The Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies major offers career tracks in Recreation Leadership and Management and Cultural and Natural Resource Management. Through real-world experiences and in-classroom learning, the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies program prepares students for fulfilling careers in this growing field.
Career Opportunities
The following is only a partial list of the many occupations available if you choose a career in RPLS.
- Park Naturalist and Park Ranger in city, state or national parks and forests
- Coordinator of recreation and parks for a city or county
- Program Coordinator of a nonprofit organization
Signature Experiences
Camp Maverick
Camp Maverick - Rec N' Read is a recreation and literacy intervention camp designed to help struggling readers improve reading and writing skills while having fun and playing games.
Rec Club
The Rec Club works to promote relationships between students, faculty, and professionals.
Students in Action
Students in the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies Department are offered many leadership opportunities.
Field Experience
The Field Experiences requires you to complete a total of 150 hours of professional experiences in a recreation and leisure service agency prior to applying for your practicum. The field experience is established with the assistance of your advisor. Field Experience Form
What our students say about RPLS:
"MSU’s RPLS Department has guided students to fulfill their passions while further advancing their professional skills.
- Sarah Hagar - RM - Class of 2020
What Grads Say
The department provides engaging coursework, networking opportunities, and employment readiness focused on preparing you for your dream career!
- Kaitlyn Sturdy
What Grads Say
The Recreation Parks & Leisure Services faculty set you up for nothing but success... They go above and beyond by engaging their students in real-life experiences.
- Briana Spicer
Recreation Leadership and Management
A degree in Recreation Leadership and Management will prepare you to work in a wide variety of leisure service organizations with a particular focus on program planning, facilitation, and administration.
Accreditation
The Department of Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato received its initial accreditation in 1986 and has maintained that status since then.
Cultural and Natural Resource Management
Students in Cultural and Natural Resource Management focus on the interactions of people and the natural world. A primary focus is how we can maintain natural areas for the enjoyment of people now and for generations to come, emphasizing access now while caring for our natural resources.
Recreation Minor
This will bring you to the program requirements for a Recreation Minor.
Contact Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies
If you have any questions about Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies, please connect with us - we are happy to help!
Newsletters
Read the latest edition of the RPLS Alunmi and Friends Newsletter.
Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies News
Find out the latest news from the Department of Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
