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: Patrick Tierney
Faculty
Professor: Tierney
Associate Professors: Roberts, Rosegard
Assistant Professors: Latkova, Suren, Wilson
Lecturers: Ben-Eliezer, Fabela-Kranitz, Flasher, Helman, Justice, Lowe, McAdams, McGinnis, Metcalf-Tobin, Mirviss, Yoshino
Programs
B.S. in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration
Certificate in Youth and Human Services Nonprofit Agency Administration
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 Council on Accreditation of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (COARPT). Accreditation provides 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 marketing, programming, and event planning techniques; leadership, management, 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 during their last spring semester.
The department also offers three additional 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 graduate program 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 for students interested in the nonprofit sector can also obtain a certificate in youth and human services nonprofit agency administration; and courses intended to fulfill general education requirements.
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, 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 should review the department website: http://recdept.sfsu.edu, then contact the department where they will be directed to a faculty adviser 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 also see 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). 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]. In addition, 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 a year – a 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 by nearly 18%. The arts, entertainment, and recreation division will grow by 28% and add 497,000 new jobs by 2012.
This demand for full-time, trained recreation, park, and tourism professionals are needed 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 organizations, national and state 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 Agent |
| 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
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| 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 220 | Leisure Lifestyle Development (GE Segment II, BSS) | 3 |
| RPT 230* | Growth Through Adventure (GE Segment II, BSS) | 3 |
| RPT 330* | Arts and Crafts for Leisure (GE Segment II, HCA) | 3 |
| RPT 380* | Developmental Play Processes (GE Segment II, BSS; Segment III) | 3 |
| RPT 420 | Leisure and Contemporary Society (GE Segment II, BSS; Segment III) | 3 |
| RPT 605* | Ecotourism Principles and Practices (GE Segment III) | 3 |
*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).
Courses are 3 units unless otherwise indicated. On-line course descriptions are available.
Foundation
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 200 | Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 225 | Information Technology in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 300 | Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 390 | Leisure Travel and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 400 | Programming in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 410 | Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation | 3 |
| RPT 500 | Organization and Administration of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 520 | Parks and Outdoor Recreation Resources | 3 |
| RPT 550 | Planning and Evaluation of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 660 GW | Professionalism in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism - GWAR | 3 |
Total for Foundation: 30
Emphasis Area
Students select a minimum of six units from the following list of courses based on interest and adviser approval.
Suggested Emphasis Areas and related courses:
Commercial Recreation/Tourism and Events (RPT 340, 460, 540, 605, 670)
Community Recreation/Wellness (RPT 330, 340, 440, 445, 650, 670)
Outdoor Recreation/Natural Resources (RPT 230, 360, 430, 605, 640)
Nonprofit Recreation/Human Services (RPT 330, 370, 440, 470, 570, 650, 670)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| 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, Park, 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 |
Total for Emphasis Area: 6
Internship
In the final spring semester, students complete a six unit directed field experience (RPT 680) and a nine unit directed management experience (RPT 690) within an appropriate recreation, parks, or tourism setting. A minimum of 800 hours of paid or volunteer work in recreation settings, completion of all foundation and emphasis area courses, and fulfillment of all General Education/University requirements are required prior to enrolling in the Directed Field and Management Experience courses.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 680 | Directed Field Experience in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 6 |
| RPT 690 | Directed Management Experience in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 9 |
Total for Internship: 15
Additional course work is required for students seeking internships in settings that require special skills; such course work is prescribed in consultation with an adviser.
Total for Major: 51
Minor in Recreation
Foundation
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 200 | Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
| RPT 400 | Programming in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism | 3 |
Total for Core: 6
Emphasis Area
In consultation with an adviser, students select a minimum of nine units from the following electives according to their emphasis area:
Commercial Recreation/Tourism and Events
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| RPT 340 | Conference, Event Planning, and Management |
| RPT 390 | Leisure Travel and Tourism |
| 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
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| 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, Park, 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
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| RPT 340 | Conference, Event Planning, and Management |
| RPT 370 | Principles of Nonprofit Administration |
| RPT 410 | Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation |
| RPT 440 | Urban Recreation, Park, 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
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| RPT 230 | Growth Through Adventure |
| RPT 430 | Ecology of Outdoor Recreation |
| RPT 520 | Parks and Outdoor Recreation Resources |
| RPT 605 | Ecotourism Principles and Practices |
| RPT 640 | Recreational Use of National Parks and Protected Areas |
Total for Emphasis Area: 9
Total for minor: 15
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 adviser to determine course work and field experience requirement.
Foundation
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 100 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 |
| RPT 370/ P A 370 |
Principles of Nonprofit Administration | 3 |
| RPT 570/ P A 570 |
Developing and Managing Resources in Nonprofit Agencies | 3 |
Total for Core: 12
Professional Competency Areas
Units selected from the following list one course chosen from each area.
Note: Up to two (2) courses 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)
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| RPT 300 | Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism |
| CAD 400 | Community Youth Development |
| ETHS 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
minimum one course
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| S W 302 | Introduction to Social Service Organizations (2) |
| 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
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Total for Professional Competency Areas: 9
Field Experience
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| RPT 560 | Current Practices in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Services (RPT 680 can substitute for RPT 560, with approval) |
Total for Field Experience: 3
Total for Certificate: 21
Master of Science in Recreation
Graduate Advisers: Latkova, Roberts, Rosegard, Suren, Tierney, Wilson
General Information
The mission of the Master of Science in Recreation is to serve as a catalyst for the development of emerging entrepreneurial leaders who will advance the recreation, parks, and tourism profession and society by providing a foundation of quality education, service, and research that bridges the gap between theory and practice, knowledge and experience, and critical and creative thinking. The program is designed to develop competencies for positions of professional, management, and administrative responsibility in the recreation, parks, and tourism industry. Maximum flexibility in choice of course work within the program enables students both to broaden their knowledge of the field and to concentrate on their particular area of specialization. A master’s degree in recreation provides opportunities in a wide range of career paths such as lifestyle and leisure coaching, adventure therapy, community leadership, parks management, and nonprofit administration. Visit the recreation, parks, and tourism student graduate program web site at www.sfsu.edu/~recdept/html/gradhm.htm for more information.
Students interested in this program ordinarily must have received a baccalaureate degree in recreation, parks, and tourism. However, a degree in a related major (e.g., creative arts, natural science, physical education, psychology, business, special education, public administration, park planning, social welfare, etc.) may be accepted provided such applicants demonstrate knowledge of recreation, parks, and tourism profession through experience and/or training, and the ability to program and organize recreation in a variety of settings.
Applicants lacking adequate field experiences, professional preparation, full-time paid experience, and/or a related undergraduate degree may be required to complete one or more undergraduate courses and/or experience requirements to become eligible for consideration. In these cases, students may be considered conditionally classified until completion of prerequisites
To be considered for admission, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in a baccalaureate degree or for the last 60 units (90 quarter units) of undergraduate work, or submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score of 4.0 or above on the Analytical Writing portion. With a GPA above 3.0 an applicant does not need to take the GRE. Applicants must also submit the following documents to the department: three letters of recommendation, a statement of career goals and statement of purpose, a résumé, transcripts of all academic work, and a separate departmental application. Students must also apply separately to the University. A writing sample (see details below) will be required of all applicants, prior to a final admission decision, if they do not submit a GRE Analytical Writing score of 4 or higher.
Classified Status
Students admitted to the department under "conditionally classified status" may achieve fully classified status after meeting the conditions set by the department for admission to classified status. Such conditions vary by student experience and undergraduate degree and may include: (a) prerequisite course requirements, such as RPT 400, RPT 410, RPT 420, RPT 500, and RPT 520, or judged equivalents and/or others deemed necessary; (b) full-time work experience in the field, or judged equivalent, within a specified time frame; and/or (c) a grade of B or better in RPT 700 and one other graduate course.
Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: Students have two options to satisfy Level One of the Written English Proficiency Requirement.
Option 1. Submit a score of 4.0 or above on the analytical writing portion (AWA) of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Option 2. Submit a writing sample in addition to the Statement of Purpose on the Recreation Graduate Admission application, and receive a score of 4 or above on a 6-point holistic grading scale. Upon receipt of an applicant’s admission materials, and if they otherwise qualify for admission, the department will email the applicant instructions and two issues in the recreation, parks, and tourism field of study and they will be required to describe arguments related to one issue and support their views in a writing sample (written essay). The writing sample will consist of a 750 to 1250-word response and will be evaluated by department faculty.
Students who have not satisfied Level I may be conditionally admitted to the program and will be required to obtain a B or better in RPT 700 – a writing-intensive course that all new students must take within their first two semesters after admission.
Level Two: Assessment of writing proficiency takes place near the end of the student's course of study, and is based on performance on either the written comprehensive examination, applied research project, or thesis. An independent literacy assessment, separate from other proficiency standards and requirements, is carried out for any of the culminating experience alternatives.
Advancement to Candidacy
In addition to meeting all general requirements, applicants must complete the following:
- At least 12 units of post-baccalaureate work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
- Conditions set by the department for admission to classified status.
- Have developed an approved plan and made substantial progress toward meeting work experience requirements as specified by the department.
- An Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form. Students are expected to have the ATC prepared when they have completed approximately 24 units of the program requirements. The ATC is determined in conjunction with the student's graduate adviser, and is subject to approval by the department graduate coordinator.
Upper division courses (300 or above) are acceptable on approval of the graduate adviser.
Foundation
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 700 | Orientation and Professional Development in Recreation and Leisure Service | 3 |
| RPT 720 | Developing Collaborative Leaders in Leisure Services | 3 |
| RPT 730 | Foundations of Leisure | 3 |
Professional Core
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 810 | Research Methods in Recreation and Leisure Studies | 3 |
| RPT 850 | Human Resources Development in Leisure Services | 3 |
| RPT 862 | Management of Leisure Services | 3 |
| RPT 880 | Trends and Issues in Leisure Services | 3 |
Area of Specialization (9 units)
Selected courses with adviser approval (maximum of six units upper division courses) in areas such as tourism, outdoor recreation, gerontology, and nonprofit administration
Culminating Experience Option
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| RPT 895 or RPT 898 or |
Applied Research Project Master's Thesis and Oral Defense |
Selection of upper division/graduate recreation course with approval of graduate major adviser and Master's Comprehensive Written Examination
Total: 33
Examination. Those candidates not completing a thesis or applied project must pass a comprehensive written examination. This written examination broadly assesses the student's integration and synthesis of required core and professional core content. The comprehensive written examination may be attempted two times.
