RU Interested in

RU Interested in . . .

TOURISM AND RECREATION MANAGEMENT

AT A GLANCE . . .
Department at RU:		Recreation, Parks and Tourism
Office Location:		Waldron Hall 300
Telephone		(540) 831-7720
Faculty Liaison: E-mail address:		Dr. Edward Udd, Chair eudd@radford.edu
College at RU:		Waldron College of Health and Human Services
Degree Type:		Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts

AREA OF STUDY

In an attempt to meet the recreation or leisure needs of society, the program of Recreation, Parks and Tourism prepares students for professional leadership roles in municipal park and recreation agencies, youth-serving agencies, commercial for-profit facilities, health care and rehabilitation agencies, correctional institutions, churches and religious-affiliated agencies, camping and outdoor settings, and federal and state government units.

Duties:

Range from developing a comprehensive recreation and park program, to supervision of programs and services including personnel, program development, management and supervision of activities or programs for a single recreation center, and/or leading activities in one or more facilities.

Titles:

Activity Director, Community Center Director, Youth Services Worker, Park and Recreation Superintendent or Director, Recreation Leader, Facility Manager, Recreation Supervisor, Intramural-Recreation Sports Director, and Student Union Program Director.

Starting Salary Range:

Depends on the level of responsibility, geographic location, education, experience and size of staff. Starting range $20,000 to $26,000.

Employment opportunities vary among geographic locations but is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005.

What personal characteristics should I possess to succeed in the field of recreation, parks and tourism?

Persons should be outgoing, good at motivating people and sensitive to the needs of others as well as being creative and resourceful. Willingness to accept responsibility and the ability to exercise judgment are important qualities since recreation personnel often work alone. Individuals contemplating careers in supervisory or administrative positions should develop managerial skills.

What academic strengths and skills should I possess to be successful in Recreation, Parks and Tourism?

Effective oral and written communication. Skills in various types of activities are encouraged. Course work in the social and behavioral sciences in addition to courses in business administration, focusing on personnel, marketing, computers, and accounting are musts, especially if one is considering advancement.

What experiential opportunities are available in this field? (Internships, practicum, volunteer experience, summer jobs)

An internship of one semester (15 weeks, 600 hours) is required of all students seeking a major in the field. Many courses in the major require various types of volunteer experiences. Students are encouraged to seek one summer employment experience in the field prior to the internship.

What minor or concentration would enhance my education as a Recreation, Parks and Tourism major with a concentration in management?

A wide variety of minors or concentrations can be useful, depending on your career goals. However, the faculty would recommend minors in Management and Business Administration, Sociology and/or Psychology. As the result of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students may want to consider a minor in Special Education or a second concentration in Recreation Therapy.

What additional graduate/professional study, or certification is commonly required in this field?

Certification (CLP-Certified Leisure Professional) is becoming either mandatory or a preferred qualification for many positions in the field. An advanced degree (i.e., Masters in Leisure Services or Masters in Parks and Recreation) is generally required for management and administrative level positions.

Where can I obtain more information about careers in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management?