Through this degree, 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.
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 (PRM) 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 general 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 |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
The Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) program fulfills the discipline of preparing students for careers in parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields. The program provides an equitable, inclusive, and justice-oriented approach to education that develops students' critical thinking skills and competencies needed for these careers.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 66 - 72 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 66 - 72 units:
Parks and Recreation Common Course Requirements (48 units)
The following courses have additional prerequisites:
Although not required for the degree, PRM 110 and PRM 205 are recommended General Studies courses for PRM Majors.
Individualized Study or Minor Requirement - Select one (18 - 24 units)
Individualized Study Option (18 units)
Minor Option (18 - 24 units)
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management and start a Master of Science in Geography at NAU.
A total of 12 units will be shared between the plans selected from:
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 69 - 75 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 69 - 75 units:
Parks and Recreation Common Course Requirements (51 units)
Although not required for the degree, PRM 110 and PRM 205 are recommended Liberal Studies courses for PRM Majors.
Individualized Study or Minor Requirement - Select one (18 - 24 units)
Individualized Study Option (18 units)
Minor Option (18 - 24 units)
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following:
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 General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the lower-division core in order to move forward into upper-division core courses. In addition, you must have a Grade of 'C' or better in all lower- and upper-division core courses, including repeated courses, in order to graduate.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.