Associate of Arts in Recreation

Miami Dade College is a large, multicultural community college spread across the Miami metropolitan area, serving over 47,000 students and welcoming more than 1,700 international learners. Founded in the late 1950s, MDC is known for broad access to higher education, offering associate degrees, workforce training and pathways that prepare students for careers or further university study. Its multi-campus structure reflects Miami’s cultural diversity and provides students with abundant opportunities for hands-on learning and community engagement.

Programs at MDC are designed to be practical and responsive to employer needs, with strong offerings in business, health sciences, technology and the arts. The college maintains partnerships with local industry and four-year institutions, making transfer smooth for students pursuing bachelor degrees. Student support services include academic advising, English language assistance and career centers that help international students navigate study, internships and employment planning in a dynamic urban setting.

Living and studying in Miami gives students access to a global business hub, vibrant cultural life and extensive internship possibilities across finance, hospitality, media and health sectors. MDC’s emphasis on affordability and student success makes it an attractive option for international learners seeking practical credentials and pathways to further study. The college combines supportive resources with ample real-world experience to help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

The Associate of Arts in Recreation at Miami Dade College is a two-year program for students who want to work in recreation. It helps students prepare for upper-division work and can lead to careers in youth agencies, healthcare, fitness, and travel and tourism.

Students in this program take courses in accounting, economics, human anatomy and physiology, and health sciences. They also develop skills in areas like leadership, programming, and facility management through hands-on components.

Graduates of this program can become recreation therapists, youth program directors, fitness center managers, travel agents, or park rangers. They can work in industries like healthcare, fitness, and travel and tourism, or for employers like local governments, youth agencies, and private recreation centers.