Program Detail

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services

Dr. Jonathan Hicks, Department Chair
Email
213 Highland Ctr N
Mankato, MN  56001-6038


Accredited Program

  • Recreation, Parks Leadership Studies
    Initial Accreditation: 10/14/1986
    Next Review: Fall 2030
    Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
    Program Accreditation Status
    2024 Annual Report
    2023 Annual Report
    2022 Annual Report
    2021 Annual Report




    • The Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services major offers career tracks in leisure planning and management, resource management and therapeutic recreation. Through hands-on learning, experiences in the field, and in-classroom learning, the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services program prepares students for fulfilling careers in this growing field.

    COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
    • Outcome:
      Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students individually lead a small group in a game or activity to demonstrate face-to-face leadership/facilitation skills and are scored on a rubric. The second leadership activity is assessed for compliance purposes.
    • Result:
      In the Fall of 2021, 90% of students met the standard. In Spring 2022, 100% of students met the standard.
    COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
    • Outcome:
      Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to... evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students develop an evaluation tool for recreation, parks and leisure programs.
    • Result:
      In the Fall of 2021, 100% of students met the standard. In Spring 2022, 100% of students met the standard.
    COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
    • Outcome:
      Understand and apply organizational and political techniques to foster meaningful and principled relationships with boards, commissioners, staff; governmental, non-profit, and private organizations; and the public to enhance leisure service opportunities.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students are required to attend a local board meeting related to park and recreation service provision and assess aspects of the meeting and board function.
    • Result:
      In Spring of 2022, 83% of students met the standard.