Sport and Recreation Administration Undergraduate Program

Enjoy a diverse career that keeps you on the move physically and professionally.

Promote activities and events. Engage with your community. Be a leader off the field.

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Why major in sport and recreation administration at Missouri State?

Prepare for a career in the $500 billion global sports industry with hands-on internships and industry-leading training. Our students are allowed to sit for the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam with two years of full-time professional experience.

Many of our students graduate with at least that much experience as they go through the SPR program at MSU.

Other program highlights and features include:

No. 3 on Universities.com: Best Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies colleges in Missouri 2025.
Internship hub: Gain experience with Springfield’s NCAA Division I athletics, professional teams like the Springfield Cardinals, or community organizations like the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
Industry connections: Network with professionals through partnerships with the Springfield Sports Commission, Wonders of Wildlife, and alumni in the industry other sport related organizations.
Career versatility: Train for roles in sports marketing, event management, facility operations, or athletic administration, with skills in budgeting, legal aspects, and operations. Local options include:

- NXTPRO Hoops Series: At Wilson Logistics Arena, an AAU-type youth basketball event with PUMA sponsorship, drawing college scouts.
- USA Archery’s U.S. Open & Target Nationals: Hosted in Springfield, offering archery competition and internship opportunities in event coordination.
- Sporting Clays Classic: At Ozarks Shooters Complex, sponsored by Killian Construction and Bass Pro Shops.
- Bass Pro Marathon Weekend: In November with a two-day expo featuring 50 health and wellness vendors at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
- Springfield Sports Commission: Drives sports tourism, securing events like the Special Olympics and MSHSAA Championships. Interns support event bidding, marketing, and logistics, contributing to over $10 million in annual economic impact.
- Springfield-Greene County Park Board: Manages 102 park sites, hosting over 50 national, regional, and state tournaments annually in softball, baseball, soccer, and more, generating $13–$15 million for the local economy. Interns coordinate programs and events.
- Lake Country Soccer: Operates a 55+ acre facility with 18 outdoor fields and an indoor complex, serving 2,500 youth players and 12,000 visitors yearly. Interns assist with tournament management and facility operations.
- Sporting Springfield: Runs youth soccer programs, including ECNL showcases and the Allison Cup, with tryouts and tournaments in tryouts at Allison Sports Town). Interns support coaching and event logistics.
- Missouri Sports Hall of Fame: Hosts the Enshrinement Ceremony and Sports Enthusiast Luncheons, offering internships in event planning and marketing.
- Springfield Amateur Softball Association: Organizes men’s, women’s, and youth softball tournaments since 1935, with internships in league management.
- Hammons Field: Home of the Springfield Cardinals (AA affiliate of St. Louis Cardinals), seating 10,000, ideal for internships in game-day operations and fan services.
- JQH Arena: An 11,000-seat arena hosting Missouri State Bears and Lady Bears basketball, suitable for NCAA Division II tournaments. Interns manage events and logistics.
- Allison Sports Town Complex: An 82-acre indoor/outdoor venue with 12 fields and a 94,000 sq. ft. indoor facility (four basketball courts or eight volleyball courts), hosting rugby, soccer, and Special Olympics events.
- Killian Softball Complex: Hosts MSHSAA Softball Championships and local tournaments, offering internships in field management and event coordination.
- Rivercut Golf Course: A municipal course hosting MSHSAA Girls Golf Championships, ideal for golf management internships.
- Ozark Mountain Sports Complex: Home to MSHSAA Baseball Championships through 2031, with internships in facility operations.
- Fieldhouse Sportscenter: Features four basketball and volleyball courts, with a grill, arcade, and party rooms, perfect for event management internships.
- Cooper Tennis Complex: Home to the Springfield Lasers (professional tennis), with world-class courts for tennis event internships.
- BigShots Golf: A 12-acre interactive golf range with 56 bays and a six-hole mini-golf course, offering internships in golf operations and marketing.
- Miracle League Ball Field: A cushioned turf field for players with wheelchairs or walkers, ideal for inclusive sports internships.