Parks and Protected Area Management, Minor
Explore how parks and protected areas are managed and conserved as vital community resources. You develop skills in planning, policy and resource management while examining the challenges of balancing population growth, recreation needs and environmental protection.
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Parks and Protected Area Management minor description
In this minor program, you explore how parks and protected areas are managed and conserved as vital community resources. Coursework examines the challenges of balancing population growth, recreation needs and environmental protection, especially in areas near cities.
The program emphasizes skill development in planning, policy and resource management while connecting classroom learning to real-world issues in sustainability and community development. It complements majors such as sustainability, urban planning, education and public service.
Why earn a parks and protected area management minor at ASU?
You can study conservation and sustainability in public lands alongside urban planning perspectives. Coursework addresses the unique pressures facing areas near cities, where you examine how to balance competing demands on natural resources.
Through the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, you connect with faculty and practitioners who work directly on community development and environmental management. You can connect classroom learning to hands-on sustainability issues and prepare to help protect natural spaces for future generations while supporting communities in caring for the environments they depend on.
Additional details
You have opportunities to build professional connections through school-sponsored events and community partnerships. You can engage with graduate students in the School of Community Resources and Development through CRD Grads, a student organization that promotes professional development and networking in parks and recreation management. These experiences offer insight into careers in parks and recreation management while you develop practical expertise in sustainability and resource stewardship.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 15 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in parks and protected area management requires 15 credit hours of graded classroom coursework (no internship, no independent study), of which 12 are upper division. Students complete 12 credits of required coursework and three credits of electives. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses in the minor. |
||
|
PRM 120 Leisure and the Quality of Life
(SOBE)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
PRM 370 Public Lands Management
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
PRM 380 Wilderness and Parks in America
(SUST)
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
TDM 480 Sustainable Tourism
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
PRM 360 is offered during fall semester only.
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.00
Incompatible Majors: BS in parks and recreation management (all concentrations); BS in recreation therapy
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this parks and protected area management minor prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for roles that involve recreation, conservation and environmental education. They may work in public, nonprofit or private organizations focused on park operations, community recreation or natural resource management.
Common pathways include positions such as park operations assistant, recreation coordinator, environmental education specialist and conservation program aide. The minor also strengthens career preparation for those pursuing majors related to sustainability, planning and community development.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Community Resources and Development
|
UCENT 164
scrdadvising@asu.edu
602-496-1658
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
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