Distance Learning Courses and Degree Programs Video. Students gain communication and motivational skills for the parks and recreation industry. The Certified Park and Recreation Professional certification is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession.

Choosing a Career in Parks and Recreation, Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School, Revenue Development and Management School, NRPA Marketing and Communications Certificate, NRPA Aquatic Management Professional Certificate, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) Certification, Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) Certification, Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) Certification, Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) Certification, AFO Virtual Course | 8:00AM - 5:00PM MST | Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, AFO Virtual Course | 8:00AM - 5:00PM CT | Parting Waters, LLC, AFO Virtual Course | 8:30AM - 5:30PM ET | Wakeley Aquatics, NRPA Innovation Labs: Sponsorship Opportunities, Strong Support for Park and Recreation Funding, Create New Traditions in Parks this Season, Voters in multiple cities approve parks and rec taxes, Agencies in Vt. seek to avoid "winter of discontent", Philadelphia program keeps providing trees. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. a Study.com College Advisor at the end of the process. Most discussions take place on Internet message boards, and students log into virtual classroom interfaces to submit assignments by their deadlines. The BLS also stated that job-seekers with graduate degrees in recreation would have the most success in securing high-level jobs in parks and recreation (www.bls.gov).

Prerequisites include a minimum GPA in undergraduate coursework, job experience and sufficient GRE scores. The National Recreation and Park Association offers the industry-leading certification program in playground safety, the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) certification program. Students learn about the structure and capacity for change in large recreation organizations, such as tourism companies or park systems. Students learn about business models and methods pertinent to recreation, sports attractions and tourism. Facility planning from the beginning stages through the maintenance stages is discussed. Study.com College Advisor that can help you compare costs and options. Occasionally, students may be required to participate in real-time class discussions on their computers, but often courses are completed on the student's own time. All of these certifications require that candidates hold a bachelor's degree and successfully pass an exam. Parks and recreation professionals with master's degrees can pursue a Ph.D. in parks, recreation and tourism. Coordinating recreation services for populations with special needs is covered. Study.com, 16 Nov 2016 published. The BLS indicates that work experience is a vital aspect of career advancement in the recreation field, though a bachelor's degree or higher is an asset (www.bls.gov). In addition, it will demonstrate how the process serves as a framework for parks and recreation agencies to manage lands and … Want expert, personalized advice that can save you a lot of time and money? More than half of these jobs were filled by people who had more than ten years of experience, according to the site. Individuals searching for Parks and Recreation Certification and Degree Program Overviews found the following information and resources relevant and helpful. NRPA offers the tools and knowledge needed to advocate for and implement green infrastructure in parks with the Greener Parks for Health suite of resources — the Communications Toolkit, Policy Action Framework and Advocacy Toolkit. Program options range from certificates or bachelor's degrees in parks and recreation to master's degrees in recreation, sports and tourism, among other options. Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. © 2020 National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Master's degree programs can prepare recreation professionals for career advancement, although students can usually complete all training online since they already have real-world experience. Students communicate with instructors and classmates via e-mail, message boards and chat platforms. Students learn how to adapt programs and settings for groups such as the elderly and handicapped. Bachelor's-level programs differ from certificate programs in that they include more coursework focused on leadership in the recreation field. The Field Guide delivers suppliers, vendors and service providers to park and recreation agencies throughout the United States and Canada. By completing this online certificate program, you will gain the expertise necessary to plan, design, operate and maintain a splash pad facility. The course teaches students to create relationships with customers. Schools offering online recreation bachelor's degree programs suggest that students be able to maintain consistent study schedules and log into class websites as often as possible. The NRPA offers certification in specialized and technical areas, including aquatic facility operations and playground safety inspection. This option focuses on management of natural and cultural resources associated with conserving parks, and other protected areas, while also providing for their use by people. It’s a great investment in the talented people who will be our municipal leaders today and in the future.” Darlene Joslin, Director of Recreation and Culture, Town of Richmond Hill

Research and a thesis are often required toward the end of the program.

Programs involve research and prepare graduates to teach in college-level parks and recreation education programs. Fundraising can be daunting — NRPA’s comprehensive Park and Recreation Professionals’ Guide to Fundraising can help. The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. The Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. (2016, Nov 16 of publication). Typically, students must have access to programs like the Microsoft Office Suite and other software that can often be downloaded at no cost, including Adobe Reader and QuickTime.

An online certificate program in parks and recreation management gives students a foundation in the skills required to coordinate recreational programs for various groups. Programs may be titled parks and recreation, recreation and tourism, recreation and sports or recreation management. This program is usually geared toward those who have graduated from high school and either have experience working in parks and recreation or would like to begin their career. The Field Guide delivers suppliers, vendors and service providers to park and recreation agencies throughout the United States and Canada. What is your highest level of education completed? Web cameras, DVD players and video cards are some hardware requirements. Those interested in managerial positions in parks and recreation organizations should earn bachelor's degrees, according to the BLS.