New CBU Online degree serves growth in sports, recreation, fitness management

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2017) – The Online and Professional Studies (OPS) division at California Baptist University has launched a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports, Recreation and Fitness Management in response to the growing demand for activities that get people of all ages up and on-the-move.  

The sport, fitness and recreation industries have increased in popularity, said Dr. Dominick Sturz, associate professor of public health in OPS. Mud runs, community fitness events, smaller gyms and private fitness classes are popping up all over.

Sturz said that the new sports, recreation and fitness management degree will train students to become innovative and effective leaders, who affect positive change in the field. They will also learn how to successfully operate events and facilities, how to increase profitability for these operations, in addition to mitigating liability issues, Sturz added.

A degree in sports, recreation and fitness management from CBU Online offers academic training to enhance the skillsets in order for students to work in areas such as sports, recreation, fitness, coaching, sport scouting, camp counseling, event planning and facility management, community recreation, sports ministry and more.

Many programs focus solely on the sport aspect, preparing students to work primarily in that industry, Sturz said. The OPS program, which began this month, also includes recreation and fitness.

“We hope to bring something to the table that’s not currently being done elsewhere,” Sturz said. “Our whole purpose is to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the news of Christ as we prepare students for professional practice in a growing field.”

Faculty, who are teaching the classes have a combined professional experience of more than 50 years, Sturz said. The faculty are focused on training and developing the skills students will utilize in the field. They also want to provide a biblical foundation for how a Christian can thrive in their careers.

The sports, recreation and fitness management degree requires a completion of 49 units. The OPS major can be completed in 16 months. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information on the sports, recreation and fitness management degree click here.