Outdoor Adventure Parks and Recreation: AS

Associate of Science | 61 credits

Program Website
Academic Advising

Program Description
This program prepares students at Salt Lake Community College who are interested in Outdoor Adventure Parks and Recreation (OAPR) professions and bachelor’s degree options. OAPR is an academic discipline of the theories and reasons behind recreation. Students learn about park and recreational facility management, human fitness, and providing fitness, leisure, and recreational services to the public. Specifically, they may learn how to use leisure activities to help a recovering addict or how to secure funds for a new parks program.

Upon finishing the requirements for an AS degree in outdoor adventure parks and recreation and after acceptance into a major program, a student should be able to obtain a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution with two additional years of study.

Career Opportunities
The park and recreation profession offer diverse job opportunities throughout the country. Whether you are working in an office or out in the field, a career in park and recreation means enhancing the quality of life for all people through advancing environmental conservation efforts, social equity, and health and wellness. (https://www.nrpa.org/careers-education/careers/choosing-a-career-in-parks-and-recreation/)

The associate degree completion and transferring and completing the bachelor’s degree is the typical entry path for the parks and recreation career path. Working for the Division of Wildlife Services, parks and recreation agency director, recreation director, park operations director, facility manager, athletics supervisor, aquatics supervisor, recreation program coordinator, to private owned tourism and adventure entrepreneurship.

Transfer/Articulation Information
Please refer to the Student Resources section of the SLCC University Transfer webpage.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx

NOTE: Fees may vary based upon specific registration and are subject to change.

General Education Requirements

Complete all General Education courses.

Associate of Science (AS) / Associate of Arts (AA) Degree General Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Required Courses (21 credits)

Electives Courses (6 credits minimum)

Complete 6 credits form the elective courses listed below. 1 course (3 credits) must be from the “Breadth Electives” and the other 3 credits must be from the “Electives List”.

Time to Completion & Graduation Map

Outdoor Adventure Parks and Recreation AS: Full-time
Time to completion is 4 semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase time to completion.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes in brackets.

Students will gain entry-level knowledge and experiential learning in the following: 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. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9]
Students shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences (DNR, Recreation Centers, Community programs, nonprofits for recreation) and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity. [1,4,5,6,7,8]
Students shall be able to identify and describe operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions [1,4,6,7,8,9]
Students will complete a comprehensive internship, not less than 300 clock hours, in industry to observe and experience the potential to succeed as professionals in park, recreation, tourism, or related organizations. [2,6,7]
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills, enabling students to comprehend and effectively analyze issues, make decisions, and form sound judgments. [2,4,8]
Students will demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills commensurate with professional practice and reflection. [2,7]