University of Mississippi

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines applied management, outdoor resource studies and technical knowledge needed to run parks, recreation services and leisure facilities. Students follow a curriculum that balances core management principles with specialised modules and practical fieldwork.

• Core management modules – organisational behaviour, public administration, financial management and human resources for leisure services.
• Facilities operations and maintenance – building systems, custodial and grounds operations, preventive maintenance, equipment selection and lifecycle planning.
• Parks and open‑space management – park planning, landscape ecology, trail design, habitat conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Recreation programming and community engagement – needs assessment, programming for diverse populations, volunteer management and marketing of leisure services.
• Risk management and legal issues – safety protocols, emergency planning, liability, insurance and legal responsibilities in public and private leisure settings.
• Turf and grounds management – basic horticulture, turf science, irrigation and groundskeeping practices applicable to sports fields, golf courses and public landscapes.
• Events and leisure services – event planning, crowd management, concession and vendor coordination and revenue generation for facilities.
• Research methods and sustainability – applied research skills, assessment techniques and sustainable practices for facility design and operations.
• Internship / field experience – a supervised placement with municipal parks departments, state parks, campus recreation or private facility operators to apply classroom learning in real settings.

Structure

The degree typically includes general education requirements alongside major coursework, usually completed over four years of full‑time study. Practical experience through laboratories, practicum courses and an internship is integral; elective options allow students to specialise in areas such as outdoor recreation, sports turf or facility management.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent). Admissions typically consider academic record, recommended coursework and supporting materials.

• Academic background – strong general high school record; recommended preparatory subjects include biology, physical education, mathematics and introductory business or economics.
• Standardised tests – the university’s general admissions policy determines whether standardised scores are required or optional; consult the admissions office for current practice.
• Supporting documents – official transcripts, personal statement or statement of purpose outlining interest in parks and facilities management, and at least one academic or professional reference are commonly requested.
• Transfer students – applicants with prior college coursework should provide college transcripts and typically demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA; relevant associate degrees or credit for prior learning may be transferable.
• Practical considerations – some placements or fieldwork may require a valid driver’s licence, background check or the ability to meet physical demands of outdoor work.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a variety of public, non‑profit and private sector roles that manage spaces, people and programmes for leisure and recreation.

• Parks and recreation manager or director for municipal or county agencies
• Facility manager for community centres, arenas, aquatic centres, or university recreation facilities
• Grounds and turf manager for sports venues, golf courses or large landscapes
• Event coordinator and venue operations manager for festivals, conferences and sporting events
• Outdoor recreation coordinator, trail manager or park ranger (some positions may require additional certification or agency training)
• Program developer for youth, senior or therapeutic recreation services
• Consultant in accessibility, sustainability or master planning for parks and leisure facilities

Graduates often progress into supervisory and director‑level posts with experience, and some pursue postgraduate study in public administration, landscape architecture, environmental management or business to broaden career options.

Why study at University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi offers a combination of classroom instruction, applied labs and community partnerships that support hands‑on learning in parks and facility management. The campus location and regional networks provide access to municipal parks, state recreational areas and private facilities for internships and field projects.

• Applied learning – emphasis on practicum and internship placements with local and state agencies gives students real operational experience.
• Interdisciplinary resources – opportunities to work with faculty and students in related disciplines such as environmental science, business and public policy.
• Community and industry links – established relationships with regional parks departments, recreation providers and private operators help with placements and employment pathways.
• Facilities and field sites – campus recreation centres, outdoor labs and nearby public lands support practical training in facility operations and resource management.

These features make the programme a strong choice for students who want a practical, career‑focused education in parks, recreation and leisure facilities management while based at a research university with local and regional engagement opportunities.