Academic college: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, School of Public Affairs, in collaboration with the School of Community Resources and Development. This 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) program with a Parks and Recreation Management concentration combines foundational public policy and service knowledge with specialized training in managing parks, recreational facilities, and natural resources. It prepares students for leadership roles in providing essential leisure and public services that enhance community well-being and environmental stewardship. The curriculum covers public policy analysis, public management, and governance, alongside topics such as park planning, outdoor recreation, event management, natural resource management, and recreational programming. Students gain practical experience through required internships and applied projects, learning to balance public access with resource conservation. The program includes a Senior Capstone Project (PAF 400), often involving applying learned skills to a real public problem, and incorporates Solution-Based Learning (SBL).

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in public, non-profit, and private sectors related to parks, recreation, and leisure services. Career options include: Park Ranger/Manager, Recreation Program Coordinator, Outdoor Education Specialist, Event Planner, Sports Facility Manager, Tourism Manager, Community Services Director, Naturalist, Conservation Officer, and roles in municipal park and recreation departments, state/national parks, forest services, private resorts, youth organizations, and environmental non-profits. The degree also provides strong preparation for future graduate study in recreation management, environmental policy, public administration (MPA), or public policy (MPP).

Arizona State University is a highly ranked public university with a world-leading drive for innovation (consistently #1 in the U.S.). It is consistently the #1 U.S. public university chosen by international students, offering a diverse and global learning environment. Located in the heart of Arizona's capital, ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus offers a professional, fast-paced environment with a big-city feel, providing immense opportunities for engagement with various public and private recreational facilities, parks, and natural resource agencies. The program is taught by ASU’s School of Public Affairs, one of the USA’s top-rated public affairs schools (ranked #13 nationally), in collaboration with the renowned School of Community Resources and Development, ensuring a top-tier education with access to leading faculty and cutting-edge research in leisure studies and public lands management.