Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General
Total graduates
2,082
2025 · 110 schools
International share
2.3%
48 international students
Bachelor's degrees
1,747
1.7% international
Master's degrees
231
5.2% international
Overview
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the planning, development, and management of public parks, recreational areas, and leisure facilities. This program equips students with the skills necessary to create and maintain engaging environments that promote community health, wellness, and social interaction.
Students in this major typically study a variety of topics, including facility management, recreation programming, environmental sustainability, and community engagement strategies. Courses may cover areas such as event planning, sports management, landscape design, and public policy related to recreation and leisure services. This broad curriculum prepares graduates to address the diverse needs of communities and to foster inclusive recreational opportunities for all demographic groups.
The importance of this field cannot be overstated, as parks and recreational facilities play a crucial role in enhancing quality of life, supporting physical health, and improving mental well-being. Professionals in this area often work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies, managing parks, recreation centers, sports complexes, and outdoor adventure programs.
Moreover, with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, graduates are increasingly equipped to implement eco-friendly initiatives within their facilities and programs. The field is evolving, embracing technology and innovative approaches to meet contemporary recreational needs, making it an exciting and rewarding career path for those passionate about community service and outdoor enjoyment.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 35% and the international share went from 1.9% to 2.3%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 110 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Related jobs and pay
| Occupation | US employment | Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 3,503,020 | $64.87 | $134,940 |
| Facilities Managers | 156,180 | $56.20 | $116,890 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | 37,980 | $43.15 | $89,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.