Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme combines management principles, technical facility operations, outdoor resource stewardship and experiential learning. Core topics cover recreation programme design, facilities operations and maintenance, risk management and safety, financial and human resource management, and legal/ethical issues in parks and recreation. Students also study site planning, grounds and turf management, environmental sustainability, and interpretation and education for park visitors.

Typical modules and subjects include:

• Introduction to Parks and Recreation — history, philosophy and the role of parks and recreation in communities.
• Facility Operations and Maintenance — building systems, preventive maintenance, custodial operations and contract management.
• Risk Management and Safety — hazard assessment, emergency planning, liability reduction and compliance.
• Recreation Programming and Leadership — designing inclusive programmes for diverse populations and supervising staff and volunteers.
• Finance and Budgeting for Parks and Recreation — budgeting processes, revenue generation, grant writing and cost control.
• Grounds, Turf and Landscape Management — plant care, irrigation basics, and outdoor site maintenance.
• Environmental Stewardship and Resource Management — sustainable practices, habitat management and interagency coordination.
• Marketing and Community Engagement — promotion, stakeholder relations and volunteer recruitment.
• GIS and Site Planning — basic mapping and planning tools used for park design and asset management.
• Practicum/Internship and Capstone — applied workplace experience with public agencies, camps, parks or commercial facilities and a culminating project synthesising classroom learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or recognised equivalent. Central Washington University considers applicants on the basis of academic preparation, coursework, and overall readiness for undergraduate study. Recommended secondary coursework includes English, mathematics, natural sciences and social sciences. Prior work or volunteer experience in recreation, parks, outdoor leadership or facilities work is an advantage.

Transfer applicants with relevant college credits or an associate degree are welcome; credit evaluation and articulation will determine how prior learning applies to the degree. Applicants may need to submit official transcripts and any other documentation requested by the university’s admissions office. Some placements or internships may require background checks, first aid/CPR certification or specific immunisations depending on host agency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for operational and supervisory roles in a variety of organisations that manage outdoor and indoor leisure assets. Common career paths include parks and recreation supervisor, facilities manager, grounds and turf manager, event or programme coordinator, camp director, concessions and operations manager, and maintenance or asset-management technician. Graduates also find roles with municipal and county parks departments, state and national parks, school and university recreation services, private leisure and hospitality companies, non‑profit conservation organisations and consulting firms.

The degree develops transferable management, planning and technical skills that support progression into senior operational leadership, specialist roles (for example in sustainability or asset management) and graduate study in related fields.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a practical, applied approach with opportunities for fieldwork, laboratory practice and supervised internships with local and regional parks and recreation agencies. The university’s location provides ready access to diverse outdoor settings—from urban parks to forests and waterways—useful for hands‑on learning in site management and interpretation.

Students benefit from faculty with professional experience in recreation and facilities management, connections with public and private employers in the region, and student organisations that support leadership development and professional networking. The programme’s emphasis on combining technical facility skills with community‑oriented management prepares graduates for the operational realities of modern parks and leisure service delivery.