Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

What you'll study

The programme combines general education with a structured sequence of major courses to develop skills in facility operations, maintenance, programming and leadership. Early courses introduce foundations of parks and recreation, leisure theory, and community health; intermediate and advanced modules cover facility management, risk and safety management, grounds and equipment maintenance, budgeting and finance, human resources, and legal and ethical issues in public recreation.

• Core topics: Introduction to Parks and Recreation, Recreation Programming and Leadership, Facilities and Grounds Management, Risk Management and Safety, Maintenance Systems, and Event and Operations Management.
• Technical and business skills: Budgeting and Financial Management for Recreation, Facility Planning and Asset Management, Grant Writing and Fundraising, Marketing of Leisure Services, and Customer Service.
• Applied learning: Field-based classes in grounds management and maintenance techniques, practicum courses that place students in municipal parks, campus recreation or private facilities, and a senior capstone or internship that emphasises operational leadership and project delivery.

Students typically select electives or concentrations that align with career goals, such as therapeutic recreation, outdoor recreation, or sports and event management. Hands-on labs, site visits and supervised work placements are integral to the curriculum to ensure workplace readiness.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions decisions consider secondary school academic achievement, coursework in English and mathematics, and a demonstrated interest in parks, recreation or facilities work. Some programmes prefer applicants who have completed service-learning, volunteer work or employment in recreation settings.

International applicants must meet the university's standard requirements for admitted students, including provision of proof of secondary education equivalence and English language proficiency. Transfer students are evaluated on post-secondary coursework and must meet the department's residency and major-specific requirements for graduation.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of public, private and non-profit roles that focus on facility operations, programming and community services. Typical positions include:

• Park superintendent or parks manager for municipal or regional agencies
• Facility manager or operations supervisor for recreation centres, sports complexes or campus recreation
• Event coordinator and operations lead for festivals, venues or tourism organisations
• Grounds and turf manager, maintenance foreperson or asset management specialist
• Program coordinator for youth, community or therapeutic recreation initiatives

Alumni also move into roles in concessions and retail management within leisure settings, park planning, grant administration and policy positions. The programme's practicum and internship components help students build networks and practical experience that employers value.

Why study at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

MTSU offers a practical, career-centred approach with strong emphasis on applied learning and local partnerships. The campus location in Murfreesboro, close to Nashville and numerous municipal and state recreation agencies, provides ready access to internship and employment opportunities in a variety of settings.

Students benefit from hands-on laboratories, supervised field experiences and connections to community parks, campus recreation services and private leisure providers. Faculty bring applied experience in parks and facilities operations, supporting student development of the technical, administrative and leadership skills needed to manage contemporary recreation facilities.