Northwest Missouri State University’s recreation program has earned reaccreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

COAPRT recognizes academic programs in colleges and universities that prepare new professionals to enter the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions. It grants accreditation to baccalaureate degree programs that meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality.

The organization commended Northwest’s program for strong and consistent support to student success through focused academic and professional advising, faculty’s demonstrated excellence in pursuing and applying to their teaching a variety of professional development and scholarship opportunities, and exceptional student support services, including library and computing resources.

“The reaccreditation of Northwest’s recreation program is a reflection of the standard of excellence that the faculty and students continue to meet year after year,” Dr. Terry Long, director of the School of Health Science and Wellness, said. “The success stories of Northwest recreation alumni throughout Missouri and across the nation are a testament to the quality of this program.”

Northwest launched its recreation program during the 1980s; it received accreditation for the first time in 2011 and was reaccredited in 2016. The University’s recreation program is now accredited through 2030.

Northwest’s recreation program is one of only 62 in the country to receive accreditation and is housed within the University’s School of Health Science and Wellness.

In the United States, accreditation of professional preparation curricula is conferred by non-governmental bodies, which are often closely associated with professional associations in the field.

COAPRT was established in 1974 and serves as the credentialing body to accredit baccalaureate degree programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, and at nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico.