Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
College of Health and Social Sciences
Dean: Don Taylor
Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department
HSS 307
Phone: 415-338-2030
Web Site: http://recdept.sfsu.edu
Chair: Patrick Tierney
Undergraduate Coordinator: Erik Rosegard
Graduate Coordinator: Jackson Wilson
Faculty
Professor: Tierney
Associate Professors: Roberts, Rosegard
Assistant Professors: Látková, Suren, Wilson
Lecturers: Ben-Eliezer, Bening-Stadler, Der, Fabela-Kranitz, Flasher, Justice, Lowe, McAdams, McGinnis, Metcalf-Tobin, Pon, Yoshino
Programs
B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration
Certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration
M.S. in Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Program Scope
The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department at SF State, in existence since 1946, has established a reputation for excellence. The faculty members are well-qualified instructors that represent a broad range of skills, interests, and expertise within the profession and the discipline. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration that is accredited by the national Council on Accreditation of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (COARPT). Accreditation provides many benefits including credibility and broader recognition within the academic and professional community. Employers can be assured that graduates from our department are fully qualified to enter the profession. Graduates have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become managers, community leaders, advocates, and social change agents.
In developing the above competencies, the program delivers academic content that centers on the latest management, programming, and event planning techniques; leadership, marketing, and administration strategies; assessment and evaluation methodologies; and sustainable/green practices. Students continue through the curriculum until fully qualified for placement as full-time interns in directed field placements during their last spring semester.
In addition to offering courses that satisfy general education requirements, the department also offers three supplementary programs: (1) an undergraduate minor designed to complement majors in such diverse fields as child and adolescent development, business, education, psychology, theatre arts, environmental studies, urban studies, geography, and biology; (2) a master’s degree designed for students with experience who wish to pursue advanced training in the areas of community building, collaborative leadership, tourism, and management; and (3) a certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration with competencies in one of three areas (i.e., community recreation, youth development, human services).
One of the program’s most important resources is the diversity and vitality of the San Francisco Bay Area. The number of agencies, institutions, and leisure enterprises makes the region a focal point and living laboratory for local, state, and national parks, domestic and international tourism, and commercial, municipal, and nonprofit recreation.
Vision
The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Department envisions a California where all residents are adequately prepared and situated to realize quality in all that comprises their life’s pursuits. The department’s mission and goals are to:
- Foster an innovative learning community among students, faculty, university, and the recreation, parks, and tourism profession through a foundation of quality education, service, and research.
- Provide students, faculty, and professionals with competencies and theoretically-based instruction by way of experiential and community service learning opportunities.
- Advocate the importance, values, and benefits of recreation, parks, and tourism in society through stewardship, civic engagement, social responsibility, public policy and awareness, and professional participation.
- Develop and strengthen relationships/partnerships with the recreation, parks, and tourism profession through the communication, dissemination, and application of research and best practices.
Students wanting to receive a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration, a Minor in Recreation, or a Master of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism should review the department website: http://recdept.sfsu.edu, then contact the department where they will be directed to a faculty advisor related to their area of specific interest. Students interested in the nonprofit sector can also obtain a certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration, and should contact the department for advising.
- All courses used in the major, minor, or certificate programs must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC option is not allowed) with the exception of RPT 690.
- Courses that are required for the major, minor, or certificate programs must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and a letter grade of C- or better [a grade of C or better is required in RPT 660 GW Professionalism in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism – the department’s Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) course].
Students are required to adhere to all department and university requirements stated in this Bulletin and in the department student handbook.
Career Outlook
Every year, millions of people spend an increasing amount of time in pursuit of beneficial recreation, leisure, and touristic experiences. As the world’s leading industry, recreation and leisure/tourism spending accounts for approximately one trillion dollars per year; this equates to one-third of all consumer spending. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, the overall employment in the leisure/tourism and hospitality industry will grow 19 to 44% from 2010 to 2020.
There is a continued demand for full-time, trained recreation, park, and tourism professionals to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services in community recreation centers, after school programs, youth organizations (e.g., YMCA), private camps, marinas, theme parks, visitor bureaus, event planning agencies, state and national parks, and other areas within the leisure service delivery system. Thus, the recreation profession offers diverse employment opportunities for individuals who are enthusiastic, enjoy working with people, and have acquired the necessary professional skills.
