Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management

The goal of the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management is to prepare ethical and competent professionals in service and experience industries including recreation, parks, tourism, events, and hospitality. Students will acquire the latest methods and techniques, as well as a profound understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations, of these industries. Students will learn to be inquisitive and receptive to varying points of view, proficient in a broad spectrum of managerial technology tools, skilled in communication and problem-solving, knowledgeable about sustainable management, and motivated to positively impact their communities.

The department offers the Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees, as well as minors in Recreation Administration and Tourism. The department offers five distinct degree options: Commercial and Community Recreation and Tourism, Event Management, Parks and Natural Resources Management, Resort and Lodging Management, and Recreation Therapy.

Department courses cover the following areas: foundations of recreation, hospitality, and parks; leadership and supervision; organization and management; human behavior; recreation for diverse populations; recreation resources, motivation and promotion; business and finance; applied research; environmental influences; and career opportunities and requirements. In addition, many courses provide hands-on learning opportunities to complement class material.

The department provides numerous opportunities for experiential learning throughout its curriculum. Our Field School program in addition to several courses all offer majors and non-majors course embedded service learning opportunities in areas including, event management, sustainable tourism, natural resource management, and environmental issues. Students complete full-time internships with public recreation agencies, private or commercial recreation businesses, hotel and resorts, event management companies, recreation therapy programs, or parks and natural resource-related agencies.

The Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management at California State University,Chico is one of the largest and most respected programs of its kind in the nation. The program is accredited by The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).  A diverse and dedicated faculty strive to ensure the best professional education for program majors, minors, and graduate students.