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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Parks Management | Recreation Management | Tourism Management
Area of study
Services
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism program at San Francisco State University prepares students for careers in the industry through real-world experiences, high-impact teaching methods, and a focus on key learning outcomes like communication, leadership, and sustainability. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with core courses, program electives, and complementary studies, complemented by general education requirements. Graduates are equipped to pursue various careers in recreation, parks, tourism, and related fields.

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

The Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (RPT) Department at San Francisco State University has been renowned for its excellence since 1946. The program prepares students for meaningful careers by:

  • Engaging with San Francisco Bay Area partners: Providing real-world experience and networking opportunities.
  • Educating students using high-impact practices: Employing proven teaching methods to maximize learning.
  • Empowering students to make authentic changes: Fostering personal and community development.
  • The San Francisco Bay Area offers a unique advantage for studying Recreation, Parks & Tourism, boasting a concentration of organizations in the field:
  • Public, commercial, and nonprofit recreation
  • Local, state, and national parks
  • Domestic and international tourism organizations
  • This provides students with an exceptional educational laboratory for applying their knowledge and skills. The program emphasizes the following key learning outcomes:
  • Communication: Demonstrating professionalism through verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written communication.
  • Foundations: Explaining the history, philosophy, and science of recreation, parks, and tourism.
  • Management/Administration: Explaining organizational structure, applying financial and human capital principles, and practicing operational and strategic management.
  • Programming: Planning, implementing, and evaluating programs for diverse populations in various settings.
  • Profession/Industry: Identifying and explaining the nature and scope, standards, trends and issues, and careers within RPT.
  • Sustainability: Explaining and analyzing economic, environmental, and sociocultural aspects of sustainability.
  • Wellness: Explaining the concepts, benefits, and application of wellness in the context of RPT.

Outline:

The Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration requires 39 units:


Core Courses (30 units):

  • RPT 200 Foundations of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (3 units): Introduces the history, philosophy, and science of recreation, parks, and tourism.
  • RPT 300 Leadership in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (3 units): Explores intrapersonal and interpersonal leadership principles.
  • Choose One of the following (3 units):
  • RPT 340 Conference, Event Planning, and Management:
  • Provides an overview of event planning and management.
  • RPT 358 Campus Recreation: Explores the role of campus recreation programs.
  • RPT 400 Programming Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Experiences: Focuses on designing and implementing recreational programs.
  • RPT 350 Facilitating Wellness Through Leisure (3 units): Examines the role of leisure in promoting well-being.
  • RPT 500 Organization and Administration of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (3 units): Covers organizational structures and administrative practices in the field.
  • RPT 600GW Professionalism in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism - GWAR (3 units): Develops professional skills and ethics.
  • RPT 690 Internship in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (9 units): Practical experience in the field.

Program Electives (9 units):

  • Choose 9 units from the following options:
  • RPT 390 Leisure Travel and Tourism:
  • Examines the leisure travel and tourism industry.
  • RPT 520 Parks and Outdoor Recreation Resources: Explores park management and outdoor recreation resources.
  • Choose Two of the following (6 units):
  • RPT 205 Adventure Travel:
  • Explores the adventure travel industry.
  • RPT 210 Growth Through Art and Leisure: Examines the role of art and leisure in personal development.
  • RPT 230 Growth Through Adventure: Focuses on experiential learning through adventure activities.
  • RPT 280 Developmental Play Processes: Examines the importance of play in child development.
  • RPT 410 Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation: Explores therapeutic and inclusive recreation practices.
  • RPT 440 Urban Recreation and Parks: Focuses on urban recreation and park management.
  • RPT 460 Recreation Destination Resorts: Explores the management of recreation destinations.
  • RPT 470 Travel with Purpose: Examines the intersection of travel and social impact.
  • RPT 605 Ecotourism & Sustainable Travel: Explores the principles of ecotourism and sustainable travel.
  • RPT/ENVS 640 Recreational Use of National Parks and Protected Areas: Examines the management of national parks and protected areas.

Complementary Studies (12 units):

  • Students must complete 12 units of courses outside of the RPT prefix.

General Education Requirements:

The program requires students to fulfill the following general education requirements:

  • Lower-Division General Education (LD):
  • A1: Oral Communication (3 units)
  • A2: Written English Communication (3 units)
  • A3: Critical Thinking (3 units)
  • B1: Physical Science (3 units)
  • B2: Life Science (3 units)
  • B3: Lab Science (1 unit)
  • B4: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning (3 units)
  • C1: Arts (3 units)
  • C2: Humanities (3 units)
  • D1: Social Sciences (3 units)
  • D2: Social Sciences: US History (3 units)
  • E: Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (LLD) (3 units)
  • F: Ethnic Studies (3 units)
  • Upper-Division General Education (UD):
  • UD-B: Physical and/or Life Science (3 units)
  • UD-C: Arts and/or Humanities (3 units)
  • UD-D: Social Sciences (3 units)
  • SF State Studies: Courses meeting SF State Studies requirements can be upper or lower division in GE, a major or minor, or an elective.
  • AERM: American Ethnic and Racial Minorities (LD or UD 3 units)
  • ES: Environmental Sustainability (LD or UD 3 units)
  • GP: Global Perspectives (LD or UD 3 units)

Careers:

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration are prepared for a variety of careers, including:

  • Recreation Program Manager: Planning, organizing, and managing recreational programs for diverse populations.
  • Park Ranger: Protecting and managing natural resources and providing visitor services in parks.
  • Tourism Coordinator: Promoting and developing tourism destinations.
  • Event Planner: Planning and coordinating special events.
  • Outdoor Recreation Specialist: Leading and guiding adventure-based activities.
  • Community Recreation Leader: Providing recreation programs and services to communities.
  • Wellness Coordinator: Promoting health and wellness through leisure activities.
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Courses

San Francisco State University


Overview:

San Francisco State University (SF State) is a public university located in San Francisco, California. It is part of the California State University (CSU) system, the largest system of higher education in the country. SF State is known for its diverse and inclusive community, offering a wide range of academic programs and a strong commitment to social justice.


Services Offered:

The university provides a variety of services to support student success, including:

    Academic advising:

    Students receive guidance on course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.

    Student support services:

    SF State offers resources for students facing academic challenges, personal difficulties, or financial hardship.

    Career services:

    The university provides assistance with resume writing, job searching, and career development.

    Health and wellness services:

    Students have access to counseling, health care, and other wellness resources.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

SF State offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can:

    Engage in student organizations:

    There are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to join, catering to diverse interests.

    Participate in cultural events:

    The university hosts a variety of events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.

    Explore the Bay Area:

    SF State's location in the heart of the Bay Area provides easy access to cultural attractions, museums, and entertainment venues.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Diverse and inclusive community:

    SF State prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body, fostering a sense of belonging for all.

    Strong academic programs:

    The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on social justice and real-world application.

    Location in the Bay Area:

    SF State's location provides access to a vibrant and dynamic city, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and career development.

    Commitment to social justice:

    SF State is dedicated to promoting social justice and equity, providing students with the tools and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.

Academic Programs:

SF State offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Humanities:

    Visual and performing arts, literature, history, philosophy, and more.

    Social Sciences:

    Psychology, sociology, political science, economics, and more.

    Business:

    Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and more.

    Science and Technology:

    Biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and more.

    Education:

    Teacher preparation, educational leadership, and more.

Other:

SF State has a strong athletic program, competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The university also has a strong commitment to international education and exchange, offering opportunities for students to study abroad and participate in global learning experiences.

Total programs
352
Location
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