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Department of Recreation Administration

recreation scenes -people, Disneyland, children playing

Recreation Administration at Fresno State

Recreation Administration (RA) is a Health and Human Services degree program that contributes to the health and well-being of individuals and enhances the quality of community life. Our courses encourage students to learn and participate in hands-on activities to help all people live healthy, enjoyable, active, and meaningful lifestyles. Recreation Administration majors are active in the classroom and the community, applying theoretical principles to real-world problems and developing the skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact.

            


 

    

Real-World Experience in Recreation Administration

Our Recreation Administration program is built on a foundation of hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain practical experience in designing, managing, and evaluating recreational programs and services that cater to diverse populations, including children, youth, adults, and seniors. Our graduates are prepared to make a positive impact in various settings, such as:

  • Outdoor recreation and parks
  • Recreational therapy programs for individuals with disabilities
  • Sports and entertainment facilities
  • Travel and tourism industries
  • Senior and youth-serving organizations

Developing Leaders in Recreation Administration

Our program emphasizes the importance of social behavior, environmental sciences, and community development. Students learn to:

  • Analyze the social and environmental factors that influence recreational experiences
  • Design and implement effective recreational programs and services
  • Manage and evaluate recreational facilities and operations
  • Develop leadership and communication skills to inspire and motivate others

Choose Your Path with Our Degree Emphasis Areas

We offer a range of degree emphasis areas to help you specialize in your area of interest:

Community Recreation, Youth Development, and Senior Services: Focus on designing and delivering recreational programs and services that cater to diverse populations, including children, youth, and seniors.
Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resource Management: Develop expertise in managing and conserving natural resources, while also designing and delivering outdoor recreational programs and services.
Recreation Therapy: Learn to use recreational activities as a therapeutic tool to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being for individuals with disabilities.
Special Events and Tourism: Develop skills in planning, managing, and evaluating special events and tourism initiatives that promote economic development and community engagement.
Sports and Entertainment Facility Management: Gain experience in managing and evaluating public assembly venues, including stadiums, arenas, and convention centers, to ensure they meet the needs of event promoters, participants, and spectators.

Join a Community of Recreation Professionals

At Fresno State, we foster a community of recreation professionals who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities. Our faculty and alumni network are dedicated to advancing the field of recreation administration and providing students with opportunities for growth, mentorship, and professional development.

Pursue a Rewarding Career in Recreation Administration

By earning a degree in Recreation Administration from Fresno State, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a rewarding career in a field that is both personally fulfilling and professionally challenging. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of settings, from the VA, to local parks and recreation departments to national parks and recreation organizations, and to stadiums, arenas and other public assembly venues.


Spotlight on the "Coolest Classes on Campus" - RA 154 - Recreation Administration, Sports and Entertainment Facility Operations

RA 154 visit to the Rose Bowl venue 2025 Joshua Salvador taking a selfie at the Rose Bowl venue

Check out the article and watch the YouTube video.


                                                   


Join us at Fresno State and discover the power of Recreation Administration.

 


Nancy Nisbett

Dr. Nancy Nisbett, professor, Department of Recreation Administration, was elected president of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association, with her three-year term beginning in October 2024.

 

                 

CHHS Service Hero - Recreation Administration

Joshua Salvador receiving award from SMA

Jaoshua Salvador
Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management: Student Service Recognition
Stadium Managers Association

The Department of Recreation Administration extends its congratulations to Joshua Salvador on receiving the prestigious Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management: Student Service Recognition from the Stadium Managers Association (SMA).

This annual recognition, presented as part of the Rick Nafe Award for Excellence in Stadium Management, honors a student intern who exemplifies outstanding service to the SMA during its Annual Seminar. Joshua's selection this year highlights his exceptional initiative, unwavering work ethic, and deep commitment to professional development in the field of stadium and venue management.

During the Seminar in New Orleans, Joshua demonstrated remarkable qualities that set him apart. He willingly stepped beyond his comfort zone to forge meaningful professional connections, posed insightful and thoughtful questions, and applied newly acquired knowledge immediately and effectively in practical settings. His proactive attitude shone through in his constant readiness to contribute wherever needed, frequently asking, “What’s next?”—a testament to his eagerness to learn, serve, and grow.

As a student in our Sports and Entertainment Facility Management (SEFM) option within the Recreation Administration program, Joshua has embodied several of the core values we hold as a department, particularly leadership development and enhancement of professionalism, along with an engaged approach to learning and application of skills that prepare him as a professional. His outstanding performance reflects positively on his own abilities and brings pride to our department, faculty, and the broader Fresno State community.

We are confident that this well-deserved recognition marks the beginning of a distinguished career for Joshua in stadium and venue management. His drive for continuous improvement, combined with his natural leadership tendencies, will position him to make significant contributions to the industry and inspire future professionals.

 

 


The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides public transit to Yosemite National Park, and right now they are offering free rides for college and university students through a grant program. Fresno State students can travel on YARTS to Yosemite using our Highway 41 route, with multiple stops in the Fresno area. More information on this program can be found on the YARTS website (click on the YARTS logo).

YARTS transit logo

COAPRT

The Recreation Administration program at CSU Fresno has been continuously accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) since 1984. Our Recreation Therapy program has had option specific accreditation since 2021. COAPRT recognizes academic programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions. COAPRT Accreditation is a status granted to an academic program that meets or exceeds stated criteria of educational quality. In the United States, accreditation of professional preparation curricula is conferred by non-governmental bodies, which are often closely associated with professional associations in the field. COAPRT accredits baccalaureate degree programs in this profession. COAPRT is accredited by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

 


Contact Us

Michael Mahoney
Chair and Professor
mmahoney@csufresno.edu

Recreation Admistration Department
(general email)

rasa@csufresno.edu

Office Location:
Professional Human Services, Room 121

Phone: 
559.278.2838

Spring 2026 Registration Calendar

Semester Hours: 
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(closed 12 - 1 p.m.)

Summer Hours: 
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
(closed 12 - 12:30 p.m.)

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