Slippery Rock University

What you'll study

This master's prepares students to plan, operate and evaluate parks, recreation and leisure facilities with attention to sustainability, safety and community needs. Core topics typically include facility planning and design, operations and maintenance, risk and liability management, finance and budgeting for leisure organisations, and marketing and programme development.

• Facility planning & design: site analysis, accessibility, spatial programming and capital project planning.
• Operations & maintenance: preventive maintenance systems, procurement, staffing models and vendor management.
• Risk management & legal issues: liability reduction, emergency preparedness, health and safety standards.
• Financial management: budgeting, revenue generation, grant writing and fiscal sustainability for public and private facilities.
• Programme development & community engagement: needs assessment, inclusive programming, marketing and partnerships.
• Leadership & human resources: supervision, volunteer management, conflict resolution and organisational behaviour.
• Sustainability & resource stewardship: green operations, landscape management and long-term asset management.
• Applied project or internship: practicum, thesis or capstone project with field-based experience in a parks or facilities setting.

Students may also have opportunities to work with geographic information systems (GIS), data analysis for facility use and evaluation, and specialised electives such as outdoor recreation or recreation therapy depending on course availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Candidates with undergraduate degrees in parks and recreation, leisure studies, hospitality, landscape architecture, public administration, health sciences or related fields are well prepared, though applicants from other disciplines with relevant professional experience are also considered.

• Official undergraduate transcripts demonstrating satisfactory academic performance.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining professional objectives and interest in facilities management.
• Current résumé or CV demonstrating relevant work or volunteer experience.
• Letters of recommendation (typically one to three) from academic or professional referees.
• Some programmes may require or recommend GRE scores, prerequisite coursework, or an interview; international applicants must meet English language proficiency standards.

Prospective students with substantial professional experience in parks, recreation or facilities operations may be eligible for advanced standing or portfolio review. Specific requirements and documentation are available from the university’s admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates work across public, nonprofit and private sectors managing a broad range of leisure assets. Typical career pathways include:

• Park superintendent or regional parks manager for municipal or state park systems.
• Facilities manager for recreation centres, sports complexes, aquatic centres and campus recreation departments.
• Operations or events manager for arenas, conference centres, resorts and commercial leisure facilities.
• Asset manager, capital projects coordinator or maintenance supervisor focused on long-term stewardship of built and natural resources.
• Consultant in facility planning, accessibility audits, sustainability and risk management.
• Policy or programme administrator in government agencies, non-profit organisations and tourism authorities.

Alumni typically advance into leadership roles that combine technical facility knowledge with community engagement, fiscal stewardship and strategic planning responsibilities.

Why study at Slippery Rock University

Slippery Rock University’s programme emphasises applied learning and close faculty mentorship within a department that has longstanding connections to parks and recreation professionals across the region. The campus location provides access to nearby public parks, outdoor classrooms and practical lab opportunities, supporting hands-on skill development.

• Practical focus: curriculum integrates practicum placements, fieldwork and applied projects that build workplace-ready competencies.
• Industry connections: strong relationships with municipal parks departments, state park systems and private leisure operators help with internships and job placement.
• Faculty expertise: instructors bring experience in facility operations, planning, recreation management and community engagement.
• Flexible pathways: options for thesis, capstone project or professional practicum let students tailor the degree to research or practice-oriented goals.

Prospective students should consult Slippery Rock University’s official programme pages and admissions advisors for the most current details on course offerings, delivery formats and application procedures.