Recreation Management
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Recreation Management is designed to prepare students for entry level positions in the recreation field and provides the first half of a four-year undergraduate program of study in Recreation Management and/or Leadership. The program focuses on the positive application of play, recreation, and leisure across the life span. Along with required general education courses, the program includes foundational and practical experience in the programming and delivery of recreational services and the development of communication, group facilitation, management, leadership and technical skills.
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Recreation Management (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3053
Total credits required
61-78
Catalog Year
2023-2024
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Admissions criteria
None
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students can achieve the AGEC-A by completing a second Natural Science course.
Note that if student completes an SG to satisfy the AAS Natural Science Requirement, an SQ must be completed to earn the AGEC-A.
What You'll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Facilitate recreation using the conceptual foundations of play, recreation, and leisure throughout the human lifespan.
- Compare and contrast the major factors involved in the delivery of leisure services in government, commercial, and nonprofit sectors.
- Incorporate principles of experiential learning in the design and application of recreation services.
- Apply safety guidelines and procedures associated with recreational services.
- Analyze career opportunities in the field of recreation and leisure.
- Demonstrate the basics of supervision including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and evaluating.
- Apply various operational strategies for planning, implementing and evaluating a recreational event or program.
- Lead and facilitate diverse groups using the theoretical frameworks, skills and attributes characteristic of recreation management.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in diverse public and interpersonal settings.
- Utilize effective customer service in the planning and delivery of recreational services.
- Apply ethical and legal principles, protocols, and practice in the delivery of leisure and recreation services.
- Critically assess problems and make sound decisions using the theoretical foundation and analytical tools associated with recreation.
- Demonstrate the technical skills necessary for the safe participation in recreational activities in a variety of environments.
- Develop, manage, and evaluate budgets related to recreational programs.
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Recreation Workers
$28,267 Show expanded career information for Recreation Workers
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
- Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC120 | Leisure and the Quality of Life | Critical course Gateway course | SB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC | 3 | |
| MA | Mathematics | Critical course Recommended for students transferring to a university: MAT140 OR MAT141 OR MAT142 OR MAT145 OR MAT146. | MA | 3–6 | |
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 | ||
| CIS105 or BPC110 | Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications | CS | 3 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC210 | Leisure Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| RPM150AB | Outdoor Adventure Skills | 3 | |||
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR equivalent as indicated by assessment | CR | 0–3 | |
| COM225 | Public Speaking | L | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC230 or HRM145 | Programming of Recreation Services or Events Management | 3 | |||
| WED154 or RPM240 | First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or Wilderness First Responder | 3 | |||
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 | ||
| MGT101 or MGT251 | Techniques of Supervision or Human Relations in Business | 3 | |||
| SQ or SG | Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General | SQ or SG | 4 | ||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC250 | Recreation Leadership | 3 | |||
| RPM282AA or RPM282AB or RPM282AC | Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience or Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience or Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience | 1–3 | |||
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 | ||
| SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | Recommended for students intending to transfer to ASU: AJS101 OR AJS225 OR AJS270 OR PAD200 OR SWU171 | SB | 3 | |
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 | ||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3 | |||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 0–3 |
Free Electives:
Students must choose 0-4 additional credits of general elective courses.
Recommend the following for students desiring to complete the AGEC-A and/or to transfer:
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences area. 4
Note: If student completes an SG to satisfy the AAS Natural Science Requirement, an SQ must be completed to earn the AGEC-A.
Restricted Electives:
Students must select 6-9 credits from the following courses to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits.
