The Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration
Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units
See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.
General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units
See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.
- JOUR 260 is an approved GE Writing Intensive substitution.
- RHPM 400 is an approved GE Capstone substitution.
Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units
See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .
Literacy Requirement:
See Mathematics and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog. Writing proficiency in the major is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of a course in your major which has been designated as the Writing Proficiency (WP) course for the semester in which you take the course. Students who earn below a C- are required to repeat the course and earn a C- or higher to receive WP credit. See the Class Schedule for the designated WP courses for each semester. You must complete the GE Written Communication (A2) requirement before you may register for a WP course.
Application to the Major:
Departmental approval is required before you begin course work for this major. Application to the major can be made at the department office.
Course Requirements for the Major: 55-68 units
Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.
Note: A maximum of 15 units of internship (courses numbered 189, 289, 389, 489, 589) may be applied to a bachelor's degree at CSU, Chico.
Since the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management uses a mentor-advisor system, it is important for you to request an advisor when you declare Recreation Administration as your major. In general, Recreation Administration majors are encouraged to take RHPM 200 and RHPM 201 during the first semester in the department. Depending on the desired option, RHPM 250 (for the Options in Resort and Lodging Management and Event Management) or RHPM 240 (for the Options in Community/Commercial Recreation and Tourism and Parks and Natural Resource Management) or RHPM 260 (for the Option in Recreation Therapy) should also be considered.
Major Core Program: 39 units
9 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 200 | Foundations of Leisure and Recreation | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 201 | Applications in Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management | 1.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 220 | Program Planning | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 260 | Recreation Therapy and Inclusion | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 300 | Leisure Science | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200; one course chosen from RHPM 220, RHPM 240, RHPM 250, or RHPM 260. Open to Recreation majors only. | |||||
RHPM 301 | Leadership and Supervision in Recreation | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RHPM 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 371 | Customer Service in Recreation Operations | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of one course chosen from RHPM 220, RHPM 240, RHPM 250, or RHPM 260. | |||||
RHPM 400 | Management of Recreation and Parks | 3.0 | FS | GW | |
Prerequisites: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, RHPM 200, RHPM 301; one course chosen from RHPM 220, RHPM 240, RHPM 250, or RHPM 260; senior standing. | |||||
RHPM 420 | Recreation Budgeting and Finance Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, RHPM 220, RHPM 300 (for RECR majors only); ACCT 201, NFSC 230 (for NFSC majors only); or faculty permission. |
Internship Program
3 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 584 | Internship Preparation | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing and faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 586 | Internship Seminar | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. Corequisite: RHPM 589 or RHPM 589M. | |||||
RHPM 589 | Internship in Parks, Recreation, and/or Hospitality | 12.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing, RHPM 200, RHPM 201, RHPM 220, RHPM 584; one of the following RHPM 240, RHPM 250, or RHPM 270; RHPM 260 for Recreation Therapy students; cumulative GPA 2.0 or higher; faculty permission. |
OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 589M | Merit Internship in Parks, Recreation, and/or Hospitality | 12.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing, RHPM 200, RHPM 201, RHPM 220, RHPM 584; and one of the following RHPM 240, RHPM 250, or RHPM 270; RHPM 260 for Recreation Therapy students; GPA of 3.0 or higher; faculty permission. |
Major Option Course Requirements: 16-29 units
The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements. Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.
- The Option in Community and Commercial Recreation and Tourism
- The Option in Parks and Natural Resources Management
- The Option in Resort and Lodging Management
- The Option in Recreation Therapy
- The Option in Event Management
The Option in Community and Commercial Recreation and Tourism: 20-21 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 240 | Outdoor Recreation Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 270 | Commercial Recreation and Tourism | 3.0 | FA | ||
RHPM 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, RHPM 220, RHPM 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 466 | Program Management in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 260. | |||||
RHPM 524 | Commercial Recreation Operation | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 420 (may be taken concurrently). |
2 courses selected from:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ANTH 338 | Culture and Tourism | 3.0 | INQ | ||
MKTG 305 | Survey of Marketing | 3.0 | FS | ||
MKTG 371 | Consumer Behavior | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: MKTG 305. | |||||
MKTG 478 | Service Marketing | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: MKTG 371. | |||||
RHPM 360 | Recreation Therapy for Older Adults | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RHPM 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 390 | Service Learning in Recreation Programs | 2.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 428 | Recreation Law and Legal Principles | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RHPM 474 | Association Operations and Events | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. |
The Option in Parks and Natural Resources Management: 28-29 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 240 | Outdoor Recreation Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 342 | Systems Management in Maintenance and Operations | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RHPM 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 441 | Citizen Involvement in Recreation Resource Management | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RHPM 444 | Environmental Interpretation and Communication | 4.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RHPM 446 | Natural Resources Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 240, RHPM 300, or faculty permission. |
