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Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Graduate Program
Breadcrumb
Offering both master's and doctorate degree options, Penn State’s dynamic and multidisciplinary graduate Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management program brings together world-class faculty and an integrated approach to learning that is equal parts research, theory, and practice.
Thanks to a cutting-edge curriculum — and unique research and hands-on learning opportunities offered through exclusive relationships with industry partners and professional organizations — you’ll exit the program with a deep understanding of how the social, environmental, psychological, and economic aspects of a broad array of leisure activities and pursuits can truly transform people’s lives and sense of well-being.
Flexible graduate degree options include:
Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management M.S. graduates have expertise in specific aspect(s) of the field. They understand and can critically analyze research and be effective communicators to various audiences. Graduates conduct themselves in line with the highest ethical standards and inclusive professional practices. They can engage in a research team and implement research as demonstrated in a thesis.
Penn State Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Ph.D. graduates have breadth and depth of expertise in theoretical and methodological approaches. They understand and can critically analyze research and be effective communicators to various audiences. Graduates conduct themselves in line with the highest ethical standards and inclusive professional practices. They have a substantive level of expertise in their focus area and can independently lead a research project that makes a unique contribution to the field.
Whether your dream job lies in academia, research, parks and land management, non-profit organizations, tourism bureaus, or a related field, an advanced degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from Penn State will help you achieve these goals — and so much more.
Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
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Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
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Postcards from the Field
- Kassidy Keller, Black Moshannon State Park
- Reagan Hubbard, Woodmont Country Club
- Colby Parkinson, Wrangell-St. Elias Natl. Park & Pres.
- Julia Skrabacz (’25), Discover Downstate Illinois Tourism Bureau
- Matt Truesdale (’10), PA Fish & Boat Commission
- Will Nyer, Whitewater Challengers
- Rebecca Hula (’25), Martinsburg-Berkeley Co. Parks & Rec.
- Kelly Richter (’19), Dewey Beer Company
- Donovan Fairhurst, The Weeknd’s “After Hours Til Dawn” Tour
- Taschet Murphy (’16), Montgomery Co. Recreation Youth Dev.
- Olivia Dorko, Denali National Park and Preserve
- Billy Sellers (’20), South Middleton Twp. Aquatics
- Caitlyn Doyle, PGA (’14), NorCal PGA of America
- Morgan Crump, Ph.D. (’23), Yellowstone National Park
- Sean Durant (’23), JMI Sports
- Emma Duffy, Peace Retreat – Costa Rica
- Ryan Sun, Wentworth Club – U.K.
- Emma Vanden Heuvel, YMCA of the Rockies
- Hussam Baloush (’24), Sela - Saudi Arabia
- Kelli McFadden, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
- Chloe Kramer, Morey’s Piers
- Josh Tremblay, PGA (’02), Lehigh Country Club
- Jenny Harchak (’14), Penn State Alumni Association
- Elena Piel, Greater Philadelphia YMCA
- Mathias Weinzen (’19), Black Moshannon State Park
- Brianna Bryant, Titus Sports Academy
- Lynde Metzler (’19), Penn State Outdoor Adventures
- Zach Fernandez (’19), Pittsburgh Steelers
- Amy Welshimer, Seabird Institute
- Jeremy Wdowiak (’17), Yellowstone Club
- Drs. Frank Guadagnolo & Deb Kerstetter (’80 & ’90), Professors Emerita
- RPTM Team Roster: Dan Merrell, PGA (’13)
- Eva Blankenhorn (’21), NPS at Eisenhower Nat'l Historic Site
- RPTM Team Roster: Jen Emigh (’01)
- Ryan Franks, Stone Valley Recreation Area
- Mo Gannon (’22), Atlanta Falcons
- RPTM Team Roster: Skylar Peters
- Jonathan Gold, PGA (’08), PGA of America
- Melanie Tracey (’22), Nixon Park Nature Center
- Cameron Lee, The Club at Creighton Farms
- RPTM Team Roster: Laurie McLaughlan
- Mike Ross (’10), Meet. Play. Chill.
- RPTM Team Roster: Dr. Carter Hunt
- Lauren Mann, Pierce Co. Parks & Rec
- Brandon George, Gorilla Guardians Village
- RPTM Team Roster: Dr. Jen Agans
- Rachel Inglesino (’19), Jonas Entertainment Group
- Katie Kubis (’21), NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation
- Rachel Guiher (’04), James E. Van Zandt VA
- Nick Otto, Vagabond Cruise
- Dan Newhart (’04), Fiesta Bowl
- Stephen Slough, Marriott Vacation Club
- Aleah Gramling, Army's Morale Welfare and Recreation
- Courtney Meehan (’07), Lansdale Parks & Recreation
- Zach Winslow, Chesapeake Recreation & Parks
- Alex Toth, The Wembley Club
- Rob Tarves (’09), Our Town Brewery
- Grace Rygelski, Sankaty Head Golf Club
- RPTM Faculty & Staff, IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon
- Nick Dawkins, YMCA of Centre County
- Alyssa Houtz ('13), Walt Disney World
- Jake Toliver ('12) & Sean Noonan, The Los Angeles Country Club
- John Piacentino, Babe Ruth League, Inc.
- Elizabeth Ochoa, Echo Hill Outdoor School
- Ryan Warren, National Park Service
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Undergraduate
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Major in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management
- Minor in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management
- Meeting and Event Management Certificate
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