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Recreation Management (BS) - Outdoor Experiential Education

Undergraduate Program
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Application Deadlines

Important dates and deadlines for undergraduate admissions

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Location

Boone campus

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Costs and Aid

Help others discover the wonder of the great outdoors.

The outdoors can be your playground with App State’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Recreation Management - Outdoor Experiential Education.

What does that mean, exactly? Well, for starters, you will learn wilderness leadership and safety skills. You will know what to do when an emergency strikes, and you’ll understand group dynamics and how to maximize both fun and safety. You will also have opportunities to add certifications to your degree that will make you well prepared to lead any group through any environment.

Applied learning is a big part of what Recreation Management majors do at App State, and opportunities to put your skills to practice are abundant — from resorts and camps, to national parks and theme parks.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8% job growth in this field over the next decade.

What’s more: Nearly all of App State Recreation Management students pass the exam that’s required to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional — the national standard for professionals in the field.

  • Department of Recreation Management and Physical Education

  • Beaver College of Health Sciences

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A ‘Best College’ for 2025

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.

Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching

U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.

A ‘Best College’ for value

App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com

Learn more about App State’s accolades

Elevate Your Education

Courses

    • Students pursuing this major explore Outdoor Leadership, Environmental Education Skills, Inclusive Recreation and more.
    Program of Study
    View the Program of Study

Minors

A minor is required.

View all minors

Transferring Credits

Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.

Related Programs

  • Recreation Management (BS) - Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management
  • Recreation Management (BS) - Recreation and Park Management

General Education

With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.

Gen Ed Program Info

Accelerated Master’s

You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.

Accelerated Master’s Info

Careers and Mountaineers

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.

Careers

  • Camp Director
  • Outdoor Leader
  • Outdoor Program
  • Recreation Therapy
  • Recreation and Parks
  • Student Development

Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Career information resource

App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.

  • Faculty Profile: Kristian Jackson
    Faculty Profile: Kristian Jackson

    Senior Lecturer Kristian Jackson applies his personal passion for mountain biking into an act of stewardship and community service, as well as an educational opportunity for his students.

  • Alumna Profile: Lynn Heinmuller Fisher ’97
    Alumna Profile: Lynn Heinmuller Fisher ’97

    Making the best out of the worst is Lynn Heinmuller Fisher’s professional calling. She applies skills learned in outdoor experiential education to a career in emergency planning – including roles as the community preparedness program manager for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management and director of emergency management at Austin Peay State University.

More to Explore at App State

Fund Your Education

Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

International Experience

Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.

State-of-the-art Facilities

Work in state-of-the-art research facilities outfitted with modern equipment. Learn more

Real-world Internships

Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more

Find Your Community

Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Recreation Management Association. Learn more

Honors College

Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.

Apply

Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.

Start Your Application

Admissions questions? Contact us.

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Program Contact

Dr. Daniel Theriault
Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-4989

Beaver College of Health Sciences

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Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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