Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, B.S. (University College)

Program Code: RPTUC_BS

Program Description

The program prepares students for supervisory and administrative positions with park systems, environmental centers, commercial recreation and tourism agencies, golf courses, hospitals and assisted living facilities, private voluntary agencies, schools and colleges, and other commercial, nonprofit, and public organizations that provide recreation and leisure services. The program combines a broad educational foundation with specific courses designed to accommodate career interests in recreation, park, and tourism management. The program helps students gain the theoretical, managerial, technical, and experiential skills they need to become the next generation of leaders in the field. Additionally, students obtain real-world experience through our internship experiences.

Four (4) options are offered:

Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Greater Allegheny, University Park, World Campus

This option focuses on management in the private/commercial, non-profit, and public sectors of recreation/leisure services. The private/commercial focus will be of interest to students seeking careers in a variety of commercial settings such as resorts; theme parks, convention centers; sports and fitness facilities, including arenas and stadiums; tourism promotion/planning agencies; and employee recreation departments within corporations. This focus will also appeal to students wishing to become entrepreneurs.

Community Recreation Management Option

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Greater Allegheny, University Park, World Campus

For those interested in the community, public, or non-profit sectors for positions within municipal, state, and federal government agencies; recreation divisions of the armed services; YMCA agencies; United Way agencies; scouting organizations; university-affiliated units such as student unions, intramural and alumni services; and other non-profit organizations.

Professional Golf Management Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Accredited by the Professional Golfers' Association of America, the Professional Golf Management Option prepares students for careers in the golf industry. Students will be prepared to assess leadership and management principles including customer service, interpersonal skills, business communication, conflict resolution, time management, negotiating, project management, marketing, and community relations. In addition to the core curriculum, the program has a strong business focus and is drawn from several nationally recognized academic disciplines on campus.

Outdoor Recreation Management Option

Available at the following campuses: University Park

This option prepare students for careers in Park Management and Environmental Interpretation (PMEI), Adventure Recreation, or in both fields. The Adventure Recreation pathway emphasizes outdoor experiential leadership, including wilderness experiences and personal development. The PMEI pathway focuses on natural and cultural history environmental interpretation and education and the social science of conservation. The third pathway provides a flexible route for students to combine parts of the Adventure Recreation and PMEI pathways to create a meaningful personalized set of courses that could include study abroad experiences and prepare students for international contexts of recreation management. The Outdoor Recreation Management option is of interest to students seeking employment in a variety of outdoor recreation and park settings (local, state, and national from urban to wilderness) offering outdoor activities and personal development to the public.

What is Recreation, Park and Tourism Management?

Recreation, Park and Tourism Management students learn how to manage and lead in a variety of organizations to help humans derive benefits from leisure activities. Students learn about a disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives to better understand the natural, psychological, social, economic, political and cultural systems that influence human behavior in the context of recreation, park and tourism. Core business and management skills are applied to the types of organizations in the recreation, park and tourism sectors. This approach enables students to address issues of human well-being and sustainable development in leading and managing these organizations. Our mission is to transform human health and well-being through engaging people in recreation, park, tourism and leisure activities.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RECREATION, PARK, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You like working with people in a hands-on learning environment that involves recreation, parks, sustainability and leisure.
  • You enjoy business, management or entrepreneurship and a career setting focused on the outdoors, entertainment, sports, fitness, or events.
  • You like building community through organizing recreation programs for young people, families, those in the military or older persons.
  • You enjoy tourism, visiting new places, meeting new people, and helping others travel and learn about other cultures.

Entrance to Major

Students who have completed 29.1 credits with a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average are eligible for entrance into the major, except for the Professional Golf Management option.

