Bachelor of Arts in Recreation & Tourism Management

Wellness & Movement Sciences
Fitness for Credit
Leighton Performance Lab
Challenge Course
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About

Recreation and tourism management is the career of the future. It is estimated that recreation, leisure, entertainment, and travel and tourism will become a $10 trillion business worldwide. Professional careers and opportunities for entrepreneurship in recreation and tourism management will continue to grow and thrive in this exciting industry.

In this program, you’ll learn how to program, manage, and lead private, public, and non-profit recreation enterprises. You’ll acquire recreation skills, management, and business principles in a program setting that values hands-on learning and workforce preparation. This is the degree program for students who dream of working with people in a high-energy and fast-paced recreation setting.

For more information, contact Matthew Chase, PhD at mchase@ewu.edu or 509.359.7964.

Curriculum & Requirements Suggested Schedule

Internship Manual 2022-23 1500 Hours RLSM

Accreditation

COAPRT logo
The EWU RCLS Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).

Evidence of continued compliance with COAPRT requirements can be found on the RCLS accreditation website.

Curriculum & Requirements

Recreation and Tourism Management Major, Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Recreation Management is a growing and dynamic field. The tourism and recreation industry is currently listed as one of the top three business activities in the United States. There are many emphasis areas available in Recreation Management including: city/park recreation, resort/commercial recreation, youth serving agencies, military recreation and corrections recreation.

Notes:

  • must complete certification in National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Certified Pool Operator (CPO);
  • must see your recreation management advisor at least once per quarter;
  • two years of a single high school foreign language or one year of a single college level foreign language is required.

Pre Major Declaration Requirement:  ≥C in ENGL 201 (or equivalent).

Major Declaration Requirement: must complete ENGL 201 with a minimum grade ≥C.

Grade Requirements

  • a minimum grade ≥C must be obtained in each required RCLS course (if a lower grade is received, the course must be retaken);
  • a minimum cumulative GPA ≥2.0 shall be required for all university coursework;
  • failure to comply with the above standards will jeopardize professional internship eligibility.
Required–1500 hours of practical experience–see advisor.
Required Core Courses
RCLS 201RECREATION AND LEISURE IN MODERN SOCIETY4
RCLS 220LEADERSHIP IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES3
RCLS 240OVERVIEW OF THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SERVICES4
RCLS 270DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES2
RCLS 313PUBLIC LANDS AND OUTDOOR RECREATION4
RCLS 360FACILITY PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN4
RCLS 385PROGRAMMING IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES4
RCLS 400LEGAL FOUNDATIONS IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES4
RCLS 425EVALUATION, RESEARCH AND STATISTICS IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES4
RCLS 435EMPLOYMENT PROCESSES IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES2
RCLS 455RESORT AND COMMERCIAL RECREATION MANAGEMENT3
RCLS 470ADMINISTRATION, ORGANIZATION AND SUPERVISION IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES4
RCLS 480BUDGETING IN RECREATION AND LEISURE SERVICES4
Required Supporting Courses
PHED 193STANDARD FIRST AID AND SAFETY2
RCLS 300PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION IN RECREATION4
or MKTG 310 PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING
RCLS 349YOUTH SPORTS MANAGEMENT2
RCLS 462FOUNDATIONS OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM4
RCLS 495RECREATIONAL MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP12
Required Senior Capstone
RCLS 490SENIOR CAPSTONE IN RECREATION4
Total Credits74

Catalog Listing

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully earn a BA in Recreation and Tourism Management from EWU should be able to do the following:

  • demonstrate a working knowledge of technology and its various uses in the recreation profession;
  • demonstrate a working knowledge of the career and entrepreneurship opportunities available upon graduation;
  • demonstrate an awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and will demonstrate multi-cultural competence in recreation and leisure service delivery settings;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the complexity and significance of the travel and tourism industry;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the history, breadth, depth, and complexity of the recreation and leisure services industry;
  • demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills;
  • demonstrate knowledge of and skill at research, problem solving, and critical thinking;
  • demonstrate the ability to develop and lead a variety of recreationally and developmentally appropriate programs and activities across the human life span;
  • demonstrate the ability to perform essential functions in the area of aquatics management;
  • demonstrate the ability to perform essential functions in the area of sport management.

Careers in Recreation & Tourism Management

With a degree in Recreation & Tourism Management, you'll be prepared for a variety of career opportunities.

Sports Facility Management

Travel & Tourism

School Districts

Campground Management

Amusement & Theme Parks