Program Overview

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) program at Penn State offers a comprehensive education in the fields of recreation, park, and tourism management.

About RPTM

• The program prepares students to support and develop opportunities for recreation and tourism that benefit the economy and environment as well as the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of people and communities.
• RPTM on World Campus is a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option offered online via Penn State World Campus.

Undergraduate Programs

• Major in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management: The major offers several options, including Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management, Community Recreation Management, Outdoor Recreation, and PGA Professional Golf Management.
  • Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option: Prepares students for careers in the commercial recreation and tourism industry.
  • Community Recreation Management option: Prepares students for careers in community recreation and leisure services.
  • Outdoor Recreation option: Prepares students for careers in outdoor recreation and natural resource management.
  • PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Option: Prepares students for careers in the golf industry.
• Minor in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management: The minor provides students with a foundational understanding of the recreation, park, and tourism management field.
• Meeting and Event Management Certificate: The certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan and manage meetings and events.
• RPTM on World Campus: The online Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option is designed for students who want to pursue a career in the commercial recreation and tourism industry.
• Professional Snowsports Certificates: The program offers several professional snowsports certificates, including Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), Professional Snowsports Education (Level I), Professional Snowsports Leadership (Level II), and Professional Snowsports Management (Level III).
• Undergraduate Program Goals: The program has several goals, including providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the recreation, park, and tourism management field, preparing students for careers in the industry, and promoting lifelong learning and professional development.
• Supporting Courses: The program offers several supporting courses, including course overviews, summer session, and suggested academic plans.
• Honors Study in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management: The honors study program provides students with the opportunity to pursue in-depth research and study in the field of recreation, park, and tourism management.

Graduate Programs

• M.S. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management: The master's program provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of recreation, park, and tourism management.
• Ph.D. Program in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management: The Ph.D. program provides students with the opportunity to pursue advanced research and study in the field of recreation, park, and tourism management.
• Faculty and Research: The program has a diverse faculty with expertise in several areas, including recreation, park, and tourism management, and offers several research opportunities for students.
• Student Research: The program provides students with the opportunity to pursue research projects and present their findings at conferences and seminars.
• Graduate Student Directory: The program maintains a directory of graduate students, including their research interests and areas of study.
• Courses: The program offers several courses, including core courses, elective courses, and special topics courses.
• Funding: The program offers several funding opportunities for graduate students, including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.

Alumni

• Get Involved: The program provides several opportunities for alumni to get involved, including hosting student interns, attending alumni events, and participating in career development activities.
• Alumni Profiles: The program maintains a database of alumni profiles, including their career paths and achievements.
• Career Opportunities for Alumni: The program provides several career opportunities for alumni, including job postings, career counseling, and professional development activities.
• Donate: The program accepts donations from alumni and friends to support student scholarships, research initiatives, and program development.

Research

• Current Research: The program has several current research projects, including studies on community health and well-being, outdoor recreation and protected areas, and travel and tourism.
• Graduate Programs: The program offers several graduate programs, including the M.S. and Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.
• Opportunities for Students: The program provides several opportunities for students to get involved in research, including research assistantships, internships, and volunteer opportunities.
• Research Labs and Initiatives: The program has several research labs and initiatives, including the Community Health and Well-Being lab, the Outdoor Recreation, Protected Areas, and Environmental Education lab, and the Travel and Tourism Research Group.
• Facilities and Training Sites: The program has several facilities and training sites, including the Suzy and Jim Broadhurst Golf Teaching and Research Center, the Penn State Golf Courses, and the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.

Contact

• Administration: The program has several administrative offices, including the department administration, undergraduate program, graduate program, and faculty and staff.
• Undergraduate Programs: The program offers several undergraduate programs, including the major, minor, and certificate programs.
• Graduate Program: The program offers several graduate programs, including the M.S. and Ph.D. in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management.
• Alumni: The program has an alumni association and provides several opportunities for alumni to get involved.
• Faculty and Staff: The program has a diverse faculty and staff with expertise in several areas, including recreation, park, and tourism management.