Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration, B.S.

Department: Health Education, Physical Education, and Recreation

Chairperson: Mark Kutame

Recreation Areas Of Concentration

1. Parks, Recreation and Sports Administration (PRSA)
2. Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
3. 20 Hours Certificate in Recreation

The Recreation Program at Chicago State University serves an urban community traditionally underrepresented in parks, recreation, and the leisure profession. The Recreation Program provides quality undergraduate education and collaborates with a wide variety of recreation and leisure providers within the Chicago Metropolitan Area. The Recreation Program is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation, Professions and Related Tourism (COAPRT), the university accrediting arm of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).

Content Designations: REC

PRSA

The PRSA emphasis area prepares students for multiple opportunities in the recreation field. PRSA prepares graduates for leadership in supervisory and administrative positions in park and recreation departments, youth and community agencies, commercial recreation, fitness and health facilities, resort areas, campus recreation, and armed forces/military. Upon completion of a recreation degree from the CSU accredited program, students qualify to pursue certification as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) via a national examination by the National Parks and Recreation Association (www.nrpa.org).

TR

The TR emphasis area prepares students to deliver therapeutic recreation services. Services include assessing individuals, planning, implementing, and evaluating recreation programs for people with disabilities, illnesses, and special needs, many of whom may need assistance in developing skills for leisure involvement. An individual pursuing a career in Therapeutic Recreation is involved in using recreation as a tool to work with people with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, mental illness, limitations due to aging, dependency on alcohol or other drugs, or work with youth considered at-risk. Graduates may work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nursing homes, childcare agencies, correctional facilities, schools, parks and recreation agencies, and other health and human service agencies.

Upon completion of the degree from the CSU accredited program students qualify to pursue certification as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (www.nctrc.org) and/or Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) via a national examination by the National Parks and Recreation Association (www.nrpa.org).

Undergraduate Certficate In Recreation (20 Hours)

The purpose of the certificate program in Recreation is to improve the racial/ethnic diversity of the Parks, Sports Administration and Therapeutic Recreation community. This certificate program educates individuals in the area of recreation and prepares students for employment and career opportunities in the leisure profession. The purpose of the Recreation Certificate is to offer future and existing professionals foundational and cutting-edge knowledge within the field of Leisure Services. This purpose is accomplished through curricula designed specifically for current professionals as well as those seeking an entrance into diverse recreation fields. There are 7 courses total; 6 online and 1 hybrid.

General Requirements

• Students are responsible for meeting the program and College requirements in effect at the time they officially register in a teacher education program leading to certification at Chicago State University, regardless of when they were admitted to the university.
• Admission to the program is contingent upon good academic standing and acceptance by the department.
• Admission to the College of Education is required prior to registration in any professional education courses other than ED 2000 ; ED 4312 ; P E 2040 ; PSYC 2020 ; and S ED 4301 .
• Documented disposition deficiencies must be satisfied in order to register for REC 4540  and REC 4750 .
• Successfully complete the university qualifying examinations in English, mathematics, and reading before completing 30 credit hours in recreation courses.
• All degree requirements must be completed within six years.

NOTE: Candidates must abide by all College policies stated in this catalog, unless exceptions or adherence to higher expectations are noted in program documentation.