Careers in the recreation, parks, and tourism profession include the following examples:
Activities Director (spa/resort) | Interpretive Specialist | Playground Safety Inspector |
ADA Specialist | Leisure Consultant | Professional Storyteller |
Adventure Therapist | Leisure/Wellness Counselor | Program Director |
Aquatic Facilities Operator | Leisure Education Specialist | Recreation Professor |
Arts and Crafts Specialist | Leisure Industry Entrepreneur | Recreation Program Supervisor |
Attractions Manager | Lifestyle Coach | Recreation Specialty Retailer |
Backcountry Ski Guide | Military Recreation Director | Recreation Therapist |
Camp Director | Municipal Recreation Leader | Researcher in Recreation |
Challenge Course Facilitator | Museum Curator | Retail Dealer |
Childcare Provider | Naturalist | River Guide |
City Manager | Outdoor Adventure Guide | Senior Center Activities Director |
Community Center Director | Outdoor Recreation Specialist | Social Director (cruise ships) |
Conference Coordinator | Park Administrator | Special Events Coordinator |
Employee Recreation Manger | Park Concessionaire | Tennis or Golf Club Manager |
Environmental Educator | Park Maintenance Supervisor | Tour Director/Guide |
Event Planner | Park Operations Manager | Tourism Promotions Specialist |
Executive Director (nonprofit) | Park Planner | Travel Consultant/td> |
Expressive Arts Therapist | Park Ranger | University Activity Director |
Fitness Instructor | Park Superintendent | Volunteer Coordinator |
Hospitality Industry Professional | Play Therapist | Youth Sports Coordinator |
The department offers courses that satisfy General Education (GE) requirements as well as a variety of activity classes, and are open to all students.
GE and Activity Classes
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
- RPT 160 Lake and Sea Kayaking (1)
- RPT 160 Small Boat Sailing (1)
- RPT 160 Beginning Rock Climbing (1)
- RPT 160 Introduction to Back Country Skiing (1)
- RPT 160 Women’s Backpacking (1)
- RPT 220 Leisure Lifestyle Development (GE Segment II, BSS)
- RPT 230* Growth Through Adventure (GE Segment II, BSS)
- RPT 330* Arts and Crafts for Leisure (GE Segment II, HCA)
- RPT 380* Developmental Play Processes (GE Segment II, BSS; Segment III)
- RPT 420 Leisure and Contemporary Society (GE Segment II, BSS; Segment III)
- RPT 605* Ecotourism Principles and Practices (GE Segment III)
*Courses with an asterisk may satisfy both GE and major requirements. Please see department for advising and approval.
Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration
Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration majors who successfully complete RPT 660 GW in fall 2010, or thereafter, will have satisfied the University Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).
Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration Major (B.S.) — 51 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Foundation — 30 units
- RPT 200 Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 225 Information Technology in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 300 Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 390 Leisure Travel and Tourism
- RPT 400 Programming in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 410 Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation
- RPT 500 Organization and Administration of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 520 Parks and Outdoor Recreation Resources
- RPT 550 Planning and Evaluation of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 660 GW Professionalism in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism - GWAR
Emphasis Area — 6 units
Students select a minimum of six units from the following list of courses based on interest and advisor approval.
Suggested Emphasis Areas and related courses:
Commercial Recreation/Tourism and Events (RPT 340, 460, 540, 605, 670)
Community Recreation/Wellness (RPT 330, 340, 380, 440, 445, 650)
Outdoor Recreation/Natural Resources (RPT 230, 340, 430, 605, 640)
Nonprofit Recreation/Human Services (RPT 330, 340, 370, 440, 470, 570, 650)
- RPT 230 Growth Through Adventure
- RPT 330 Arts and Crafts for Leisure
- RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management
- RPT 370 Principles of Nonprofit Administration
- RPT 380 Developmental Play Processes
- RPT 430 Ecology of Outdoor Recreation
- RPT 440 Urban Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
- RPT 445 Recreation Therapy and the Expressive Arts
- RPT 460 Recreation Destination Resorts
- RPT 470 Care Break: Alternative Spring Break Service
- RPT 540 Start-Up and Sustainable Operations of Tourism, Event, and Recreation Enterprises
- RPT 560 Current Practices in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services (1-3)
- RPT 570 Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies
- RPT 605 Ecotourism Principles and Practices
- RPT 640 Recreational Use of National Parks and Protected Areas
- RPT 650 Facilitating Leisure Wellness
- RPT 670 Advanced Conference, Event Planning, and Management
Internship — 15 units
In the final spring semester, students complete a 6 unit directed field experience (RPT 680) and a 9 unit directed management experience (RPT 690) within an appropriate recreation, parks, or tourism setting. A minimum of 800 hours of paid or volunteer work experience (600 hours in recreation settings), completion of all major courses, and fulfillment of all General Education/University requirements are required prior to enrolling in the Directed Field and Management Experience courses.
