Major code BS8192*

Patton College of Education  
Recreation, Sport Pedagogy and Consumer Sciences 
Patton Hall 202
Athens, OH 45701
740.593.4400
education@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/education/recreation-sport-pedagogy-consumer-sciences/outdoor-recreation

Bruce Martin, contact person
martinc2@ohio.edu

Program Overview

This major is designed to teach students the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of outdoor recreation and education. The program blends traditional didactic and field-based learning opportunities to create a unique educational experience for students in the major. Students develop foundational knowledge related to the discipline, technical proficiency in various outdoor adventure pursuits, expeditionary and wilderness travel experience, and programming, leadership and teaching ability that can be applied in a wide variety of professional settings. General topic areas in the program include outdoor leadership, environmental interpretation, parks and protected areas management, ecotourism, and adventure programming. Emphasis in the curriculum is placed on understanding and appreciating the interconnection of humans and the broader ecological frameworks in which they live as well as the role of natural environments in sustaining human health and wellbeing. Students can earn a number of professional certifications and certificates through academic coursework in the program.

*This program was previously BS8176 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS8192 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Admissions Information

Freshmen/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change or Program Policy

No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission

No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Upon completion of the degree, students should qualify for direct leadership, supervisory, and administrative positions in a wide variety of professional settings in which outdoor recreation and education is practiced. Some of these settings include municipal, State and federal parks and recreation agencies; youth services organizations and agencies; residential camps; nonprofit civic and religious organizations; collegiate outdoor pursuits programs; ecotourism and adventure travel operations and guide services; and traditional outdoor schools, such as Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School.

Requirements