Penn State - College of Health and Human Development
What is Health and Human Development?

Diverse fields of study that share one
common goal: enriching the lives of others.

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Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

Students working at a booth on a cruise ship

Degree: Bachelor of Science

Creating engaging life experiences that transform health, well-being, and quality of life  

You might like this program if you

  • Are a curious, creative, hands-on experiential learner.
  • Enjoy designing, planning, and coordinating programs and special events for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes.
  • Have a desire to help others enjoy themselves, reach their full potential, connect with others, and explore.
  • Want to gain an understanding about how people spend their time outside of work contributes to the overall quality of life for a community, society, and the world.
  • Want to apply business and communication principles
  • in settings associated with recreation, entertainment,
  • and leisure.

Options

Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management

This option focuses on students whose professional aspirations include event planning, managing, and marketing tourism venues and organizations, recreational sports programs, resort activities, live entertainment, and festivals…to name just a few.

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Community Recreation Management

This option focuses on students interested in community-based public or non-profit recreation and parks, the Community Recreation Management option prepares students for positions within municipal and state government recreation and park agencies; park conservancies and foundations, youth sport organizations, recreation divisions of the armed services; university-affiliated recreation units; and other non-profit organizations (e.g., YMCA, United Way agencies, Boys & Girls Club).

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Outdoor Recreation Management 

This option focuses on students passionate about spending time outdoors, the Outdoor Recreation option of Penn State’s Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management major may be the right match for you.

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PGA Professional Golf Management

This option focuses on students who have always wanted to pursue a career that aligns with your love of the sport of golf, we encourage you to consider the PGA Professional Golf Management option of the Penn State RPTM major.

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Types of classes you’ll take

  • Leisure and Human Behavior
  • Management and Marketing
  • Leadership and Group Dynamics
  • Facilities Planning and Management
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences

Possible careers

  • Tourism and Event Management
  • Entertainment and Sport Venue Management
  • Outdoor Adventure Recreation/Education
  • Community Recreation
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Youth and Senior Recreation Services
  • Professional Golf Management
    • PGA General Manager
    • PGA Director of Golf
    • PGA Teaching Professional
    • PGA Director of Sales and Marketing
  • Fitness Center Management
Major
Minor
Student Profiles
Nittany Lion welcoming you with students in the background

Whatever your interests, whichever direction you want to go—business, science, medicine, healthcare, social science—the Penn State College of Health and Human Development has programs and options that lead to a future where you can do good work, and work while doing good.

Contact Chris Arbutina
Health and Human Development
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Departments
Biobehavioral Health Communication Sciences and Disorders Health Policy and Administration Hospitality Management Human Development and Family Studies Kinesiology Nutritional Sciences Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
About
Overview
History
Strategic Plans
Profiles
Employers and Industry
Donate
Undergraduate
Getting Started
Honors Programs
Advising
Student Profiles
Student Organizations
Financial Aid
Visit and Apply
Graduate
Degree Options
Faculty and Research
Student Council
Career
Funding
Visit and Apply
Alumni
Get Involved
Update Info
News and Events
Alumni Profiles
Magazine
Career Opportunities
Donate
Research
Expertise
Funding
Centers
Contact
Administration
Alumni Relations
Graduate
Social Media
Student Resource
Undergraduate
Departments
Biobehavioral Health
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Health Policy and Administration
Hospitality Management
Human Development and Family Studies
Kinesiology
Nutritional Sciences
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management