Frostburg State University

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the administration and operation of parks, recreation and leisure facilities, combining theory with applied practice. Core subject areas typically include facility planning and design, operations and maintenance, asset and risk management, budgeting and finance, programming and marketing, legal and ethical issues, accessibility and inclusion, and sustainability in recreational settings.

• Facility Planning & Design: site analysis, spatial planning, user needs assessment and accessible design principles.
• Operations & Maintenance: lifecycle planning, preventive maintenance, grounds and building systems, and contract management.
• Financial & Business Management: budgeting, revenue generation, cost control, grant writing and public/private partnership models.
• Risk, Safety & Legal Issues: risk assessment, emergency preparedness, health and safety codes, and liability management.
• Program Development & Community Engagement: needs assessment, inclusive programming, marketing and volunteer management.
• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship: green practices, resource management and stewardship of natural and built assets.

Programme structure commonly includes a mix of advanced coursework, applied practicum or internship with a parks or recreation agency, and a culminating project or capstone demonstrating applied management skills. Delivery modes may include on-campus, online or hybrid options to suit working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, preferably in parks and recreation, leisure studies, facilities management, public administration, business or a related discipline. Relevant professional experience in recreation, facilities or operations strengthens an application.

• Official transcripts from previous postsecondary study.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• One or more professional references or academic letters of recommendation.
• A current CV or résumé detailing relevant work and volunteer experience.
• Some applicants may be asked for an interview; standardised tests (such as the GRE) are typically not required but policies can vary.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as set by the university (for example, recognised tests or exempting qualifications).

Career prospects

Graduates enter leadership and specialist roles across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Park or recreation facility manager/superintendent responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance.
• Director of recreation or community services overseeing programming, budgets and staff.
• Campus recreation manager at colleges or universities managing fitness, sport and student engagement facilities.
• Facilities planner or asset manager working on long-term capital planning, renovations and lifecycle management.
• Risk and safety coordinator responsible for compliance, emergency planning and incident management.
• Consultant in planning, design or management of leisure facilities and public spaces.
• Positions with municipal parks departments, state or federal agencies, private recreation operators, resorts, and non-profit organisations.

Why study at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State University offers a focussed, practice-oriented environment well suited to professional development in parks, recreation and facilities management. The university’s smaller campus size supports close faculty mentorship and opportunities for applied learning with regional parks, municipal recreation departments and campus facilities.

Frostburg’s location near a variety of outdoor recreation resources provides convenient access for site-based learning and fieldwork, and the programme emphasises partnerships with local and state agencies for internships and applied projects. Coursework is designed to balance management theory with hands-on skills—preparing graduates to lead operations, manage assets responsibly and deliver inclusive community services.