BS - Sport Leadership + Recreation
Pursue your passion
The bachelor’s degree in Sport Leadership & Recreation at Emporia State University prepares students for dynamic careers across the sport and recreation industry, including professional and intercollegiate athletics, community recreation, and parks and recreation.
Students learn from dedicated faculty and experienced industry professionals who bring real‑world insight into every course. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in areas such as sport leadership, cross‑cultural communication, sport management, facility and event design, revenue generation, and professional development.
Hands‑on experience is a hallmark of the program. Students regularly collaborate with staff at the ESU Student Recreation Center and ESU Athletics, gaining practical skills through applied coursework, practicum experiences, and a culminating internship. These opportunities allow students to develop confidence, leadership ability, and industry‑ready competencies from their first semester through graduation.
Graduates leave prepared to lead, manage, and innovate across a wide range of sport and recreation settings, well-equipped with both the knowledge and practical experience employers value.
You have support
At Emporia State University, we’re here to help you achieve your educational and career goals. All new ESU students are automatically members of the Stinger Success Program.
Additional information
- Admission Requirements
Prospective SLR majors must meet all university requirements and be admitted to Emporia State University.
Prospective SLR majors must complete an application for admission to the SLR Program after they have completed the first 11 hours of the SLR core classes with a C or better (Sports Leadership and Recreation Application).
This application must be accompanied by Major's Agreement Form, which must be signed and dated.
Prospective SLR majors must have an overall GPA of 2.5 and a 2.75 GPA in the first nine SLR core hours.
Prospective SLR majors must complete the Application Form.
If a student does not meet the above criteria, the student may petition to be placed on probation for one semester and may re-apply at the end of that semester to be removed from probation.
If a student does not meet the above criteria by the end of the probationary semester, the student will not be admitted to the SLR Program.
Any student who has committed a felony will not be admitted to the SLR Program.
- Application Deadlines
Application for admission into the Sport Leadership + Recreation Program must be received by October 1 for Spring acceptance and March 1 for Fall acceptance.
- Degree Requirements
See complete requirements for a major in sport leadership & recreation.
- Retention Policy
Once a student is admitted to the Sport Leadership + Recreation Program, s/he must complete the following requirements in order to complete the SLR Program and graduate from Emporia State University with a BS degree in Sports Leadership & Recreation:
The student must complete 124 credit hours with a minimum of 45 credit hours at the 300 level or higher.
The student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 2.75 in all SLR Program core classes.
The student must pass three major program assessments at the acceptable level. These assessments include:
- Practicum I Supervisor’s Evaluation
- Portfolio Evaluation
- Intern Supervisor’s EvaluationThe student must complete each of the courses in the SLR Program with a C or better and have a 2.75 GPA in all SLR classes to complete the program and to be eligible to enroll in SL 570 and SL 510.
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HOW TO CONTACT US
Phone
fas fa-phone-alt 620-341-5220
Mailing Address
Health, Physical Education, + Recreation
Emporia State University
1 Kellogg Circle
Campus Box 4036
Emporia, KS 66801
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Department of Health, Physical Education, + Recreation
1720 Morse Road
HPER Building
Main Office, Rm 219