As a student in the recreation resources management program, your course work will focus on the management of scenic and recreation resources on private, state and federal lands, ranging from highly developed recreation sites to primitive wilderness lands, wild rivers and national parks. This curriculum begins with courses about the basic ecological character of recreation lands, recreation resources and the characteristics, needs, activities and behavior of recreation visitors. Advanced course work provides the knowledge and skills necessary for the recreation manager to identify and evaluate recreation resources, develop strategies, make management decisions and carry out programs. Career Opportunities Graduates of this program qualify for a variety of wildland recreation careers, including teachers, naturalists, wilderness managers, adventure program leaders, and park or river rangers. When you graduate with an emphasis in recreation resources management, you will find career opportunities with many federal and state resource-oriented departments, including the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Graduates also hold positions in state fish, wildlife and parks departments, and private companies.
The School of Forestry offers a job placement service to help undergraduates find summer work related to their fields of study. Under a cooperative agreement with federal agencies, forestry students may work as summer interns for the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management in preparation for full-time positions. We will also collect and post information on permanent positions and assist you in finding a full-time positions after graduation. This program is based on the philosophy that your professional preparation should be balanced between theory and practice. In addition to regular academic credits in this program, you will complete a recreation practicum for 9 hours of credit.