WHAT IS PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM?

The Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) major represents a range of fields focused on the practical management and administration of parks, recreation, and tourism. Given its more directly applied focus, the major will draw on concepts from business, economics, systems management, education, communications, and leisure sciences. The PRT major emphasizes one of the most important industries in Ohio as well as regionally, nationally and internationally . Matching people's demands for recreation and tourism opportunities and experiences with the supply of parks, recreation, and tourism resources is a challenge. This major will prepare students to work in public, private, and non-profit sectors, and manage all types of park systems from theme parks to national, local and city parks, state parks, metro parks and campgrounds. Some students will emphasize administration of outdoor adventure and urban youth programs, as well as those that provide hospitality and tourist services.

Students may select one of the following specialized career tracks:

Community Recreation Leadership and Management
The Community Recreation Leadership and Management career track prepares students for a rewarding career in the field of community recreation. Graduates of this program will have the skills necessary to administer community recreation programs in diverse urban settings -- from small towns to large cities. Graduates will also be trained to begin careers with community-based leadership organizations, such as YMCA, scouting, municipal recreation and camp programs. Graduates are employed in various positions, including urban recreation directors and city recreation specialists.

Eco-Tourism and Adventure Program Administration
The Eco-Tourism and Adventure Program Administration career track prepares students for exciting, adrenaline-filled careers in the outdoors. Students will learn the skills necessary to plan and administer challenging, high adventure and wilderness skills programs. The Eco-Tourism component focuses on the operation of a tourism enterprise in a manner that is both environmentally responsible and economically viable. Graduates may qualify for positions with expedition outfitters, wilderness leadership programs, and commercial eco-tourism specialists.

Environmental Education and Interpretation
The Environmental Education and Interpretation career track focuses on planning, creating and implementing educational programs that deal with various environmental, cultural, and historical issues. Students will learn to write lesson plans, develop educational programs, and effectively present their programs to audiences of all ages. Graduates qualify for positions as environmental education specialists, state and national park interpreters, and science teachers.

Park and Recreation Law Enforcement
This career track prepares students to pursue a career in the rewarding field of park and recreation law enforcement. Graduates will have the opportunity to work in a variety of exciting locations, including national and state parks, national and state forests, and wildlife management areas. Graduates of this program will be responsible for protecting both visitors and natural resources, enforcing rules and regulations, and acting as stewards of the environment. Graduates will qualify for positions such as conservation officer (game warden), park ranger, forest ranger, and watercraft officer.

Recreation Resource Management
The Recreation Resource Management career track provides a foundation for student interested in the administration of park and recreation programs at the local, state and federal level. This career track will include courses in environmental issues, professional ethics, and recreation administration. Graduates of this program are qualified for positions such as park managers, outdoor camp administrators, and recreation program coordinators.

Students can specialize in two different career track sub options:

Sub Option I - Wildland Recreation Management
The Wildland Recreation Management specialization focuses on the administration of primitive recreation programs in wild, often undeveloped outdoor settings. Students will learn the skills needed to successfully manage various wildland recreational pursuits including horseback riding, canoeing, and wilderness backpacking. Careers available to students in this specialization include backcountry rangers, wilderness recreation managers, and outdoor recreation specialists.

Sub Option II - Urban Park and Golf Course Management
This specialization is a unique program designed for the student who wishes to begin a career in the management of urban parks and golf courses. Courses in this specialization include landscape maintenance, turfgrass science, and recreation administration. Graduates are employed in such positions as golf course superintendents and urban park managers.

Recreation Resource Planning
The Recreation Resource Planning option emphasizes a strategic, proactive approach to the management of recreation programs and the natural resources that they depend upon. Students learn the principles needed to develop short and long-range plans that allow for efficient and sustainable recreational programming. Those who select this major will enjoy exciting, challenging careers within their organizations. Upon graduation, students assume careers such as strategic planning managers and recreation program planners.

Curriculum Guide