Faculty and Research
The Penn State Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management strives to transform human health through actively engaging people in recreation, parks, tourism, and leisure, both locally and throughout the world.
In keeping with our innovative and interdisciplinary mission in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, the research possibilities here are extensive and diverse, covering domains such as the efficacy and communication of "leave no trace" principles, urban park and conservation nonprofit management, the biomechanics of golf, environmental anthropology, post-expedition adjustment and reverse culture shock, the historical developments of experiential adventure learning — and much more.
Our faculty lead research and training in: Park and Protected Area Management, Experiential Education, Sport Participation, Travel and Tourism, Community Recreation, Health and Well-Being, and Environmental Education.
Graduate students obtain rigorous training in empirical scientific methods and a strong preparation for both applied and theoretically engaged work. They also have access to cutting-edge technologies and active, externally funded field and laboratory projects
Dual-title Ph.D. degree options available in Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society (TREES) and Social Data Analytics (SODA). Concentrations and minors are available in areas such as Human Development and Family Studies, among others. There are excellent opportunities for competitive funding.
Funding
Through graduate assistantships in both M.S. and Ph.D. programs, Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management offers some of the most fiscally competitive assistantships in the nation among similar programs, including a tuition waiver and health insurance subsidy. Additional opportunities for summer funding as well as fellowships and scholarships may also be available.
M.S. Program
Our M.S. graduates are interdisciplinary problem-solvers who design and conduct impactful research. They translate complex findings for diverse audiences to drive evidence-based policy and practice with professional and ethical integrity.
Ph.D. Program
Our Ph.D. graduates critically analyze and synthesize theoretical and empirical literature and identify gaps and lead independent, rigorous research to make a unique contribution. They are adept communicators and teachers who translate complex findings for diverse audiences and model the highest standards of ethical and inclusive leadership in their profession.
