Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Recreation Management
Bachelor of ArtsBatten University
Within the framework of the liberal arts, the mission of the Sport and Recreation Professions Department is to educate students as informed consumers, skilled professionals, and advocates of sport, recreation and leisure services throughout their personal and professional lives. By providing two Majors, the course offerings in Sport and Recreation Professions allow students to investigate the larger discipline and focus upon one of two Majors: Sport and Recreation Management, and Recreational Therapy. The course offerings in each major are designed to provide practical hands-on learning experiences with local agencies. By combining the concepts, skills, and perspectives of Sport and Recreation Professions courses with carefully selected courses, students may expect both to become focused in their chosen major and receive practical experience. Each major culminates in a semester-long internship, allowing students to continue their learning while applying their knowledge to real-life practice in a recreation agency of their choice. The Department has been nationally accredited since 1984 by the National Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions. All students completing either major are eligible to take the national examination to be recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Students completing the Recreational Therapy Major and designated coursework are also eligible to take the national examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Outcomes
Students shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the relevant sport and recreation related professions and their associated industries. Students shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the foundation of the relevant sport and recreation related professions in history, science and philosophy. Students shall demonstrate the ability to design services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity. Students shall demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations in relevant sport and recreation related professions.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The curriculum infuses practical learning opportunities with outside agencies—classroom work is reinforced through real-world experiences that allow students to hone their career preferences. The program is nationally recognized for its assessment, work with alumni and professionals, and for ensuring that all graduates are eligible to sit for the examination to become either a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist or a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
The course offerings in each major are designed to provide practical “hands- on†learning experiences with local agencies. By combining the concepts, skills, and perspectives of Sport and Recreation Professions courses with carefully selected courses, students may expect both to become focused in their chosen major and receive practical experience. All students completing either major are eligible to take the national examination to be recognized as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Graduates secure employment in traditional recreation agencies such as the YMCA, state park and recreation departments, and campus recreation administration. They have also been employed in administration, teaching, sales, health care, consulting, law enforcement and more. Some students enter graduate school to study fields as diverse as education, sport management, theology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | 15 graduates 2024-2025 |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Batten University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Batten University is committed to treating transfer students fairly. We believe in recognizing your hard work and making the path to your four-year degree as easy as possible.
The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Applied Science- Human Services (Tidewater Community College) will enter Batten U with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with a conferred Associate's degree get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework. They are not exempt from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credits are evaluated based on official transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Batten University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the credit transfer evaluation are recorded in the student's Transfer Evaluation Report in WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Batten University grade point average. The amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credit is awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Batten University. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 23. The average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area, we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. Batten University is an inclusive community grounded in the arts and sciences and dedicated to scholarship, service, lifelong learning, and environmental stewardship. Batten University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use the same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at Batten University based on academic year (ex: fall 26-spring 27 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date by which a student must let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early to take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.batten.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radford University | BA in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Recreation and Parks Management | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1193.00 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to recreation, leisure, and fitness studies, including exercise physiology and facilities management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
Cost To Complete