Recreation Professor
Environmental & Natural Resources
A program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.
What Recreation Professors Do
A program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.
Common Tasks
- 1Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 2Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 3Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- 4Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 5Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as anatomy, therapeutic recreation, and conditioning theory.
Types of Recreation Professors
Work Environment
Locations
- • Colleges and universities
- • Community colleges
- • Graduate and professional schools
- • Online/remote learning programs
- • Campus recreation and fitness facilities
Schedule
Most work a set academic schedule with regular class times, plus additional hours for office hours, grading, and course preparation.
Physical Demands
The job is mostly classroom and computer-based, with moderate sitting and some standing while teaching. Physical activity is generally light, with occasional movement or demonstrations depending on the course.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 15,400 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand may rise as colleges expand health, fitness, and recreation programs and add courses in wellness, therapeutic recreation, and facilities management. Retirements and turnover can also create steady openings for instructors and adjunct faculty.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Stable, predictable schedule around academic terms
- • Opportunity to teach and mentor students
- • Work can include research and professional projects
- • Generally low physical strain compared with many trades
- • Subject matter can be varied (fitness, recreation, facilities)
Cons
- • Competition for full-time faculty roles can be high
- • Publish-or-perish pressure in research-focused positions
- • Significant time spent grading and administrative tasks
- • Adjunct roles may have lower pay and limited benefits
- • Moderate time pressure during peak grading periods
Common Questions About the Recreation Professor Trade
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