This blog contains direct quotes from websites as of 2023. Programs and policies do change, at colleges, from time to time, so please check with the colleges directly to receive any updates. These are not, necessarily, the biggest, best, or most popular programs at the college, but they are the ones that just “caught my eye” as unique, special, interesting, or just plain awesome. Enjoy!
From the Springfield College website, 2023: “The Recreation Industries and Therapeutic Recreation major at Springfield College prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed as recreation professionals in a variety of community, wellness, and nonprofit settings. Originally established in 1946, graduates from our program have gone on to be leaders in nonprofit organizations like the YMCA, hospitals and nursing home settings, camps and outdoor recreation businesses, and community recreation agencies.
“As part of the Recreation Professional Studies concentration, students would choose between a Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Coordinator track. Despite the concentration chosen, all students learn about agency operations and strategic management along with how to design and facilitate recreation programs, key skills needed for positions in therapeutic recreation, parks and recreation, outdoor recreation, and youth-serving organizations. Our ability to blend our courses with theoretical knowledge and practical experience has enabled us to prepare the next generation of leaders in our industries.
“Top Five Reasons to Study Recreation Management at Springfield College:
“An education in recreation management allows students to put their developed skills to work in a range of interesting and exciting career paths. So, why study recreation management at Springfield College? We’re happy to share.
1. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment in the field of recreation management is projected to grow at a rate of 10 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is estimated to be faster than the average for other fields. At Springfield College, our students are ready to dive into their careers thanks to their internship experience and practical application of in-class learning.
2. An education at Springfield College leads to exciting career opportunities. Graduating students work in a wide variety of settings, including, but not limited to, nonprofit organizations like the YMCA, park and recreation departments, military recreation facilities, campus recreation, recreation businesses, and even outdoor retreats.
3. Classes include real-world projects that not only maximize the experience you’ll have after you graduate from the program but also help the community. What do we mean by that? Our Adapt with Pride is a great example. Adapt with Pride is a special event that students in our Event Management and Promotions course developed in collaboration with the Center for Human Development to provide recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities in the local community. Helping the community doesn’t stop there. In our Recreation Program Planning in Modern Society class, students provided programming support to the Spring Explorers, a spring break program spearheaded by our Springfield College East Campus, for youth in our community.
4. Professionals in the field are brought in to teach specialized courses such as our ones on financial management, marketing, and legal issues. This means you’ll be learning from individuals who are working in the profession every day, providing you with real-time industry knowledge.
5. Lastly, we’re legitimate. The recreation management major has been nationally accredited since 1983. It’s the only accredited recreation program in Massachusetts, and only one of five accredited recreation programs in the New England area. Accredited programs go through a rigorous process to assess the quality of the program on standards set by professionals and scholars in the recreation profession to ensure you’ll be prepared to enter a career in the field upon graduation.”
Springfield College is one of the featured colleges in my new book (click image for additional information):
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