Program Overview

Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Program

The Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) program at Penn State offers a comprehensive education in the fields of recreation, parks, and tourism management. The program focuses on the global issues associated with human development, health, and wellness, as well as the impact of recreation and tourism on ecological, economic, and cultural systems.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in RPTM offers a choice of four program options:

• Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option
• Community Recreation Management option
• Outdoor Recreation option
• PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) Option

The program provides students with a strong foundation in the principles of recreation, parks, and tourism management, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of interest. Students can also pursue a minor in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management or a Meeting and Event Management Certificate.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in RPTM offers a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. The program is designed to provide advanced education and research training in the fields of recreation, parks, and tourism management. Students can specialize in areas such as community health and well-being, outdoor recreation, protected areas, and environmental education.

Research Areas

The RPTM program has a strong research focus, with faculty and students working on a variety of projects related to recreation, parks, and tourism management. Some of the research areas include:

• Community Health and Well-Being
• Outdoor Recreation, Protected Areas, and Environmental Education
• The Suzy and Jim Broadhurst Golf Teaching and Research Center
• Travel and Tourism Research Group
• Kurt Hahn Consortium for Values and Experiential Learning

Facilities and Training Sites

The RPTM program has access to a variety of facilities and training sites, including:

• Campus Recreation
• Penn State Golf Courses
• Penn State Outing Club
• Shaver's Creek Environmental Center

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the RPTM program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in fields such as:

• Recreation and parks management
• Tourism management
• Event planning and management
• Sports management
• Environmental education and conservation

Student Opportunities

The RPTM program provides students with a variety of opportunities to get involved in research, internships, and other experiential learning experiences. Students can also participate in student organizations and clubs related to recreation, parks, and tourism management.

Alumni

The RPTM program has a strong alumni network, with graduates working in a variety of fields related to recreation, parks, and tourism management. Alumni can stay connected with the program through social media and other networking opportunities.