Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR) and Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Degree Requirements
The Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation curricula blend core and professional concentration courses, general education requirements, and electives for accommodating individual student interests. All students in POR and TR complete both a practicum on one of Mason's distributed campuses and an internship experience in a professional setting chosen by the student together with their faculty advisor. Both the POR and TR programs are accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
To earn a Bachelor of Science in Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources with a concentration in either POR or TR, students must complete all General Education requirements (38 credits) and the Professional Concentration courses listed below (70 credits). Electives (12 credits) may be used towards a minor or certificate. The total number of credits required to earn a B.S. Degree in HFRR with a concentration in either POR or TR is 120.
Professional Concentration Courses —
Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR)
| PRLS 300 | People with Nature | 3 credits |
| PRLS 302 | Park Management and Operations | 3 credits |
| PRLS 402 | Human Behavior in Natural Environments | 3 credits |
| PRLS 501 | Introduction to Natural Resources Law | 3 credits |
| TOUR 362 | Cultural and Environmental Interpretation | 3 credits |
Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
| PRLS 416 | Issues and Trends in Therapeutic Recreation | 3 credits |
| PRLS 418 | Assessment in Therapeutic Recreation | 3 credits |
| PRLS 503 | Disability Rights Law | 3 credits |
| PSYC 211 | Developmental Psychology | 3 credits |
| PSYC 325 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits |
Additional Required Core Courses —
Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR) and Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
| PHED 200 | Professional Dimensions of Health, Recreation, and P. E. | 3 credits |
| HEAL 205 | Principles of Accident Causation and Prevention | 4 credits |
| PRLS 210 | Introduction to Recreation and Leisure | 3 credits |
| PRLS 241 | Practicum | 3 credits |
| PRLS 310 | Program Planning and Design | 3 credits |
| PRLS 316 | Outdoor Education and Leadership | 3 credits |
| PRLS 317 | Social Psychology of Play and Recreation | 3 credits |
| HEAL 323 | Leadership and Evaluation | 3 credits |
| PRLS 327 | Foundations of Therapeutic Recreation | 3 credits |
| PRLS 405 | Planning, Design and Maintenance of Leisure Facilities | 3 credits |
| PRLS 410 | Administration of RHT Organizations I | 3 credits |
| PRLS 411 | Administration of RHT Organizations II | 3 credits |
| PRLS 450 | Research Methods | 3 credits |
| PRLS 460 | Sports and Recreation Law | 3 credits |
| PRLS 490 | Internship (Synthesis Course) | 12 credits |
Consult the George Mason University catalog for descriptions of courses and degree requirements. Students will be cleared for graduation based on the catalog year in which they matriculated into the POR or TR concentration.
Many POR and TR students have applied their elective credits toward completion of a George Mason University certificate program as a complement to their major area of study. A certificate can further enhance a students’ expertise in specialized areas and may make them even more marketable upon graduation. The certificate is a separate diploma, and is recorded on the student’s official academic transcript.
For POR students, the Certificate in Environmental Management is designed to foster an appreciation of the biological, physical, and social aspects of environmental problems and methods for their analysis and resolution. For TR students who wish to prepare for work with older adults, the Certificate in Gerontology provides a background of basic knowledge and specialized skills in a variety of disciplines such as recreation, nursing, social services, anthropology, and administration.