Please note that not all emphases are available online. Check with your advisor for additional information.
Through this Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Management, recreation resource professionals are prepared for diverse careers in the field of parks and recreation. The PRM Program focuses on small class size, high student-teacher interaction, on-site field experiences, and experiential learning opportunities. The faculty are are dedicated to expanding the scholarly knowledge base of people and organizations to enhance the quality of leisure experiences and places.
This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) and recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
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If you have a keen interest in the outdoors and desire to help ensure the availability of future park, recreation, and leisure service opportunities, a degree in Parks and Recreation Management will help you pursue this career. Graduates find jobs with municipal parks and recreation departments, private resorts, federal land-management agencies, correctional institutions, nonprofit organizations, and a variety of other outlets in the industry.
Northern Arizona University's location is perfect for studying parks and recreation with six National Forests and a dozen units of the National Park Service system within a half-day's drive of campus, including the nearby Grand Canyon. Degree coursework will help prepare you for a career that encourages healthy lifestyles and enjoyment of the outdoors.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
Major GPA | C |
Highest Mathematics Required | STA 270 |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
University Honors Program | Optional |
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Northern Arizona University (NAU), Parks and Recreation Management faculty, staff and students are committed to promoting successful professional careers, service learning, active healthy life-styles, life-long education, global awareness, and creating meaningful social connections between individuals and their surrounding environment.
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Take the following 54 units with at least 27 units taken at NAU:
Students majoring in Parks and Recreation Management must complete 18 units in one of the following:
Outdoor Education & Leadership Emphasis (18 units)
Please note: in the online Parks and Recreation Management, the only emphasis available is the Community, Commercial, and Tourism emphasis.
Note: A National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) "Outdoor Educator Course" (equivalent to 6 units) or "Instructors Course" will meet the requirements for PRM 331 and PRM 352. A NOLS "Outdoor Educator Semester" course will meet the requirements for the Outdoor Education & Leadership Emphasis with the addition of electives equal to 18 units.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Also note that you must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in the lower-division core in order to move forward into upper-division core courses. In addition, you must have a "C" or better in all lower- and upper-division core courses, including repeated courses, in order to graduate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.