businesses to organize and direct leisure activities for employees. Recreation graduates can be found in a variety of settings, such as camps, cruise ships, backcountry guide groups and in large urban community centers.

Activities

Recreation Student Organization

Facilities

In addition to excellent outdoor recreational opportunities, the University of Idaho has a number of facilities that enhance fitness and fitness education, including a new Student Recreation Center.

Faculty Involvement

A small student-to-faculty ratio provides a unique opportunity for students to interact closely with faculty.

Grace Goc Karp
Program Coordinator, Physical Education
Research Interests: Physical Education Teacher Education, Assessment in Physical Education; Technology use in Physical Education, School to Community Physical Activity Enrichment
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Kevin Johnston
Senior Instructor, Municipal Recreation
Research interests: Swimming pool safety; Drowning preventation; Recreation facility operation; Risk management and fear; Communication theory
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Sharon Stoll, Ph.D
Research Interests: Moral reasoning in Competition, Moral development in competition and physical activity; Servant leadership in physical activity; sport ethics.
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