Kent State University

What you'll study

The programme covers facility management principles specific to parks, recreation and leisure contexts. Core topics typically include facility operations and maintenance, turf and landscape management, safety and risk management, facility design and accessibility, budgeting and finance for recreation, programming and event management, marketing and community engagement, and legal and ethical issues in leisure services.

Students combine classroom study with applied learning: laboratory exercises, site visits to parks and recreation areas, maintenance workshops, and supervised field practica. Many students complete an internship or capstone project with a municipal parks department, private facility or community recreation organisation to gain hands‑on experience in operations, scheduling, grounds management, equipment procurement and customer service.

• Facility Operations & Maintenance
• Recreation Programming and Event Management
• Risk Management, Safety & Emergency Response
• Budgeting and Financial Management for Facilities
• Turf, Grounds and Landscape Management
• Design, Accessibility and Sustainable Practices
• Leadership, Human Resources and Volunteer Management
• Professional practicum or internship

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Kent State University's undergraduate admission requirements and declare the parks, recreation and leisure facilities management major as part of their degree plan. Typical expectations include a high school diploma or equivalent, a solid academic record in core subjects (particularly English and mathematics), and a demonstrated interest in outdoor leadership, recreation, sports or facilities work.

International applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of completed coursework; relevant work, volunteer experience or certifications in recreation, maintenance or hospitality strengthen an application. Some courses may have prerequisites or require criminal background checks for placement in field experiences.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of operational and managerial roles in the parks and recreation sector and related industries. Common entry and mid‑career positions include:

• Park or Recreation Facility Manager
• Operations or Maintenance Supervisor for sports complexes, arenas or municipal parks
• Recreation Coordinator or Program Director
• Event and Venue Manager
• Turf and Grounds Manager
• Facility Scheduling and Customer Service Manager
• Risk and Safety Coordinator

Graduates also move into roles with non‑profit organisations, school and university recreation departments, private clubs, theme parks and commercial leisure providers. The programme provides foundations for professional certification (such as credentials offered through national recreation associations) and for continued study at graduate level in recreation management, public administration or related fields.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers an applied learning environment with a balance of technical, managerial and community‑facing training. Students benefit from hands‑on courses, field placements and internships arranged through the university's industry connections with municipal parks, state agencies and private recreation providers. The campus provides access to on‑site recreation and outdoor resources that support practical instruction in grounds care, facility operations and event delivery.

Faculty typically combine academic expertise with professional experience in parks and recreation, and students have opportunities to participate in student organisations, practicum projects and service learning. The curriculum emphasises sustainable practices, accessibility and contemporary facility management technologies to prepare graduates for evolving demands in the leisure services sector.