About the Department

Service Learning and Community Engagement

As part of our degree program, students complete between 500 to 1000 hours of pre-internship service to park and recreation agencies, non-profits, campus and community organizations. This valuable experience develops their skills, knowledge, and professional network, preparing them for successful careers in recreation administration.

Service-Learning Courses

Our department is also committed to providing students with opportunities to participate in service-learning courses, which integrate academic learning with community service. In the past year alone, our students have logged an impressive 18,245 service learning hours, demonstrating their commitment to making a difference. According to the Independent Sector’s Value of Volunteer Time and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the economic impact of this service ranges from $611,025 to $704,439 annually.

Internship and Career Preparation

As our students progress through the program, they'll also have the opportunity to complete a 15-week, 35-40 hour internship as a culminating experience. This hands-on experience will prepare them for a successful career in recreation administration and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.

Professional Development and Networking

But that's not all! Our department is also committed to hosting events that bring together professionals and students from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Our department hosts the San Joaquin Valley Summit (topics vary by year) and the Central California Therapeutic Recreation Annual Symposium, two premier events that bring together professionals from throughout the Valley. These events, along with many others, provide opportunities for students to connect, learn, and grow with industry leaders and peers.

Degrees, Minors, and Certificates

The Recreation Administration Department offers:

Major Degrees (5)

• Community Recreation, Youth Development, and Senior Services Emphasis, B.S.
• Outdoor Recreation and natural Resource Management Emphasis, B.S.
• Recreation Therapy Emphasis, B.S.
• Special Events & Tourism Emphasis, B.S.
• Sports & Entertainment Facility Management Emphasis, B.S.

Minors (6) 

• Hospitality, Minor
• Recreation Administration, Minor
• Special Event Planning, Minor
• Sports and Entertainment Facility Management, Minor
• Tourism, Minor
• Youth Development Programming, Minor

Certificates (5)

• Adventure-Based Programming - application form here
• Correctional Recreation Programming - application form here
• Serving Youth At-Risk - application form here
• Special Event Planning - application form here
• Sports and Entertainment Faclity Management - application form here

Accreditation

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. 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).