12-13 units selected from:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AGET 340 | GPS & GIS in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
AGET 360 | Irrigation | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: PSSC 101 or PSSC 250 or faculty permission. | |||||
ANTH 461 | Museum Collections Management | 3.0 | INQ | ||
ANTH 467 | Exhibit Research, Design, and Installation | 3.0 | FA | ||
ARTS 250 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: ARTS 122 or ARTS 125, sophomore standing. | |||||
BIOL 334 | Conservation Ecology | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
Prerequisites: One biological sciences course. | |||||
CAGD 110 | Computer-Assisted Art I | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
EDCI 448 | Methods and Materials for Environmental Education | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisite: GEOS 130 or SCED 343 or equivalent. This course is also offered as RHPM 448. | |||||
GEOG 211 | Introduction to Geographical Information Systems | 3.0 | FS | ||
GEOG 427 | Environmental Impact Analysis | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: GEOG 320 or equivalent. | |||||
JOUR 260 | Writing for Mass Media | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: ENGL 130I or JOUR 130I. | |||||
KINE 224 | Methods of Teaching Rock Climbing | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 123 or KINE 124 recommended. | |||||
KINE 226 | Methods of Teaching Wilderness Living | 4.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 121 recommended but not required. | |||||
KINE 227 | Winter and the Mountain | 4.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 226 or equivalent. | |||||
KINE 228 | Methods of Teaching Canoeing and Kayaking | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 226 (may be taken concurrently). | |||||
KINE 460 | Foundations of Outdoor Education | 3.0 | FS | ||
KINE 564 | Facilitating the Adventure Experience | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: KINE 222 recommended. | |||||
MADT 206 | Introduction to Photography and Digital Imaging | 3.0 | FS | ||
PHIL 332 | Criminal Justice Ethics | 3.0 | FS | ||
This course is also offered as
POLS 332. | |||||
POLS 250 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3.0 | SP | GE USD | |
POLS 258 | Introduction to Criminal Law | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: POLS 250 or faculty permission. | |||||
PSSC 101 | Introduction to Plant Science | 3.0 | FS | GE | |
PSSC 250 | Introduction to Soil Science | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisites: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111. | |||||
PSSC 330 | Rangeland Resources and Management | 3.0 | FA | ||
RHPM 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, RHPM 220, RHPM 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 428 | Recreation Law and Legal Principles | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Junior standing. | |||||
RHPM 448 | Methods and Materials for Environmental Education | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisite: GEOS 130 or SCED 343 or equivalent. This course is also offered as EDCI 448. |
Students are encouraged to select courses with the approval of an advisor. Also, with an advisor's approval, additional courses not listed above may be used to meet the elective requirement above.
An approved minor or certificate may be substituted for the 9 units (3 courses) listed above. Approved minors/certificates include biological sciences, communication design, communication studies, criminal justice, environmental studies, geography, geology, instructional design, journalism, museum studies (certificate), and outdoor education (certificate). Other minors may also be acceptable with advisor's approval.
The Option in Resort and Lodging Management: 18 units
5 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 250 | Hospitality Industry Introduction | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 350 | Food and Beverage Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 250. | |||||
RHPM 354 | Resort/Lodging Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 250. | |||||
RHPM 452 | Resort/Lodging Planning and Development | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 354 or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 558 | Resort/Lodging Senior Seminar | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 452 or faculty permission. |
3 units selected from:
Any RHPM courses.
The Option in Recreation Therapy: 26 units
The Recreation Therapy Option is designed to prepare students to work as allied health professionals with people who have special needs in clinical, residential, and community-based agencies. Students studying in this option will meet the standards developed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC). Successfully completing this curriculum will provide students with knowledge competencies necessary to qualify for both the National and State Therapeutic Recreation Certification Exams.
8 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIOL 103 | Human Anatomy | 4.0 | SMF | GE | |
BIOL 104 | Human Physiology | 4.0 | FS | GE | |
PSYC 381 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 360 | Recreation Therapy for Older Adults | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of RHPM 200, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 460 | Advanced Recreation Therapy Practices | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 260. | |||||
RHPM 466 | Program Management in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | FA | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 260. | |||||
RHPM 468 | Facilitation Techniques in Recreation Therapy | 3.0 | SP | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 260 or faculty permission. | |||||
SWRK 202 | Human Behavior Across the Lifespan | 3.0 | FS | ||
The Option in Event Management: 16 units
6 courses required:
SUBJ NUM | Title | Sustainable | Units | Semester Offered | Course Flags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RHPM 250 | Hospitality Industry Introduction | 3.0 | FS | ||
RHPM 323 | Principles of Event Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, RHPM 220. | |||||
RHPM 350 | Food and Beverage Management | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 250. | |||||
RHPM 422 | Leisure Services Promotion | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisites: RHPM 200, RHPM 220, RHPM 300, or faculty permission. | |||||
RHPM 470 | Meeting and Conference Planning | 3.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 250. | |||||
RHPM 523 | Special Event Planning and Operations | 1.0 | FS | ||
Prerequisite: RHPM 323. |
Electives Requirement:
To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.
Grading Requirement:
All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.
Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.