Welcome to the
Recreation and Leisure Department
at Southern Connecticut State University

The experience of leisure is one of the basic facets of life. It is an elemental experience, essential to the total well-being of every person; it is a reflection and expression of the cultural values of a society; it is an important treatment modality; it is a vital 'blueprint' to be followed as a preventative mechanism. The provision of recreation services is one of the largest industries in the world, whether measured in dollars spent, persons served, hours of time devoted, or resources used. The study of leisure and recreation is a broad discipline, combining aspects of diverse fields of study and professional practice.

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, originally established as an academic program in 1969 and as a department in 1978, offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. The department reaffirms its strong generalist tradition and orientation believing that at the baccalaureate level such an approach is most appropriate. The generalist orientation also reflects the far-reaching economic parameters of the 21st century. The department does, however, offer extensive elective course work in more specialized areas of the generic field of parks and recreation.

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at S.C.S.U. exits to promote a broader and deeper understanding and appreciation of the role of leisure and recreation in the lives of all people, and to enhance the quality of experiences available to each person.