The Recreation Administration Program at George Williams College offers a bachelors and masters degree in Recreation Administration. The bachelor's program is nationally accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Association of Leisure and Recreation (NRPA/AALR).

Mission of the program:
To prepare individuals to enhance the quality of human life through effective leadership in recreation and leisure services.

Recreation Administration involves directing and managing the programs and business operation systems of recreation and leisure settings such as park districts, outdoor experiential education centers, state and national parks, community recreation centers, private clubs, resorts and youth organizations. Recreation Administration graduates manage the $350 billion annual revenues generated by the leisure services industry and community recreation organizations.

Recreation Administration includes solid philosophical foundations, creative methodology, organizational leadership techniques, and effective administration components. Students are also required to demonstrate competencies in computer literacy and basic statistics before they complete the program.

Guided by the general mission statement of Aurora University, the Recreation Administration Program specifically endeavors to assure that its educational program is permeated by a philosophy that asserts the dignity and worth of each individual, that emphasizes a trained sensitivity to human potential and human problems, and that recognizes that effective service requires knowledge and skill.

Student Outcomes

As a result of completing the Bachelor's Degree Program in Recreation Administration at George Williams College, graduates will have:

• Demonstrated a core understanding of the functional skills, leadership techniques and management styles as a generalist in recreation administration.
• Developed basic programming skills in general recreation administration and have developed a specialization in one of the following areas: commercial recreation management, outdoor leadership, and program management.
• Demonstrated clear competence in written and verbal communication and presentation.
• Demonstrated basic understanding of the major environmental forces that affect recreation agencies, including: competitive, economic, social/cultural diversity, technological, governmental/regulatory and ecological conditions.
• Demonstrated education and experience in the ethical dimensions of recreation program management.
• Demonstrated appreciation of the liberal arts and sciences including the natural/physical sciences, the humanities and social/behavioral sciences.
• Demonstrated professional and ethical behavior in recreation administration.

Undergraduate Requirements & Professional Core Courses

Undergraduate Degree Requirements for Recreation Administration Majors
Total Credits Required for Bachelor of Science Degree: 120 semester hours

Required Professional Core Curriculum (47 semester hours):
REC1750 Practicum in Outdoor Living Skills
REC1760 Leisure & Society
REC2000 Introduction to Inclusive Leisure Services
REC2220 Recreation Leadership
REC2750 Professional Leadership Practicum
REC3330 Recreation Programming & Supervision
REC3750 Professional Program Practicum
REC3990 Issues and Ethics in Recreation Administration
REC4080 Leisure & Aging
REC4340 Political & Policy Implications for Recreation Administration
REC4350 Administration in Recreation & Leisure Services
REC4370 Facilities Management
REC4750 Assessment & Evaluation in Leisure Services
REC4790 Recreation Administration Internship

Support Core Courses (10-13 semester hours):
IDS1600 or a course with a multi-cultural focus with approval from advisor
PSY3250 Lifespan Development
REC2080 First Aid/CPR/AED or a current Red Cross Certification card
MTH2320 General Statistics