BS Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

The program prepares students for supervisory and administrative positions with park systems, environmental centers, commercial recreation and tourism agencies, golf courses, hospitals and assisted living facilities, private voluntary agencies, schools and colleges, and other commercial, nonprofit, and public organizations that provide recreation and leisure services. The program combines a broad educational foundation with specific courses designed to accommodate career interests in recreation, park, and tourism management.

Faculty: College of Health and Human Development | Duration: minimum 120 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Leisure and Human Behavior, Sustainability, Society, and Well-being, Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services, Inclusive Leisure Services, Political and Legal Aspects of Recreation Services, Marketing of Recreation Services.

Career pathways

Careers in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management (RPTM) include management positions in commercial resorts, event management businesses, golf courses and golf industry businesses, national and local park systems, environmental centers, outdoor adventure businesses and sports, fitness and recreation facilities in communities, universities, workplaces, military settings, and other locations. Graduate programs in RPTM educate students about research, theory and practice related to leisure and recreation of individuals and groups, including societal and cross-cultural dimensions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Students who have completed 29.1 credits with a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average are eligible for entrance into the major, except for the Professional Golf Management option. First-year students are admitted directly into the Professional Golf Management option at the University Park campus only. In addition to the University's academic requirements, each student admitted to the Professional Golf Management option must have a playing proficiency represented by a minimum golf handicap of 12 or lower. This must be certified in writing by a Professional Golf Association member or golf coach.

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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