Recreation and Leisure Studies AA Degree Program

The Recreation and Leisure Studies AA Degree program provides students with the education, training, and hands-on experience needed to enter the field of recreation, parks, and leisure industries. Students learn basic service industry skills necessary for successful employment in the recreation, leisure, and parks field. This program is designed to meet the needs of students interested in seeking entry-level employment in a wide range of positions within the recreational industry. Career opportunities include recreation attendant, program coordinator, event planner, recreation program leader, corporate wellness, pool manager, camp counselor, theme park attendant, and other related occupations. 

• 2025-2026: 30 
• 2026-2027: 35
• 2027-2028: 40

The goal of the Recreation and Leisure Studies AA degree is to prepare students with the necessary education, training, and hands-on experience needed to enter the field of recreation, parks, and leisure industries. This program provides an opportunity for students to learn basic service industry skills required for successful employment in the recreation, leisure, and parks fields. Specific occupations the program prepares students for include recreation attendant, program coordinator, event planner, recreation program leader, corporate wellness, pool manager, camp counselor, theme park attendant, and other related occupations. The basic occupation skills students acquire in the program include analyzing community needs for parks and recreation programs, how to create recreation programs and supervise staff, demonstrate leadership skills in recreation programs, and administer a wide variety of parks and community services. 

This program utilizes courses from recreation, kinesiology,and general education to award an associate degree in recreation and leisurestudies. The program can be completed in four semesters.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will:

• Compare and contrast recreation and leisure programs and services within the community. 
• Explain the principles and practices of safety and risk management in recreation and leisure services. 
• Analyze community needs for parks and recreation programs. 
• Create recreation programs and understand how to supervise staff.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in recreation programs. 
• Administer a wide variety of parks and community services.

Courses	Title	Units	Year/Semester
RECR 100	Introduction to Recreation and Leisure	3	Y1, Fall or Spring
RECR 101	Outdoor Recreation	3	Y1, Fall or Spring
RECR 102	Recreation and Leisure Services	3	Y2, Fall or Spring
RECR 103	Inclusive Leisure	3	Y2, Fall or Spring
RECR 104	Leisure in Society	3	Y2, Fall or Spring
Choose ONE HEALTH course below:			Students complete one Health course in Y1 or Y2, Fall or Spring.
HEALTH 002	Health and Fitness	3
HEALTH 005	Health Equity	3
HEALTH 007	Fitness and Nutrition	3
HEALTH 008	Women's Personal Health	3
HEALTH 011	Principles of Healthful Living	3
HEALTH 012	Safety Education and First Aid	3
HEALTH 015	Stress Management Strategy	3
HEALTH 043	Men's Health and Fitness	3
Choose TWO KIN MAJ courses below:			Students complete TWO KIN MAJ courses in Y1 or Y2, Fall or Spring.
KIN MAJ 100	Introduction to Kinesiology	3
KIN MAJ 103	Introduction to Coaching	3
KIN MAJ 105	Lifespan Motor Development	3
KIN MAJ 106	Sports Ethics	3
KIN MAJ 108	Sport in Society	3
KIN MAJ 109	Women in Sport	3
KIN MAJ 110	Physical Activity in Diverse Populations	3
KIN MAJ 111	Equity and Diversity in Sport	3
KIN MAJ 112	Sports and Cinema	3
KIN MAJ 116	Introduction to Exercise Physiology	3
KIN MAJ 117	Personal Trainer Instructor	3
KIN MAJ 134	Advanced Lifesaving	3
Up to 60- units to meet degree requirements.			Students choose the remaining courses in Y1 or Y2 from LACCD, CSU, or IGETC. Up to 60- units to meet degree requirements.

Kinesiology and Health

Community College Supply: Mt. San Antonio (Parks and Outdoor Recreation) and Cypress College (Recreation Assistant). Non-Community Supply: CSU-Dominquez Hills, CSU-Northridge, CSU-Long Beach (Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies)

100

This is a new program.