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | SB | 3 | ||
| ARH100 | Introduction to Art | HU | 3 | ||
| COM263 | Elements of Intercultural Communication | C, G, SB | 3 | ||
| ENH206 | Nature and Environmental Literature | HU | 3 | ||
| GBS205 | Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues in Business | 3 | |||
| GCU221 | Arizona Geography | C, H, SB | 3 | ||
| HES100 | Healthful Living | SB | 3 | ||
| HIS105 | Arizona History | H, SB | 3 | ||
| HIS106 | Southwest History | C, H, SB | 3 | ||
| HRM110 | Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management | 3 | |||
| EDU/HUM/STO292 | The Art of Storytelling | C, HU | 3 | ||
| PAD100 | 21st Century Public Policy and Service | 3 | |||
| PSY230 | Introduction to Statistics | CS | 3 | ||
| SPT265++ | Any SPT Theory of Coaching course | 3 | |||
| SSH111 | Sustainable Cities | G, HU, SB | 3 | ||
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | H, SB | 3 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC120 | Leisure and the Quality of Life | Critical course Gateway course | SB | 3 | |
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC | 3 | |
| FYE101 or FYE103 | Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC210 | Leisure Delivery Systems | 3 | |||
| ENG102 or ENG108 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
| CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR equivalent as indicated by assessment | 0–3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC230 or HRM145 | Programming of Recreation Services or Events Management | 3 | |||
| MA | Mathematics | Critical course Recommended for students transferring to a university: MAT140 OR MAT141 OR MAT142 OR MAT145 OR MAT146. | MA | 3–6 | |
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM150AB | Outdoor Adventure Skills | 3 | |||
| CIS105 or BPC110 | Survey of Computer Information Systems or Computer Usage and Applications | CS | 3 | ||
| REC155++ or PED+++ | REC155++ or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 2 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGT101 or MGT251 | Techniques of Supervision or Human Relations in Business | 3 | |||
| COM225 | Public Speaking | Course meets General Education Oral Communication area | L | 3 | |
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM155++ or PED+++ | Any RPM155++ recreational activity course(s) not used to satisfy other credits in Required course area or Any physical education activity course(s) | Student must choose four (4) different Physical/Recreational Activities courses; students cannot count beginning and intermediate classes on the same activity as two different activities. | 1–2 | ||
| SQ or SG | Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General | SQ or SG | 4 | ||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 0–3 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WED154 or RPM240 | First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or Wilderness First Responder | 3 | |||
| HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | HU | 3 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB | Social & Behavioral Sciences | Recommended for students intending to transfer to ASU: AJS101 OR AJS225 OR AJS270 OR PAD200 OR SWU171 | SB | 3 | |
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3 |
Term 9
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| REC250 | Recreation Leadership | 3 | |||
| RPM282AA or RPM282AB or RPM282AC | Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience or Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience or Volunteerism for Recreation: A Service Learning Experience | 1–3 | |||
| RE | Restricted Elective | 3 |
Free Electives:
Students must choose 0-4 additional credits of general elective courses.
Recommend the following for students desiring to complete the AGEC-A and/or to transfer:
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences area. 4
Note: If student completes an SG to satisfy the AAS Natural Science Requirement, an SQ must be completed to earn the AGEC-A.
Restricted Electives:
Students must select 6-9 credits from the following courses to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits.
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | SB | 3 | ||
| ARH100 | Introduction to Art | HU | 3 | ||
| COM263 | Elements of Intercultural Communication | C, G, SB | 3 | ||
| ENH206 | Nature and Environmental Literature | HU | 3 | ||
| GBS205 | Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Issues in Business | 3 | |||
| GCU221 | Arizona Geography | C, H, SB | 3 | ||
| HES100 | Healthful Living | SB | 3 | ||
| HIS105 | Arizona History | H, SB | 3 | ||
| HIS106 | Southwest History | C, H, SB | 3 | ||
| HRM110 | Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management | 3 | |||
| EDU/HUM/STO292 | The Art of Storytelling | C, HU | 3 | ||
| PAD100 | 21st Century Public Policy and Service | 3 | |||
| PSY230 | Introduction to Statistics | CS | 3 | ||
| SPT265++ | Any SPT Theory of Coaching course | 3 | |||
| SSH111 | Sustainable Cities | G, HU, SB | 3 | ||
| SWU171 | Introduction to Social Work | H, SB | 3 |
Course Area Key
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CR = Critical Reading
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm3?id=183934).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.