Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Recreation and Outdoor Leadership

Career Studies Certificate
Laurel Ridge Community College

This program is designed for students who wish to get a job in the recreation field or as part of a plan to transfer to a four year college and earn a degree in the field.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Career Studies Certificate in Recreation and Outdoor Leadership is ideal for students looking to earn knowledge and experience in recreation, leisure, tourism, sport management, outdoor recreation, and other associated fields. With a balanced curriculum, including classroom knowledge and skills paired with experiential learning opportunities including conference participation and practicum experiences, students are exposed to a variety of industry experiences. 32-hour practicums in both the RPK 141 and RPK 135 courses provide students with practical knowledge in the community/industry in which they want to pursue. The Career Studies Certificate can be paired with Associates degrees in General Studies, Science, Business, and many others.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Laurel Ridge Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree The CSC prepares students for entry level careers in the Recreation and Leisure industry. Students can then seamlessly enter into the Associates degree program and potentially seek transfer to a 4-year institution.
Program Successes & Highlights Many students are offered employment following completion of practicum requirements.
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Recreation and Outdoor Leadership
16
Career Studies Certificate in Recreation and Outdoor Leadership
16
Course Grad Req 221-459-01 (2024-25 Catalog)
16
1st Semester Requirements
7
RPK 100 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RPK 141 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PED 183 Requirement
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
2nd Semester Requirements
9
RPK 120 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RPK 265 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
RPK 135 Requirement
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
16
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 12 credits may be applied to this program.
GPA
16
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion Students transferring to Laurel Ridge with an Associate Degree or higher already completed will be able to transfer in applicable credits to their degree and will have SDV 100 waived.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School Laurel Ridge does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning https://laurelridge.edu/credit-for-prior-learning/
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Laurel Ridge Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market. We offer many courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. Our student life team offers many ways for students to get involved including clubs, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
Transfer Student Catalog Year The catalog year in effect at the time a student was formally admitted into their curriculum at Laurel Ridge.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog placement is tied to semester start selected in the application.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions https://laurelridge.edu/transfer/
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9072.00Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except GamblingPlan, direct, or coordinate entertainment and recreational activities and operations of a recreational facility, including cruise ships and parks.Management Occupations
11-3013.00Facilities ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization's campus.Management Occupations
11-1021.00General and Operations ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.Management Occupations
11-3013.01Security ManagersDirect an organization's security functions, including physical security and safety of employees and facilities.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 16 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Recreation and Outdoor Leadership at Laurel Ridge Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $163 Per Credit $2,608 $0 $2,608
Fees
Student Activity Fee $2 Per Credit $32 0 $32
Auxiliary Fee $4 Per Credit $64 0 $64
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • Some courses include materials fees in the cost of tuition or use free materials, and other courses require students to purchase texbooks or other materials. Laurel Ridge does not charge fees for parking or graduation. Tuition and fees are the same regardless of whether students attend online or in person. Tuition and Fees are subject to change.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.