First-year students are admitted directly into the Professional Golf Management option at the University Park campus only. In addition to the University's academic requirements, each student admitted to the Professional Golf Management option must have a playing proficiency represented by a minimum golf handicap of 12 or lower. This must be certified in writing by a Professional Golf Association member or golf coach.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 4-14
Requirements for the Major 64-71

3-4 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 0-3 credits of GS courses; 0-4 credits of GQ courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. RPTM requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for this major.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
RPTM 120Leisure and Human Behavior Keystone/General Education Course3
RPTM 220Sustainability, Society, and Well-being Keystone/General Education Course3
RPTM 236Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services3
RPTM 277Inclusive Leisure Services Keystone/General Education Course3
RPTM 390Political and Legal Aspects of Recreation Services3
RPTM 410Marketing of Recreation Services3
RPTM 433WProgram Evaluation and Research in Recreation Services3
RPTM 456Programming in Recreation Services3
Requirements for the Option
Select an option40-47

Requirements for the Option

Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management Option (46-47 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Greater Allegheny, University Park, World Campus

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
RPTM 101Introduction to Recreation Services3
RPTM 210Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism3
RPTM 300YTourism and Leisure Behavior3
RPTM 394Orientation to Internship1
RPTM 415Commercial Recreation Management3
RPTM 495AInternship in Recreation Services12
Additional Courses
CAS 283Communication and Information Technology I Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or CMPSC 203 Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases Keystone/General Education Course
RPTM 370Introduction to Arena Management3
or RPTM 435 Recreation Facilities Planning and Management
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
Introduction to Business Keystone/General Education Course
Social and Ethical Environment of Business
Small Business Management
Finance
Marketing
Management and Organization
Introduction to Finance
Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry
Exploring Work and Employment Keystone/General Education Course
Race, Gender, and Employment Keystone/General Education Course
Survey of Management
Basic Management Concepts
MKTG 221
Principles of Marketing
Accounting in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Consult with an adviser to review course recommendations, Minors, and Certificate Programs.9
Community Recreation Management Option (43-44 credits)

Available at the following campuses: Abington, Greater Allegheny, University Park, World Campus

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
RPTM 101Introduction to Recreation Services3
RPTM 201Introduction to Community Recreation3
RPTM 334Non-profit Recreation Agency Operations3
RPTM 394Orientation to Internship1
RPTM 495AInternship in Recreation Services12
Additional Courses
CAS 283Communication and Information Technology I Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or CMPSC 203 Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases Keystone/General Education Course
RPTM 370Introduction to Arena Management3
or RPTM 435 Recreation Facilities Planning and Management
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Consult with an adviser to review course recommendations, Minors, and Certificate Programs.15
Outdoor Recreation Management Option (40-41 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
RPTM 101Introduction to Recreation Services3
RPTM 320Recreation Resource Planning and Management3
RPTM 394Orientation to Internship1
RPTM 435Recreation Facilities Planning and Management3
RPTM 495AInternship in Recreation Services12
Additional Courses
CAS 283Communication and Information Technology I Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or CMPSC 203 Introduction to Spreadsheets and Databases Keystone/General Education Course
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 15 credits in an Outdoor Recreation Management Pathway. Consult with an adviser to review course recommendations, Minors and Certificate Programs.15
Professional Golf Management Option (47 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Prescribed Courses
RPTM 100SIntroduction to Golf Management2
RPTM 250PGA Facility Management 12
RPTM 254PGA Teaching and Coaching 22
RPTM 295AIntroduction to Golf Management3
RPTM 350PGA Facility Management Level 32
RPTM 360Golf Operations Management3
RPTM 395BParticipation in Golf Management3
RPTM 495BInternship in Golf Management3
Additional Courses
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Marketing
Management and Organization
Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry
Accounting in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
Commercial Recreation Management
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Please consult with your academic adviser to review course recommendation, Minors and Certificate Programs. 15

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Greater Allegheny

Maumbe Kudzayi
Assistant Teaching Professor
Main Building, 104B
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9052
kkm6102@psu.edu

Abington

Jacob Benfield, Ph.D.
Professor
Woodland Bldg 236g
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7528
jab908@psu.edu

University Park

Laura Hennessey
Academic Adviser
701 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-8989
lah197@psu.edu

