Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences - BS with Certificate
The undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences provides students with an education in recreation, park and tourism sciences, with an emphasis on problem-solving skills, development of an international perspective and the application of scientific principles to managerial problems. The first two years of studies build a foundation that spans a wide range of disciplines and bodies of knowledge in the arts and sciences and provide the student with an introduction to the history and concepts of recreation, park and tourism sciences. The second two years prepare students with the knowledge and skills for both entry-level positions and for future professional growth in the field. In addition to core courses, students must fulfill requirements for at least one certificate, but may earn additional certificates.
Through the curriculum, students develop the depth and breadth of knowledge needed to scientifically investigate and select among alternatives as well as the intellectual skills to organize and integrate their knowledge in new and more effective patterns. An education in recreation, park and tourism sciences prepares students to become professionals with the capacity to learn from life and throughout life.
Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences majors must complete at least one of the following certificate options:
Recreation and Park Management Certificate
Management of recreation, park and leisure-service agencies requires expertise in problem-solving, decision-making, assessment of social and environmental impacts, personnel, public relations, volunteer management, financing and fund-raising, marketing of services, and needs assessments. Skills in working with people in the legal and political environment are necessary, as well as the ability to assess and work with other organizations for cooperative developments in recreation and tourism. Utilizing computer based decision-aids, students in this emphasis prepare for managerial careers with public recreation and park agencies, youth agencies, not-for-profit recreation agencies, and commercial recreation enterprises.
Tourism Management Certificate
Tourism is one of the world’s largest and most diverse industries. To help students prepare for tourism careers, this option area introduces issues pertaining to the management, development, and promotion of places and events as tourism attractions. Courses in tourism are designed to collectively build understanding about the links that exist between local places, host populations, and various public, private and special interest groups. Students also develop competencies in assessing economic, environmental, social and political impacts of tourism, as well as in tourism marketing. Students in this option can pursue careers in private sector enterprises, government agencies, convention and visitor bureaus, and other tourism-related service organizations.
Youth Development Certificate
This option focuses on programs and services that contribute to the development of young people’s personal, physical, social and educational abilities. Youth workers are program developers, leaders and managers who need to be able to work with youth, families, organizations and communities. Coursework in this option focuses on positive youth development, program planning and evaluation, methods for working with young people, and societal factors that both contribute to and inhibit the development of young people. Students with an option in this field look forward to careers with non-profit, public and for-profit agencies that supply youth development opportunities for young people. Settings include after-school programs, community programs, camps, outdoor adventure and church-related recreation programs.