LEIS Home: Undergraduate Information

Leisure Services Management

There is tremendous and ever-increasing demand for educated professionals who will guide others toward life enrichment through lifetime leisure pursuits. The field of leisure is growing as the need for professionals in both the public and private sectors in this multi-billion dollar industry continues to increase each year. The Leisure Studies program offers two options: Leisure Services Management and Therapeutic Recreation.

Career Opportunities

The Leisure Services Management option leads to a Bachelor of Science degree and prepares graduates for careers that serve the recreational needs of both adults and children. Graduates work in a wide variety of settings including public park and recreation agencies, military recreation programs, nonprofit organizations, golf and tennis clubs, theme parks, resorts, fitness centers, youth camps, church-related organizations, scouting programs, and family organizations such as the YMCA. Many graduate schools accept this degree as appropriate preparation for graduate study. Master’s and doctoral degrees with emphasis in Leisure Studies are among the related advanced degrees offered by the College of Education at Oklahoma
State University.

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American Humanics Certificate

In partnership with American Humanics, Inc., OSU offers a program to certify future professionals to work with youth and families in nonprofit agencies. The OSU-AH certification program encompasses a variety of experiences including nonprofit management, grant writing, and fund raising, as well as a 300-hour internship with a nonprofit agency.

Experience Opportunities

Leisure Services Management majors must complete at least three work experiences in which they explore different professional environments. These include 500 clock hours in volunteer or paid experience of which 135 clock hours occur within a structured practicum course. Students complete their education with a full-time fourteen-week internship during the last semester of the senior year.

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Program Quality

The Leisure Studies program at OSU is the only such degree program in Oklahoma. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has accredited the program in Leisure Studies, including the options in Leisure Services Management and Therapeutic Recreation. This accreditation assures the graduating student of eligibility to meet requirements for national certification examinations.

Job Assistance

The College is very successful in assisting students in finding jobs upon graduation. OSU Career Services, the COE career consultant, the academic advisement staff, and Leisure Studies faculty communicate regularly with employers seeking to hire OSU graduates.

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Scholarships

Last year more then $250,000 in scholarships were awarded to students in the College of Education. In addition to endowed scholarships from the college, students are sometimes awarded scholarships from state or national professional organizations. Students may also apply for fee waivers, college work-study, federal grants and loans, and employment opportunities on campus.

More Information

Office of Student Services
106 Willard Hall
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078-4035
(405) 744-6350
Student Services Home Page

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Leisure Studies Home

Last Updated Wednesday, June 21, 2006 2:19 PM