Public Lands & Recreation Administration Certificate

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Learn about the administration of public lands and recreation systems at the federal, state, and local levels, with a Public Lands and Recreation Administration Certificate from Indiana State.

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Program Availability

The Public Lands & Recreation Administration Certificate program is open to currently enrolled students who wish to increase their employability. The program is especially suited for students in the Department of Political Science, as well as students interested in learning about the administration of parks, forests, prairies, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, fish and wildlife areas, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, rivers, and ocean environments. Students should consult with their advisors before enrolling in courses to ensure suitability and to plan their program of study

This certificate in public lands and recreation administration is also open to working professionals. For application instructions, visit Admissions

Program Highlights

Indiana State’s Public Lands & Recreation Administration Certificate program focuses on the public and nonprofit administration of agencies and organizations that use public lands and/or recreation programs and services to achieve individual, community, environmental, and economic outcomes. With innovative courses, the program prepares leaders in municipal, city, county, township, state, and national park systems and public land management agencies.  

Courses

The Public Lands & Recreation Administration Certificate program consists of nine credits focusing on volunteer engagement, advanced public lands and recreation administration, state and local government, and public policy. Special emphasis is placed on the following topics and learning outcomes:

  • Identifying historical events, key people and organizations, and the impactful public policies that influenced the development of public lands and associated management agencies in Indiana and the United States. 
  • Comparing and contrasting the varying missions and outdoor recreation management strategies of different federal, state, and local public land management agencies.
  • Explaining how outdoor recreation fits within the missions of public land management agencies. 
  • Evaluating nonprofit master plans, comprehensive plans, and strategic plans of public land management agencies. 
  • Examining the core functions of strategic partnerships with nonprofit public lands partners, park foundations, nature and history associations, conservancies, and associations. 
  • Identifying current issues, challenges, and trends facing public land management and recreation professionals. 
  • Applying principles of volunteer engagement to maximize volunteer involvement and mission impact in public lands and nonprofit supporting organizations. 
  • Researching and contributing to the planning, implementation, leadership, and evaluation of culturally competent, inclusive, and accessible recreational programs and services. 
  • Engaging respectfully with individuals and groups that may have diverse perspectives and priorities regarding recreation opportunities and facilitating conflict resolution across these individuals and groups.
  • Making nature-based tourism, recreation, and outdoor leadership decisions with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. 

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Transfer Credit 

Indiana State University accepts credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities within the United States, and from selected schools located outside the United States. Credit also may be granted for military training and experience. Previously earned college credit may be applied toward completion of the program.

Transfer Admissions

Career Possibilities

Successful completion of the Public Lands & Recreation Administration Certificate program prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in a variety of settings, including: municipal, city, county, township, park district, state, and national park systems and public land management agencies; nonprofit public lands partners, park foundations, conservancies, and associations; and conservation and outdoor recreation centers, military bases, correctional facilities, and public housing. 

Our graduates pursue leadership roles in the Indiana Park and Recreation Association and the National Recreation and Park Association, which include positions as public administrators for public lands and recreation systems. Many other graduates also pursue graduate studies, particularly in public administration. 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Higher Learning Commission

Additionally, the Public Administration Program is currently a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) and is associated with the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).