Frostburg State University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme combines core studies in parks and recreation with practical training in facility operations and site stewardship. You will take modules in recreation programming and leadership, parks and protected area management, facility design and maintenance, risk and safety management, and recreation law and ethics. Coursework also covers business‑oriented topics such as budgeting, facility marketing, human resource management, scheduling and event management.

Practical components are a central feature: students complete laboratory classes, field trips to regional parks and forests, and hands‑on workshops in grounds and equipment maintenance. A supervised practicum or internship places students with municipal parks departments, state parks, recreation centres, camps or private facility operators. The degree typically culminates in a capstone project that integrates planning, operations and community engagement for a real or simulated facility.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically consider overall academic achievement, including grades in English and mathematics. Relevant extracurricular experience — for example, volunteering in community recreation, camps or outdoor programmes — strengthens an application. Some applicants may be invited to discuss career goals in a short interview or submit a personal statement outlining their interest in parks and recreation.

Specific course prerequisites or GPA thresholds may apply; check Frostburg State University admissions guidance or contact the department for current details. Mature applicants with relevant work experience are also welcome and are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry‑level and supervisory roles in public, non‑profit and private sectors. Typical job titles include parks and recreation technician, facility manager or supervisor, recreation programmer, campground manager, community centre director, event coordinator and park ranger/interpretive specialist. With experience and additional certification, graduates can move into senior management roles such as parks director, regional facility manager or operations manager for recreation and leisure organisations.

Employers include municipal and county parks and recreation departments, state and national park services, concession operators at public lands, private leisure and fitness facilities, camping and outdoor education providers, and non‑profit organisations focused on community recreation and environmental education. The programme also provides a foundation for postgraduate study in recreation management, public administration or environmental planning.

Why study at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State offers a programme with a strong applied focus and close ties to regional parks and recreation agencies, providing opportunities for fieldwork and internships in nearby state parks and natural areas. The university emphasises small class sizes and accessible faculty who bring professional experience in recreation and facilities management.

Students benefit from hands‑on learning environments, including campus recreation and outdoor facilities, opportunities for community partnerships, and preparation for industry certifications. The location in western Maryland gives ready access to diverse landscapes — forests, lakes and state parks — well suited to outdoor and facility management training.

Overall, the programme is tailored for students seeking practical skills in operations, stewardship and community engagement that translate directly into careers running and maintaining recreation facilities and parks.