B.A. Recreation and Sport Studies
Sport and recreation play a vital and growing role in our society and world, from the multi-billion dollar professional athletics industry to the use of sport and recreation in education to the overall health and wellness of the population. Recreation and sport studies examines sport’s cultural relationship with the economy, history, the media and politics. It considers race, class and gender differences in the culture of sport and recreation.
With a degree in recreation and sport studies, you will explore the vital roles recreation, sport, adventure and wellness play in the human experience. You will be equipped for administrative and operations positions in the sport, athletics, recreation and fitness industries. From physical therapy to sports psychology and sports management, you can develop a broad cultural perspective of sport.
Gain a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural and practical significance of recreation and sport!
Program Highlights
WHY STUDY RECREATION AND SPORT STUDIES AT CONCORDIA?
The recreation and sport studies program at Concordia University, Nebraska mentors and leads students in the advancement of knowledge, abilities and attitudes through the pursuit of a Christ-centered education in recreation and sport. Students shall be given the opportunity for optimum spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the gifts God has given them through instruction and participation in various movement activities and through instruction in the areas of health and wellness.
The recreation and sport studies major is designed to give you an experiential education. Take classes in orienteering, adventure activities and alpine skiing, among others. Learn about planning and management of PE courses, recreational activities, sports and facility management.
Recent Internships
- Hudl, Lincoln, Neb.
- York Parks and Recreation, York, Neb.
- College World Series, Omaha, Neb.
- Concordia University, Nebraska Athletics, Seward, Neb.
- University of Nebraska Athletics, Lincoln, Neb.
- Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball, Lincoln, Neb.
- Pink Gorilla, Lincoln, Neb.
Recent Graduate and Professional Schools
- Concordia University, Nebraska (Coaching and Athletics Administration)
- Wichita State University (Sport Management)
- Concordia University, Nebraska (Public Health)
- Baylor University (Public Health)
- Creighton University (Physical Therapy)
- Washington University in St. Louis (Physical Therapy)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center (Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant)
- University of Arizona (Physiological Sciences)
- University of South Dakota (Occupational Therapy)
- University of Nebraska Omaha (Athletic Training)
Recent Alumni Careers
- Lincoln Saltdogs Baseball, Lincoln, Neb.
- Phoenix Coyotes (NHL), Phoenix, Ariz.
- YMCA, Locations across the United States
- St. Louis Blues (NHL), St. Louis, Mo.
- York Parks and Rec, York, Neb.
- Husker Athletics, Lincoln, Neb.
MEET OUR EXPERT FACULTY
As experts in recreation and sport studies, our faculty and instructors bring years of experience to the classroom.
Meet our students
The recreation and sports studies classes always have so much discussion and really broaden the way I look at not only recreation, sports and athletic programs, but also the world.
Accreditation
Concordia University, Nebraska is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Degree Goals
A recreation and sport studies program graduate from Concordia University, Nebraska will be able to:
- Describe and explain the components of the recreation and sport studies field such as management, marketing, risk management and financial principles.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and scope of the recreation and sport profession and its foundation in history, science and philosophy.
- Understand safety and ethical issues necessary to work responsibly in the recreation and sport studies field.
- Apply discipline-specific, scientific and theoretical concepts, analytical methods and best practices to design, implement and evaluate recreation and sport activities.
Health and Human Performance Minors
- Coaching
- Parish Health
- Public Health
- Recreation
- Recreation and Sport Management
- Senior Adult Fitness
- Sport Ministry
- Sport Psychology
Career Outcomes
Sports Manager
- Handle business matters for sports teams and athletes
- Negotiate contract terms and trade deals, handle media relations and organize promotional events for your organization
Sports Information Director
- Provide publicity for your athletic department or sports team
- Maintain content on the website, run social media accounts, manage statistics information and keep records
Athletic Director
- Investigate, identify, prevent and solve environmental problems
- Conduct experiments, create maps or graphs and evaluate the effect humans have on the earth and its inhabitants
FAQs
There are many educational and professional opportunities available at Concordia Nebraska for recreation and sport studies majors. Top of the line facilities within the Walz Human Performance Complex available to the Health and Human Performance Department include a field house with 200-m indoor track, weight room, athletic training room, student resource library, computer lab and Human Performance Lab with state-of-the-art equipment like a Bod Pod body composition testing device, so you can get hands-on training for your future recreation and sport studies career.
The recreation and sport studies major also provides the opportunity for taking courses designed around experiential education, including orienteering, adventure activities and recreational programming, where you can work with local camps to create and implement activities. You can also experience national travel study courses including but not limited to wilderness adventure activities and alpine skiing. Or, make an impact by teaching and mentoring Nebraska Special Olympics athletes, working on collaborative projects with Nebraska high schools or interning at various local health facilities.
Outside of your recreation and sport studies academic classes, you can participate in a number of clubs on campus. The health and human performance (HHP) club is an organization that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle for the campus and community, as you work to plan and supervise physical education and health programs at Concordia and around Seward. Or the Phi Epsilon Kappa national health and human performance honor society gives you the opportunity to share your passions and interests with other students, make connections with professionals and participate in current research in the field of recreation and sport studies.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in recreation and sport studies related fields is projected to increase 12% on average by 2022. Part of the reason is that the practical experience you gain with a degree in recreation and sport studies translates to a wide variety of career options, so you can find a job that you’re passionate about.
Some examples of careers in recreation and sport studies include athletics administration, sports marketing, facility operations management, outdoor activity leadership and park or resort management. You might become a park ranger, an athletic director, a sports communications specialist, a camp counselor…the opportunities are endless.
Related Programs
Exercise Science
The exercise science program at Concordia University, Nebraska offers you the opportunity to advance your knowledge, skills and abilities while staying current with innovative research by utilizing state-of-the-art human performance laboratory equipment. Here, you will learn how to apply the gifts God has given you to enhance the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional and social wellbeing of others.
Public Health and Fitness
A degree in public health and fitness from Concordia University, Nebraska prepares you to develop and advocate for effective health programs, where you can implement policies that enhance the health of individuals, groups and communities. You’ll combine theory-based public health and fitness courses, laboratory experiences and internships to provide you with practical, career-focused skills in nutrition, biomechanics, global health, psychology, epidemiology, stress management, human anatomy and more.
Biology
With a degree in biology from Concordia Nebraska, you will be prepared to begin a career in the biological sciences right away, or to continue your education in graduate, medical, dental or veterinary school. As a biology major at Concordia, you learn essential skills such as time management and mastering complex material, as well as studying more in-depth topics such as microbiology, human anatomy and immunology to give you the knowledge you need to be successful in the field of biology.
1 Recent graduates attending graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
2Average Class Size for Representative Subject Most Aligned with Major, Over Last 5 Years.