- RPT 680 Directed Field Experience in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (6)
- RPT 690 Directed Management Experience in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (9)
Additional course work is required for students seeking internships in settings that require special skills; such course work is prescribed in consultation with an advisor.
Minor in Recreation
Recreation Minor — 15 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Foundation — 6 units
- RPT 200 Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- RPT 400 Programming in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Emphasis Area — 9 units
In consultation with an advisor, students select a minimum of nine units from the following electives according to their emphasis area:
Commercial Recreation/Tourism and Events
- RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management
- RPT 460 Recreation Destination Resorts
- RPT 540 Start-Up and Sustainable Operations of Tourism, Event and Recreation Enterprises
- RPT 605 Ecotourism Principles and Practices
- RPT 670 Advanced Conference, Event Planning, and Management
Community Recreation/Wellness
- RPT 330 Arts and Crafts for Leisure
- RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management
- RPT 380 Developmental Play Processes
- RPT 410 Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation
- RPT 440 Urban Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
- RPT 445 Recreation Therapy and the Expressive Arts
- RPT 650 Facilitating Leisure Wellness
- RPT 670 Advanced Conference, Event Planning, and Management
Nonprofit Recreation/Human Services
- RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management
- RPT 370 Principles of Nonprofit Administration
- RPT 410 Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation
- RPT 440 Urban Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services
- RPT 470 Care Break: Alternative Spring Break Service
- RPT 570 Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies
- RPT 650 Facilitating Leisure Wellness
Outdoor Recreation/Natural Resources
Certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration
Campus Director: Asuncion T. Suren, Ed.D.
General Information
The Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism is proud to offer a Certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration. Nonprofit agencies play an important role in the development and well-being of individuals and communities. To help meet the growing need for qualified leadership in today’s nonprofit organizations, the certificate program inspires and prepares undergraduates for entry-level professional positions in the nonprofit sector. Interested students take courses within a broad-based curriculum designed to develop leadership and management skills in nonprofit organizations. Students are required to consult with the certificate campus advisor to determine course work and field experience requirement.
Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Administration certificate — 21 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Foundation — 12 units
- ACCT 100 Introduction to Financial Accounting
- RPT 370/P A 370 Principles of Nonprofit Administration
- RPT 570/P A 570 Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies
Professional Competency Areas — 9 units
Units selected from the following list one course chosen from each area.
Note: One course within the professional competency areas can be substituted with the advisement and approval of the Campus Executive Director.
Community Organization and Group Work – choose one course minimum
- RPT 300 Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- CAD 400 Community Youth Development
- RRS 410 Grassroots Organizing for Change in Communities of Color
- H ED 410 Organization and Function of Health Services
- S W 410 Human Development and the Social Services
- BUS 440 Ethics at Work II: Business
- RPT 440 Urban Recreation, Park, and Leisure Services
- USP 456/S W 456 Urban Community Organizing and Citizen Action
- RPT 470 Care Break: Alternative Spring Break Service
Management and Administration – choose one course minimum
- S W 302 Introduction to Social Service Organizations
- COMM 321 Communication Theory
- MGMT 405 Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior
- H ED 455 Community Organizing and Community Building for Health
- TPW 470 Writing Professional Promotions
- TPW 480 Writing Technical Documentation
- TPW 490 Grant Writing
- RPT 500 Organization and Administration of Recreation, Parks, and, Tourism
- CAD 510 Adult Supervision and Leadership in Early Childhood Programs
- USP 660/S W 660 The Roles of Nonprofit Organizations in Urban Life
- P A 775 Developing Nonprofit Resources
Program Planning – choose one course minimum
- RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management
- RPT 380 Developmental Play Processes
- RPT 400 Program Planning in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
- MKTG 431 Principles of Marketing
- E ED 604 Advanced Issues in Collaboration with Families and Communities in ECE
Field Experience — 3 units
- RPT 560 Current Practices in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services
(RPT 680 can substitute for RPT 560, with approval)
Master of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism
Graduate Advisors: Latkova, Roberts, Rosegard, Suren, Tierney, Wilson
General Information
The mission of the Master of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (RPT) program is to serve as a catalyst for the development of emerging entrepreneurial leaders who will be change agents and advance the recreation, parks, and tourism profession and society.
