Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme combines applied facilities management, recreation administration and leadership coursework with practicum and research options. Core topics include planning and design of recreation facilities, operations and maintenance, financial and asset management, legal and risk issues, community programming, and sustainable practices for outdoor and indoor leisure environments.

• Facilities Operations & Maintenance – lifecycle maintenance, preventive maintenance planning, custodial and grounds management, and vendor contracting.
• Asset and Financial Management – budgeting, capital planning, cost control, revenue generation, fee structures and grant funding for parks and recreation organisations.
• Planning & Design for Recreation Facilities – site analysis, accessibility and universal design, landscape and site amenities, and planning for multi-use complexes.
• Risk Management & Legal Issues – liability, safety standards, emergency preparedness, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Programming, Marketing & Community Engagement – needs assessment, programme development, customer service, outreach and partnership building with stakeholders.
• Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship – sustainable site practices, habitat management, water and energy conservation, and resilience planning for parks and open space.
• Leadership & Human Resource Management – supervision, volunteer management, organisational behaviour, and ethical leadership in public and nonprofit settings.
• Research Methods / Capstone – applied research methods, data analysis for management decisions, and either a practicum/internship or a research capstone project addressing a real facility management challenge.

The degree can typically be tailored through elective choices or concentration options to emphasise urban park systems, special event and venue management, resort and hospitality facilities, or environmental conservation in leisure spaces.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually required to hold a recognised bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Relevant undergraduate majors include recreation, parks management, hospitality, public administration, environmental studies, sport management or related fields; applicants with professional experience in recreation or facilities management are also considered.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory performance in previous study.
• Statement of purpose outlining career goals, relevant experience and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• References – typically one or two professional or academic referees who can speak to your suitability for graduate study.
• Relevant experience – professional experience in parks, recreation, facilities, hospitality, event management or a related sector is advantageous and may be required for some pathways.
• English language proficiency – applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements through approved tests or equivalent qualifications.

Specific departmental requirements, minimum GPA expectations and any prerequisite coursework are set by the programme and should be checked with the department prior to application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for managerial and leadership roles across public, nonprofit and private sectors that operate recreational spaces and leisure facilities. Typical career paths include:

• Park and recreation director or superintendent for municipal or regional agencies.
• Facilities manager for community centres, sports complexes, arenas or convention venues.
• Asset or capital projects manager responsible for maintenance, renovations and capital improvements.
• Event and venue operations manager for festivals, conferences, resorts or entertainment complexes.
• Programme director for community and youth services, outdoor education and leisure programming.
• Consultant in leisure planning, accessibility, sustainability or risk management.

Graduates may also progress to senior leadership roles, policy positions in government agencies, or further research and doctoral study in related fields.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers the programme within a region known for diverse park systems, extensive recreational tourism and a subtropical environment that provides practical learning opportunities year-round. The university's location supports field-based learning, partnerships with municipal parks departments, tourist attractions and non-profit organisations, and access to practicum placements in both urban and coastal settings.

Students benefit from FIU's multidisciplinary resources, including faculty with professional experience in recreation and facility management, opportunities to collaborate across hospitality and urban planning departments, and access to research centres focused on sustainability, resilience and public space management. The programme emphasises applied skills, industry engagement and hands-on experience to prepare graduates for contemporary facility management challenges.