San Francisco State University
Department of Recreation, Parks &Tourism
Culminating Experience Options

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There are three options for a Recreation graduate student to fulfilling their written culminating experience requirements.  Each option is briefly described and compared below.  Emphasis is placed on a comparison between a thesis and the new RPT 895 Applied Research Project (ARP) alternative. 

1.  Comprehensive Exam

A three hour written exam designed to demonstrate a student's ability to integrate knowledge, independent thinking, synthesis, problem solving and critical analysis with all topics covered in classes shown on their GAP and current issues in the students specialization in the profession.  

Eligibility: Must have filed an approved GAP and must have 3.0 GPA for all courses listed on GAP and not be on academic probation.  All courses on GAP must be a C or better grade.  Must be in RPT 891 (1 unit) during comp semester, if in no other RPT classes. Must have completed RPT 810.  Strongly recommended to have completed all course work on GAP; and attendance is strongly recommended at the department comprehensive exam orientation.

Submittal and Approval:  A mandatory comprehensive exam orientation is given in the first month of the semester and a complete list of exam policies and procedures are provided.  A student must notify RPT Graduate Program Coordinator in writing of your intent to take comprehensive exams before end of second month of semester in which you intent to take exam. Once written notification is given a student can not switch to another semester or experience option. Exam is given once a semester. A student has two chances to pass. If they do not pass exam after second attempt they have failed exam and will be dis-enrolled from program.

2. Thesis

A detailed written document that presents the students original research and findings. A thesis requires skills and knowledge of research methods, survey design, collection or use of primary or secondary data and statistical analysis of these data.  Analysis can be either quantitative, qualitative or use mixed methods.   A student must review the Comparison of and Guidelines for Completion of a Thesis and Applied Research Project webpage for a detailed description of a thesis.

Eligibility:  Student must have received a grade of at least B+ for RPT 810 and REC 880A basic statistics class is required, as a prerequisite for students wanting to complete a thesis. See a detailed listing of department Thesis Eligibility Requirements.   Before a student can conduct research or start a thesis they must make an oral presentation and obtain written approval from their  Culminating Experience Committee (CEC). A thesis must follow strict university format and submittal requirements (see  www.sfsu.edu/~gradstdy/thesis.htm).  A person taking a thesis must register for 3 units of RPT 898. 

Submittal and Approval: The RPT graduate website has a separate page describing in detail the Order of Approvals and Forms for Completion of a Thesis. The initial steps are: 1. Submit signed Graduate Approved Program (GAP) form to the Graduate Division 2-3 semesters prior to planned graduation; 2. Establish a Culminating Experience Committee (CEC). Work with your advisor to identify at least one more faculty to serve; and 3. Prepare a Proposal For Culminating Experience Requirement form that will be signed by your CEC.

3. Applied Research Project (ARP)

An applied  research project consists of: 1) A project (see note below) involving a thorough investigation of a well-defined recreation, parks and/or tourism (RPT) issue or problem based on original analysis; and 2) writing of a formal scholarly professional paper based on the results of the project.  While the applied research “product” might be representative of a variety of opportunities, the end result of this culminating experience option is a written professional paper that ultimately develops a persuasive argument and addresses an important issue or problem in the RPT profession.  A representative from an agency or company in the paper topic area must be on the culminating experience committee.  It may or may not include collection of original data.  The professional paper associated with the applied research project requires much more detailed and extensive analysis of the issue or problem than that included in a graduate level term paper. It is not merely a literature review, needs assessment or chronology of work in the field.  An applied research project professional paper must follow Department format and submittal requirements.   A student must review the Comparison of and Guidelines for Completion of a Thesis and Applied Research Project webpage for a detailed description of an ARP.

 Note on Applied Research Project:  The reference to “project” allows the student to explore and investigate a specific issue or problem that yields an end result which may be something tangible and useful for the agency.  Examples include a substantial component or entire management plan, a new program evaluation instrument, new marketing plan, training manual, etc.  As an option for the culminating experience, information relating to the objectives, background, development and results of this “project” must also be written as a professional paper that is submitted to the culminating experience committee for review and approval. 

 Examples of Applied Research Projects Include: Impact assessments; volunteer management plan; partnership action plan, strategic plan; detailed case studies; sustainability report; market analysis.

Eligibility:  Student must have received a grade of at least B+ for RPT 810 and RPT 880. A basic statistics class is not required, but may be recommended by your advisor. See a detailed listing of department Thesis/ARP Eligibility Requirements.   In brief, before a student can conduct research or start an ARP they must make an oral presentation and obtain written approval from their  Culminating Experience Committee (CEC). A Professional Paper required for an ARP must follow strict Department format and submittal requirements (see  below).  A person conducting an ARP must register for 3 units of REC 895. An agency for which your ARP is associated should be located in the Northern California region, but does not have to be.

Submittal and Approval: The RPT graduate website has a separate page describing in detail the Process, Order of Approvals and Forms for Completion of a Thesis and Applied Research Project. The initial steps are: 1) Submit signed Graduate Approved Program (GAP) form to the Graduate Division 2-3 semesters prior to planned graduation; 2) Establish a Culminating Experience Committee (CEC). Work with your advisor to identify at least one more faculty to serve and a full time professional from the agency/organization for which your ARP will be conducted; and 3) Prepare a Proposal For Culminating Experience Requirement petition form that will be signed by your CEC. The deadline for final approval of the Professional Paper is the same as that for a thesis.

Note: Students entering a Graduate Program in the Fall 2008 or later must adhere to the Continuous Enrollment Policy as stated in the bulletin. After the semester of enrollment in the Culminating Experience and the subsequent semester, all graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment through the College of Extended Learning (CEL) until the degree is earned.