The M.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism program prepares students to be employed in supervisory and managerial positions in areas of community recreation and nonprofit leisure services, commercial and private enterprises, and in parks and natural resources management agencies. The degree also offers the underpinning for students who wish to pursue doctorates at other institutions for advanced research, consulting and teaching positions. The department offers a foundation of quality education, service, and research that bridges the gaps between theory and practice, knowledge and experience, and critical and creative thinking.
The program is offered in a hybrid format providing the advantages of both online and in-person experiences. The online experiences allow students to eliminate commutes, which may be appealing to persons working full time or with families. The intensive classroom experiences and individual faculty advising build strong relationship within the cohort of students and between the students and RPT faculty. We only accept students in the fall in order to build a cohort of students that often develop strong professional and social ties.
SF State’s RPT M.S. program is part of a collaborative with California State University, Chico, and California State University, Sacramento. This collaboration provides opportunities to network with other students with similar professional interests. It also gives students access to three times as many faculty for teaching, research, and professional networking.
SF State students are provided a strong base of resources and experience at their home campus. Each student will be assigned a home campus faculty member to serve as a mentor and academic advisor. The advisor will guide students through their culminating graduate experience; an applied research project, thesis, or comprehensive examination.
Visit the recreation, parks, and tourism student graduate program web site at http://recdept.sfsu.edu/graduate for more information.
Applying For Admission to the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Graduate Program
A limited number of highly qualified applicants are accepted for the fall semester of each year. All applicants are required to either have an undergraduate degree in recreation, parks, tourism, or a closely related degree; or at least one year of full-time professional work experience in the profession. Applicants who otherwise qualify but lack a related degree and/or need supplemental background information will be given additional readings and assignments due by the end of their first fall semester.
To be considered for admission, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA in a baccalaureate degree or for the last 60 units (90 quarter units) of undergraduate work. Students must submit a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 4.0 or above on just the Analytical Writing portion. Applicants must submit the following documents to the Department:
- GRE score of 4.0 or above on Analytical Writing portion
- Transcripts of all academic work showing a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of career goals and statement of purpose
- A résumé
- A Departmental application (http://recdept.sfsu.edu/graduate/applying)
- A University application (http://www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/)
- All international students must provide a minimum score of 80 out of 120 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT) exam, or equivalent.
In order to maintain enrollment in the program a student must:
- Have developed an approved graduation plan signed by their RPT adviser and made substantial progress toward meeting plan requirements, including completion of at least two core classes in their first fall semester.
- Maintain a B- or better in all classes and an overall grade point average of 3.0
- Continuous enrollment in at least one program course per semester
Program Curriculum
Courses in the core are taught using an online hybrid format by the RPT Department and partnering recreation departments at CSU Chico (RECR) and Sacramento State (RPTA). All of the students in the core courses participate in a mandatory in-person seminar on one of the participating campuses at least once near the beginning of that semester. There may be other in-person meetings with faculty or small groups of students as necessary; however, most hybrid classes are online. Students choose 9 units (3 classes) of electives with advisor consent. Six units may be upper division undergraduate classes and at least 6 units must be from SF State. Students will complete one of three culminating experience options; a thesis, applied research project, or written comprehensive exam.
Recreation, Parks, and Tourism M.S. — 30 units
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated.
Foundation Core — 9 units
- RPTA 200 Foundations of Leisure Concepts and Applications
(Hybrid class provided by Sacramento St.) - RPT 720 Developing Collaborative Leaders in Leisure Services
- RECR 611 Theory of Leisure and Recreation
(Chico St.)
Professional Core — 9 units
- RPT 810 Research Methods in Recreation and Leisure Studies
- RECR 642 Seminar in Leisure Services Management
(Chico St.) - RPTA 202 Policies, Issues, & Problems in Recreation, Parks & Tourism
(Provided by Sacramento St.)
Area of Specialization — 9 units
Selected courses with advisor approval
(maximum of 6 units of upper division courses).
Culminating Experience Option — 3 units
- RPT 895 Applied Research Project
and Oral Defense of Professional Paper - RPT 896 Directed Reading in Leisure Studies
and Comprehensive Written Examination - RPT 898 Master’s Thesis
and Oral Defense of Thesis