Frostburg State University Strengthens Recreation Curriculum to Prepare Students for Growing Sport Management Career Opportunities

Frostburg State University Strengthens Recreation Curriculum to Prepare Students for Growing Sport Management Career Opportunities

Jul 27, 2026 8:30 AM

Frostburg State University has approved a comprehensive redesign of its recreation academic programs, strengthening the curriculum to better prepare students for today's evolving recreation and sport industries as well as creating a stronger academic pathway between the University's undergraduate and graduate programs. As a result of these enhancements, both the undergraduate and graduate programs will adopt new names that more accurately reflect the education students receive and the careers they pursue.

Beginning with the upcoming academic year, the Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Parks Management will become the Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management, and the Master of Science in Recreation, Parks and Sport Management will be renamed the Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Management.

The curriculum revisions were developed in response to changing industry needs and increasing student interest in careers spanning sport management, community recreation, parks, tourism, event management and related fields. Emerging workforce trends were evaluated to incorporate the knowledge and professional competencies employers seek from graduates, while preserving the programs' strengths in parks and recreation.

"The new program names more clearly communicate the breadth of opportunities available to our students and better align with the careers they are preparing to enter," said professor and program coordinator Natalia Buta Lowe, PhD. "These changes strengthen the visibility of our programs while preserving our commitment to preparing professionals for careers across recreation, parks and sport management."

Students interested in parks and recreation will continue to benefit from dedicated coursework and concentration options, while those pursuing careers in sport management will complete an enhanced curriculum that more intentionally prepares them for leadership roles in collegiate athletics, professional sports, recreation organizations, event management and related industries.

"These programs were thoughtfully reimagined with students' futures in mind," said Interim Dean of the College of Education, Behavioral and Health Professions Dr. Yum Nguyen. "The updated program titles and curriculum reflects our commitment to providing an education that responds to workforce demand while preparing graduates to lead across the many sectors of recreation and sport management."