RPTM Industry / Careers

Recreation, Park and Tourism Management majors are prepared for professional positions in recreation and parks by taking courses that foster an understanding of human behavior in recreation settings. Core courses help students learn how to organize, implement and manage effective recreation-related services. Courses from other disciplines (e.g., management, human development and family studies, forestry) supplement recreation-related coursework and help students gain a thorough understanding of their future profession.

The course of study for each student depends upon the area of specialization selected. Four options are offered within the major.

Commercial and Community Recreation Management

With a focus on management in the private/commercial, non-profit and public sectors of the recreation field, this option emphasizes business and management practices within the field, and should appeal to students with an entrepreneurial spirit. It will interest students who desire to work in commercial venues (e.g. resorts, theme parks) or municipal, state, and federal government recreation agencies.

Professional Golf Management Program (PGM)

The PGM program prepares students to manage golf facilities within the municipal, military, public and private sectors. This option includes a strong basic education in business, coupled with coursework in turf management and hospitality. Each student will complete extensive co-op education under the supervision of a Class A member of the Professional Golfer’s Association of America.

Outdoor Recreation

This option helps prepare students for careers with environment-oriented agencies/businesses, as well as careers in resource and facilities management.  The option offers three tracks.  The environmental interpretation track focuses upon natural and cultural history interpretation, including environmental education.  Most of the courses in this track are taught by faculty of Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center.  The adventure-based programming track emphasizes leadership and management skills needed to implement adventure-based programs.  The park management track focuses on management of facilities and resources for public recreation and park agencies, camps, and commercial facilities. 

Therapeutic Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation prepares students to meet individual recreation-related needs of persons with disabling conditions. Course emphasis is on using recreation-based treatment and leisure education to help persons with disabilities enjoy a healthier life. Students who have an interest in allied health should consider this option, which prepares students for work in clinical and community settings.

Depending upon their option, graduates of RPTM are qualified to work in a wide variety of recreation-related agencies. Possible employers include:

Examples of alumni careers include: