B.A. Recreation and Sport Studies

Major Minor Teaching Endorsement

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. 

Recreation & Sports Studies Courses

120 credit hours
97% career outcome rate1
15.0 average class size2
14:1 Student-to-faculty ratio
 

Gain a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural and practical significance of recreation and sport! 

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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 the faculty

Meet our students

Samantha Liermann
Wisner, Nebraska

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

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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.