Commercial Recreation
The Commercial Recreation option is part of the Sport Science Department in the College of Education and Related Professions. Students majoring in Commercial Recreation complete institutional requirements, professional program core requirements which several are required for certification. If students transfer into the major after their basic course work has been complete, they may be advised to take courses from the institutional requirements and professional core to fulfill degree requirements making them eligible for certification processes. The student will complete thirteen (13) professional courses, 3 of which are field-based within the Recreation major. Additionally, each student completes specific professional courses in Commercial recreation. The classes are sequenced and to be permitted to enter the field experiences, specific admissions, GPA requirements, and experience hours must be achieved and verified. Also, in the area of electives, students are encouraged to visit with their advisor to select course work required by professional certification standards set by autonomous certifying bodies external to Ashland University. These requirements may be above and beyond graduation requirements.
The Commercial Recreation program prepares students for leadership in supervisory and administrative positions. The concentration includes proficiency in recreation programming, personnel management, legal aspects, sport and recreation marketing, event management, public relations, research and evaluation. With this concentration students are able to enter these fields:
Armed Forces Recreation Each branch of the armed services provides recreation programs and facilities for active duty personnel, their dependents and retirees who live in the areas of the base, in the United States and in many foreign countries. Recreation professionals who serve in these positions are either civilian or military personnel. Military recreation helps to prevent burnout and boredom, promotes family stability, offers an alternative to drugs and alcohol, and encourages fitness. |
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Campus Recreation Recreation programs and facilities are provided by colleges, universities and preparatory schools to enhance the leisure of student on campus. A position in campus recreation management usually includes the administration of student unions or centers, intramural sports, cultural and special events, clubs and other activities. |
Employee Services and Recreation Many corporations provide recreation programs and facilities for their employees and families because they believe that employees will be more fit and efficient, absenteeism will be reduced, retention will be increased, and that relationships between co-workers and supervisors will be enhanced. In addition to recreation programs, employee services often includes well-ness and fitness components as well as product sales and other services. |
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Municipal Recreation Administrative staff in these departments provide recreation programs and facilities to contribute to the quality of life in that community. The emphasis in these agencies has shifted from serving youth in sports programs to serving citizens of all ages at a variety of leisure service facilities. |
Resort and Private Recreation Many recreation businesses provide needed leisure services and products to the public and earn a profit while doing so. Health and fitness centers, tennis and racquet clubs, ski areas, private country clubs, golf courses, condominiums, second home communities, bowling alleys, theme parks, resorts, are all examples of commercial and resort recreation. |
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Youth and Community Agencies Character-building youth agencies such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Campfire, 4-H, Boy and Girl Scouts, and community agencies such as Jewish Community Centers, Senior Centers and YMCA/YWCA's include recreation programs and facilities and professional staff to promote the constructive use of leisure, and develop enriched lifestyles for the membership of their organizations. |