Application deadline
Credits and costs
Online Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option
With a growing focus on the global issues associated with human development, health, and wellness — as well as the impact of recreation and tourism on ecological, economic, and cultural systems — professionals with the skills needed to manage the recreation and tourism industry are in high demand.
Penn State’s Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM) – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option can help prepare you for a career in one of the world’s largest service-sector industries.
Why a Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management Degree from Penn State?
Aiming to help transform human and environmental health and well-being, the RPTM program at Penn State works to understand all the factors that impact how people spend their leisure time. By studying these factors, you can learn how to better support and develop opportunities for recreation and tourism that benefit the economy and environment as well as the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of people and communities.
Your Online Penn State RPTM Courses
Taught by faculty with diverse backgrounds from across the globe, your courses can help you gain the theoretical, managerial, and technical skills you need to become a leader in the field. Online course delivery provides you with the flexibility and convenience to study around your own schedule without sacrificing quality.
As a student in the commercial recreation and tourism management option, you will have the opportunity to study business management and entrepreneurial principles through the lens of recreation and tourism, with course topics including:
- diversity in recreation services
- introduction to leisure theory
- sustainability, society, and well-being
- leadership and group dynamics
- legal issues in recreation
- service marketing
- program evaluation
- event planning and programming
- facilities management
- foundations of tourism
- career exploration
Military Grant-in-Aid Benefits for RPTM Students
The Military Grant-in-Aid is an undergraduate program that brings our tuition rate closer to the Department of Defense cap, making a Penn State World Campus quality education more affordable to our military students and spouses. More details, including Grant-in-Aid forms, can be found on the Military Grants and Scholarships page.
Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in the management of private/commercial, nonprofit, and public sectors of recreation/leisure services.
Prescribed Courses (24 credits)
Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management Option — Prescribed Courses (25 credits)
Additional Courses (6 credits)
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or:
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Supporting Courses and Related Areas (15–18 credits)
Consult with an adviser to review course recommendations, minors, and certificate programs. A minimum of 6 credits must be completed at the 400 level.
Elective credits (select 2–11)
Consult with an adviser to review course recommendations.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GWS courses. - Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
A student must receive a grade of C or better in GQ courses. - Integrative Studies: 6 credits
This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements. Integrative Studies credits may be completed within the thirty Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $620 per credit | $664 per credit |
| 12 or more | $7,527 per semester | $8,125 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructions before beginning.
- Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Advance Your Career and Pursue Your Passion
Advance Your Career and Pursue Your Passion
If you were engaged with recreation, sports, and activity as a child or you have found yourself drawn to traveling and adventure-seeking, the RPTM degree program from Penn State could provide the perfect educational path for you. Our curriculum and career resources will help you connect your passion with a career.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management – Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management option, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Health and Human Development, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
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John Dattilo
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DegreePh.D., Leisure Studies, University of Illinois
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DegreeM.S., Recreation, University of Arizona
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DegreeB.S., Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Education of Exceptional Children, Penn State
Dr. John Dattilo, professor of recreation, park, and tourism management, teaches about inclusive leisure services and leisure education from an applied, philosophical, and ethical perspective. He has collaborated with international and domestic teams to conduct research on perceptions of diverse individuals and effects of programs designed to assist them in addressing barriers to their leisure. His work to empower people to experience enjoyment and meaning in their lives has resulted in 15 books, 26 book chapters, more than 150 articles, 25 funded projects, and more than 200 presentations.
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Patricia Kleban
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DegreeM.S., Leisure Studies, Penn State
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DegreeB.S., Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Penn State
Patricia Kleban is an assistant teaching professor and director of the RPTM Student Success Center at Penn State University Park. She oversees the professional internship in RPTM and has taught courses in leadership and group dynamics, inclusive recreation, and management, as well as the introduction to recreation service delivery class.
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Chris Ortiz
DegreeB.S., Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management, Penn StateChris Ortiz teaches team development, leadership, and group dynamics in Penn State’s Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management (RPTM). He is the program director of the Team Development Center at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. For more than 25 years, he has worked with schools, university groups, corporations, and professional sports teams to strengthen relationships, motivate growth, and develop leaders. Ortiz has co-authored two resources for experiential educators, and he regularly presents internationally on innovative programming and team development ideas.
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Brian Soulé
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DegreeM.S., Sport and Leisure Service Management, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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DegreeB.S., Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University
Brian Soulé is an assistant teaching professor in RPTM, director of the RPTM Penn State World Campus program, and administrator in the Professional Golf Management option offered at Penn State University Park. He has many years of experience as a golf professional and has taught in the Commercial Recreation and Tourism Management curriculum for more than 10 years. Soulé is a PGA of America golf professional, and his doctoral research investigates motivation in the game of golf.
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