Skylar Peters
Academic Adviser, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
0001 Main Building
Shaver's Creek
Petersburg, PA 16669
814-863-2000
sbp5081@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Commercial Recreation and Tourism Option: Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, B.S. at Greater Allegheny Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153ECON 1023
RPTM 101*3RPTM 210*3
RPTM 120*3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GN)3CMPSC 203 (or General Education Course - GQ)*‡†4
PSU First Year Seminar1General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 17.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
CAS 283 (or Elective if CMPSC 203 taken as GQ)3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GS) 3RPTM 220*3
RPTM 236*3RPTM 390*3
 RPTM 300Y*3
 15 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202D, 202A, 202B, or 202C (202D Preferred)3RPTM 394*1
RPTM 456*3RPTM 410*3
RPTM 370 or 435*3Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13Elective1
General Education Course (GN)3Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13
 Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
RPTM 415*3RPTM 495A*12
RPTM 433W*3 
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13 
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13 
Elective3 
 15 12
Total Credits 121
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Supporting Course List

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes:

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

Community Recreation Management Option: Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, B.S. at Greater Allegheny Campus

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 153General Education Course (GS)3
RPTM 101*3RPTM 201*3
RPTM 120*3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (GQ)*‡3
PSU First Year Seminar1General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 16.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 203 (or other General Education Course GQ)*‡4RPTM 220*3
RPTM 236*3RPTM 390*3
RPTM 277*3RPTM 334*3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GA)3
General Education Course (GS) 3General Education Course (GN)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16 16.5
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C3RPTM 394*1
RPTM 456*3RPTM 410*3
RPTM 370 or 435*3Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13
Elective3Elective3
 15 13
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202D, 202A, 202B, or 202C (202D Preferred)3RPTM 495A*12
RPTM 433W*3 
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13 
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13 
Supporting Course in Consultation with Academic Adviser13 
 15 12
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

 Supporting Course List

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Advising Notes:

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

Career Paths

Careers in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management (RPTM) include management positions in commercial resorts, event management businesses, golf courses and golf industry businesses, national and local park systems, environmental centers, outdoor adventure businesses and sports, fitness and recreation facilities in communities, universities, workplaces, military settings, and other locations. Graduate programs in RPTM educate students about research, theory and practice related to leisure and recreation of individuals and groups, including societal and cross-cultural dimensions. RPTM students can also use their degree to prepare for additional graduate training in public health, public administration, public policy, health administration, business or law.

Careers

Careers for RPTM graduates typically fit with the options within the degree program, including positions in:

  • Commercial Recreation, Event and Tourism Management positions such as resort and cruise recreation director, travel and tourism management, corporate recreation and events planning, and sport and fitness venue management, including our Professional Golf Management option.
  • Community and Nonprofit Recreation Management positions, including roles in community recreation centers, military recreation leadership, youth camp or senior center management and related positions.
  • Outdoor Adventure and Natural Resource Management positions, such as park ranger, environmental or outdoor educator, wilderness program supervisor and outdoor recreation planner, among others.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE RECREATION, PARK, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Whether you are looking for a master's degree or your doctorate in RPTM, our multi-disciplinary graduate program is designed to educate students about research, theory and practice related to recreation, parks, tourism and leisure. Both the master of science (M.S.) and the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs help you develop an understanding of the social, environmental, psychological and economic aspects of human behavior in relation to the experience and delivery of recreation, park, tourism and leisure activities.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

Greater Allegheny

RECREATION PARK & TOURISM MANAGEMENT
Main Building, 104B
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9052
kkm6102@psu.edu

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/recreation-park-tourism-management

Abington

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7528
jab908@psu.edu

https://www.abington.psu.edu/academics/majors-at-abington/recreation-park-and-tourism-management

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARK, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT/PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLF MANAGEMENT
801 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7034
kmp39@psu.edu

https://hhd.psu.edu/rptm/contact/faculty-staff

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARK, AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
801 Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7034
kmp39@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-recreation-park-and-tourism-management-bachelor-of-science-degree