Recreation, Minor
The recreation (REC) minor is available to all non-EXPER Recreation majors. The minor is ideal for those majoring in health sciences, social work, sociology, and biology as well as for students aspiring to teach in public/private schools.
Click on the curriculum tab to see the required classes.
Minoring in Recreation in college offers a wide range of personal and professional benefits, especially if you're interested in working with people, promoting wellness, or creating engaging programs for communities. Here's a breakdown of the main advantages:
🔹 1. Prepares You for People-Focused Careers
A Recreation minor can lead to roles in:
Parks and recreation departments
Community centers
Youth programs
Adventure/outdoor education
It's ideal if you enjoy working with diverse populations in active, engaging settings.
🔹 2. Enhances Program Planning and Leadership Skills
You’ll learn how to:
Design and lead recreation programs
Manage facilities and events
Engage participants across age groups
Develop strong teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities
These skills are useful in both nonprofit and business settings.
🔹 3. Pairs Well with Many Majors
This minor complements fields like:
Education
Psychology
Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Public Health
Social Work
It can broaden your career options or add a human-centered dimension to a more technical major.
🔹 4. Emphasizes Wellness and Community Engagement
Recreation programs often promote:
Physical health
Mental well-being
Social inclusion
Community building
This is great if you care about making a positive impact through accessible and inclusive activities.
🔹 5. Hands-On, Practical Experience
Many recreation minors include:
Internships
Fieldwork or service learning
Volunteer opportunities
These give you real-world experience and connections in the field.
🔹 6. Improves Your Own Quality of Life
You’ll gain insight into balancing work, play, and wellness — knowledge that supports your own well-being throughout your career and life.
✅ Summary
Minoring in Recreation is a smart choice if you want to work in people-oriented, wellness-driven fields, enjoy organizing programs and events, and value community engagement. It can open doors to careers in public service, health and wellness, and recreation leadership.
Specific Program Requirements
Available to Non-REC Majors Only
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EPER 162 & 162L | Personal Health and Personal Health Lab | 4 |
| EPER 240 | Recreation Program Design | 3 |
| Complete four credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Mountain Orientation | 2 | |
| Winter Orientation | 2 | |
| Desert Orientation | 2 | |
| Canyon Orientation | 2 | |
| Rock Climbing | 1 | |
| Whitewater Boating | 1 | |
| Basic Mountaineering Techniques | 1 | |
| Camping | 1 | |
| Backpacking | 1 | |
| Fly Fishing | 1 | |
| Introduction to Search and Rescue | 1 | |
| Challenge Course Leadership | 2 | |
| Electives Must be EPER course. Must be 300 level or higher. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 20 | |