The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies houses distinct degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels and provides a number of progressive programs and offerings.

The undergraduate programs have been nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation since 1981, with the most recent renewal being affirmed in October 2006.

At the baccalaureate level of education, the Department houses Bachelor of Science degrees in Recreation and Park Management and in Recreational Therapy.

At the graduate level, Master of Science degrees are offered in Recreation and Leisure Facilities and Services Administration and in Recreational Therapy Administration.

The Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in Recreational Therapy are unique to the state, region, and nation. The percentage of ECU graduates passing the national and state credentialing examination, sponsored by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification and administered by the Education Testing Service, is significantly higher than the state and nation. Graduates assume positions as recreational therapists and administrators in physical and psychiatric rehabilitation programs, hospitals, residential service programs, long-term care, and community recreation programs serving persons with disabilities.

Graduates from the Bachelor and Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure Facilities and Services assume positions in community recreation and parks departments, youth and adult sports services, state and national park service, and commercial recreation and tourism industries.

The department supports a newly established Biofeedback laboratory, an evolving program in Aquatics Management and Aquatics Rehabilitation, and a Laboratory for Coastal Recreation and Tourism Research. In addition, the department has been actively involved in research programs with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Walker Cup International Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, the Horizons Program for At-Risk-Youth, the Hurricane Floyd Pattillo Elementary School Recovery Effort, and the Rachel Carson Estuary and Reserve. Numerous learn and serve projects include master planning for local communities across eastern NC, risk management planning with the Kinston Indians, and formal learn and serve programs in Lenoir County and in Tarboro, NC.