Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in the broad spectrum of ways in which leisure activities, tourism, and participating in life-changing “experiences” impact our health and well-being over the course of our lives.

Program Description

This online degree program is designed to support and develop opportunities for recreation management and tourism management that benefit the economy and environment as well as the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of people and communities.

Hands-On Experience

The program includes an internship experience that allows students to meet their educational objectives through participation in a well-planned and organized practical experience. The internship is intended to enable students to unite all the pieces of their undergraduate curriculum together and apply them to their intended career path.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the program is March 15 to start on May 18.

Credits and Costs

The program requires 120 credits, with a tuition rate of $638/$685 per credit.

Nationally Recognized

The program is highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for careers in the recreation and tourism management field, including hotel recreational facilities management, parks recreation direction, recreation coordination, convention services management, and travel consulting.

Employment Outlook

The employment growth rate for recreation workers is 5.5%, with a total employment of 309,640.

Possible Career Paths

The program can prepare students for careers in tourism and event management, entertainment, sport, and fitness venue management, youth and senior recreation services, and many more.

Career Services

The program offers career services, including opportunities to connect with employers, career counselor/coach support, occupation and salary information, internships, and graduate school resources.

Program Options

The program offers two options: Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management and Community Recreation Management.

Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management

This option is ideal for students who aspire to positions in the for-profit recreation sector and the travel and tourism industry.

Community Recreation Management

This option is suitable for students who are interested in community-based public or nonprofit recreation and parks.

Gain Valuable Hands-On Experience

The RPTM internship will help students meet their educational objectives through participation in a well-planned and organized practical experience and unite all the pieces of their undergraduate curriculum together.

Set Your Own Pace

The program allows students to set their own pace, with the option to take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

The program's convenient online format gives students the flexibility to study around their busy schedule.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades.

Information for Military and Veterans

The program offers information and resources for military and veterans, including financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

How to Apply

The application process involves reviewing the admission requirements, gathering required materials, creating a Penn State login account, completing the application, and submitting all required materials by the appropriate deadline.

Admissions Help

The program offers admissions help, including contact information for admissions counselors.

Learn from the Best

The program is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, and students will learn from experienced faculty members.

Faculty

The program's faculty members include John Dattilo, Patricia Kleban, Chris Ortiz, and Brian Soulé, who have expertise in recreation, park, and tourism management.

News

The program is featured in U.S. News' 2025 'Best Online Programs' rankings, and graduates have gone on to achieve career success in the field.

We Are Penn State

The program is part of Penn State, a world-renowned institution that offers a high-quality education.

Explore Other Academic Programs

The program is one of many academic programs offered by Penn State World Campus, including Biobehavioral Health, Health Policy and Administration, and Human Development and Family Studies.