Philosophical Statement
Increased leisure in the past decades has created an expansion of recreational activities at every level. Society is enhanced by recreation in that it adds to the quality of life, is basic to culture, contributes to our democratic way of life, complements work, and offers a safety valve for society's quickened pace. Because of the growth in recreation, parks, and leisure services programs personnel are in great demand. They are needed to plan, develop, and manage corporate recreation, health clubs, resorts and camps; to plan and manage community programs and facilities; to work with special populations in clinical, group home and community settings, and to work with non-profit organizations for all age levels.

Competencies are required in working with people, with natural and physical resources, with organizational systems, and in understanding how people function, as well as administering budgets, personnel, and recreation and park programs. The graduate programs have been developed on a competency-based model to insure that all graduates have the skills and abilities to be effective master's level professionals.

The role of the graduate program in the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration is to provide an arena for scholarly effort and accomplishment, with emphasis on a program that will help develop competencies specifically related to the student job needs and professional growth.