The Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies major offers career tracks in Recreation Leadership and Management and Cultural and Natural Resource Management. Through real-world experiences and in-classroom learning, the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies program prepares students for fulfilling careers in this growing field.
RPLS Day 2024 I April 12
Accreditation Statement
The Department of Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies (RPLS) is situated within the College of Allied Health and Nursing (CAHN) at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The RPLS department was created in 1968 and the Bachelor of Science degree in the major has been continuously conferred for the past fifty years. The department is the only nationally accredited undergraduate RPLS program in the state.
Career Opportunities
The following is only a partial list of the many occupations available if you choose a career in RPLS.
- Park Naturalist and Park Ranger in city, state or national parks and forests
- Coordinator of recreation and parks for a city or county
- Program Coordinator of a nonprofit organization
Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies News
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Alumni Q&A: How two Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies grads are creating space for fun
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RPLS program taps nearby Rasmussen Woods for teaching and learning
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Signature Experiences
Camp Maverick
Camp Maverick - Rec N' Read is a recreation and literacy intervention camp designed to help struggling readers improve reading and writing skills while having fun and playing games.
Rec Club
The Rec Club works to promote relationships between students, faculty, and professionals.
Students in Action
Students in the Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies Department are offered many leadership opportunities.
Field Experience
The Field Experiences requires you to complete a total of 150 hours of professional experiences in a recreation and leisure service agency prior to applying for your practicum. The field experience is established with the assistance of your advisor. Field Experience Form
What our students say about RPLS:
"MSU’s RPLS Department has guided students to fulfill their passions while further advancing their professional skills.
- Sarah Hagar - RM - Class of 2020
What Grads Say
The department provides engaging coursework, networking opportunities, and employment readiness focused on preparing you for your dream career!
- Kaitlyn Sturdy
What Grads Say
The Recreation Parks & Leisure Services faculty set you up for nothing but success... They go above and beyond by engaging their students in real-life experiences.
- Briana Spicer
Recreation Leadership and Management
A degree in Recreation Leadership and Management will prepare you to work in a wide variety of leisure service organizations with a particular focus on program planning, facilitation, and administration.
Cultural and Natural Resource Management
Students in Cultural and Natural Resource Management focus on the interactions of people and the natural world. A primary focus is how we can maintain natural areas for the enjoyment of people now and for generations to come, emphasizing access now while caring for our natural resources.
Recreation Minor
This will bring you to the program requirements for a Recreation Minor.
Contact Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies
If you have any questions about Recreation and Parks Leadership Studies, please connect with us - we are happy to help!
