Overview
Overview
Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream…of life.
Description
The words "leisure studies" are literally included in the name of this major, so you know things can't be that bad in this field of study. This major involves measuring the angles at which one must prop his or her feet in order to achieve maximum leisure—or, as the British call it, "leisure." Not only that, but this area of study also includes how to find the most comfortable of down pillows, optimum monkey bar safety, and what makes Slip 'n' Slides so fun.
Truth is, we're not that far off. This major is all about having good, wholesome fun. Unless your dream job involves spending inordinate amounts of time at a desk in a cubicle, then maybe parks, recreation, and leisure studies is the major for you—especially if you're a people person or someone who enjoys spending time outdoors.
But before you slap on your capri pants and start searching through your medicine cabinet for some SPF 50, we should tell you: being a parks, recreation, and leisure studies major doesn't mean you'll be outside all the time learning to play different versions of four square. We know…it's a bummer.
Instead, you'll learn why leisure and recreation are important to a community, as well as why they're important for mental and physical health. To this end, chances are good that once you graduate, you'll end up working with children, disabled people, or the elderly on a fairly regular basis.
Some post-grad options for a parks, recreation, and leisure studies major might be working at a state or national park, coordinating summer camps, running programs at nature centers, or calling the shots at recreation facilities. Basically, if you find a job with the words "park" or "recreation" in it, you'll probably be qualified.
If this is feeling a little too abstract, though, then you can always glimpse your future by binge-watching Parks and Recreation.
Famous people:
Okay, so there aren't a lot of famous people with this major…unless you count Leslie Knope. And we definitely count Leslie Knope.
Famous People who majored in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
Okay, so there aren't a lot of famous people with this major…unless you count Leslie Knope. And we definitely count Leslie Knope.
Percentage of US students who major in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies:
1.8%
Stats obtained from this source.