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Recreation

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Recreation

This degree provides training for an entry-level career in the field of recreation and leisure services. It explores the many career fields in recreation, including public service, private recreation, outdoor recreation, and leadership positions.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
COMM 301 Introduction to Public Speaking (3) 3
   or COMM 331 Group Discussion (3)
ECE 312 Child Development (3) 3
   or PSYC 372 Child Development (3)
GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) 3
   or PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
RECR 300 Introduction to Recreation and Leisure Services 3
RECR 310 Outdoor Recreation 3
RECR 320 Recreation Activity Leadership 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
RECR 498 Work Experience in Recreation (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 20

The Recreation Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local ARC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • analyze community needs for parks and recreation programs.
  • create recreation programs and supervise staff.
  • demonstrate leadership skills in recreation programs.
  • administer a wide variety of parks and community services.

Career Information

Careers in recreation include jobs in park facilities and services in federal, state, municipal, and voluntary nonprofit agencies. Commercial and private recreation also provide opportunities for employment. Travel and tourism, club management, resort recreation, food and beverage services, lodging, professional sports, entertainment, and cultural services are very much an integral part of the recreation and leisure services market.