Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Hospitality Administration offers a
Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration and Hospitality
Administration, an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Management and
minors in Recreation and Park Administration and Hospitality Administration.
Dr. Cathi McMahan, Head
Williamson Hall, Room 102
(479) 968-0378
cmcmahan@atu.edu
The Recreation and Park Administration major provides specialized education that
prepares students for supervisory and administrative positions in federal, state, and
local recreation and park agencies as well as commercial recreation and tourism
organizations. This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks,
Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), sponsored by the
National Recreation and Park Association.
Professor:
T. Herrick
Associate Professor:
McMahan, Bishop
Assistant Professors:
D. Lee, S.S. Lee,
Montgomery, West
Vision
The program will produce leaders in Recreation and Park Administration.
Core Values
The Recreation and Park Administration Program is committed to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lifelong learning
Service to community
Personal and professional development
Diversity of experience
Environmental stewardship
Interpersonal communication
Healthy lifestyles
Mission
The mission of the Recreation and Park Administration Program is to educate Recreation and Park professionals for self,
community and society.
Recreation and Park Administration
This program is designed to prepare students for management careers in private and public recreation agencies or park
systems. A broad background in the behavioral and natural sciences is required with major emphasis on resource
management and the delivery of leisure services to diverse populations. Specialized course work in biological sciences
and business management aid in natural resource decision making. This provides a base for professional courses in
planning, design, and operation of park and recreation facilities. A career in recreation administration, park administration,
therapeutic recreation, turf management or interpretation requires a basic understanding of human behavior and the
challenges of contemporary society. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the career field, a student is required to choose
courses from several related fields, based on professional interest. A comprehensive general education is complemented
with a core of professional courses. The Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration offers five emphases
of professional preparation:
Interpretation Emphasis
The Interpretation Emphasis offers a curriculum that utilizes communication skills and interpretive methods courses to
provide training for those wanting to find employment with various interpretive programs of private, state and federal
agencies operating cultural and natural history oriented sites. Students are required to minor in Anthropology, Biology, or
History.
Curriculum in Interpretation Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
3
3
Spring
3
3
ENGL 10131,T
U.S.
3
History/Government1,T
ENGL 10231,T
Mathematics1,T
3
SPH 2003T
3
LBMD 2001
1
GEOL 1014T
BIOL 1014T
4
RP 2003
3
RP 2013
3
3
T
3
RP 2033
4
TECH 1001
1
RP 1013
3
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
RP 3013
RP 3033
14
RP 3034
COMS 1003
T
PSY 2003T
Total Hours
13
3
RP 3043
3
3
3
RP 3063
RP 3403
3
3
4
Elective in Minor2 7
3
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
16
RP 41164
Total Hours
6
Elective
3
2
Spring
RP 3093
Social Sciences1,T
Elective in Minor
12 Total Hours
Total Hours
Senior
Fall
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
RP 4013
RP 4103
16
13
Spring
RP 4113
2
Total Hours
3
Elective in Minor
Total Hours
3
ANTH 4403/MUSM 4403
3
3
3
RP 4001
RP 4023
1
3
3
RP Major Elective3
2
3
Elective in Minor
15 Total Hours
3
5
15
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
Students must minor in Anthropology, History or Biology. See Departmental Advisor.
3
Students must select from the following list of RP courses: RP 1993, RP 3023, RP 3053, RP 3133, RP 3993, RP 4042,
RP 4053, RP 4093, RP 4951-4, RP 4991-3.
4
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Natural Resource Emphasis
The Natural Resource Emphasis prepares students to manage large parks, resource areas and visitor facilities. Planning
and management of land and water resources within private and public park and natural resource management
organizations to provide outdoor recreation opportunities for constituents are emphasized.
Curriculum in Natural Resource Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
1,T
1,T
3
SPH 2003T
3
3
RP 2013
3
3
LBMD 2001
1
RP 2033
3
4
RP 2003
3
Approved
Elective2
4
14 Total Hours
13
3
ENGL 1023
U.S. History/Government1,T
3
Social Sciences1,T
3
CHEM 1113 and CHEM 1111 or
GEOL 1014T
4
Mathematics1,T
TECH 1001
1
BIOL 2124 or BIOL
2134T
RP 1013
3
COMS 1003T
14 Total Hours
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
1,T
Fine Arts & Humanities
RP 3013
Spring
PSY 2003
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
ENGL 1013
3
T
4
Spring
RP Major Elective3
16 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
3
RP 3043
3
HA 4013
3
RP 4001
1
3
RP 3053
3
RP 4013
3
RP 4023
3
3
Spring
RP 3033
RP 3034
3
4
RP 3063
RP 3403
3
3
RP 3093
3
Approved Elective2
3
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
16 Total Hours
RP 41164
Total Hours
6
RP 4063
RP 4103
3
3
RP 4053
RP 4113
RP Major
Elective3
Approved
Elective2
12 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
3
3
1
3
14
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See Departmental Advisor or select from the following list:
BIOL 1014, BIOL 1114, BIOL 2124, BIOL 2134, or any 3000 or 4000 level BIOL course
FW 2003, or any 3000 or 4000 level FW course
GEOL 1014 or GEOL 3153, AGEG 3203
AGPS 1024, AGPS 1033 or AGPS 3244, AGSS 2014
FW 2833/GEOG 2833
3
Choose from the following RP courses: RP 1993 or RP 3993
4
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Recreation Administration Emphasis
Recreation Administration Emphasis prepares students to work in community and agency settings and commercial
recreation businesses. Programming and people management are major areas of expertise.
Curriculum in Recreation Administration Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
1,T
3
ENGL 1013
1,T
U.S. History/Government
Science with Lab
1,T
3
4
TECH 1001
1
ENGL 1023
1,T
Mathematics
3
1,T
Science with Lab
1,T
T
COMS 1003
Social Sciences
T
3
PSY 2003
4
LBMD 2001
3
RP 2003
2
RP 1013
3
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
14 Total Hours
Spring
1,T
Spring
1,T
1,T
3
SPH 2003T
3
3
RP 2013
3
1
RP 2033
3
3
RP 3023
Approved Elective
13 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
3
3
2
Approved Elective 3
13 Total Hours
15
Spring
Fine Arts & Humanities
RP 3013
RP 3033
RP 3034
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
RP 3043
RP 3063
RP 3403
3
PE 4103
3
RP 4001
1
3
3
4
3
3
3
HA 4013
RP 4013
RP 4063
3
3
3
RP 4023
RP 4093
RP 4113
3
3
3
Approved Elective2
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
3
RP 3503
3
RP 4103
3
RP 41163
Total Hours
6
1
16 Total Hours
15 Total Hours
6
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See Departmental Advisor.
2
Approved Elective2 3
15 Total Hours
13
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
T
Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis
The Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis prepares students for a career as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
(CTRS) working with special populations in clinical and community recreation environments. The specialized TR
emphasis prepares students for national certification under guidelines established by the National Council for Therapeutic
Recreation Certification.
Curriculum in Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Sophomore
Spring
Fall
Freshman
Fall
1,T
1,T
Spring
3
PSY 2003
T
3
Social Sciences1,T
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
4
LBMD 2001
1
RS 2003
3
PSY 3813
3
RP 2003
13 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
3
16
RP 2033
Total Hours
3
13
ENGL 1013
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
U.S.
History/Government1,T
3
ENGL 1023
3
Mathematics1,T
3
SPH 2003T
3
3
Science with Lab1,T
4
BIOL 2004T
TECH 1001
1
COMS 1003T
3
RP 1013
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
3
13
Total Hours
Spring
T
3
Spring
RP 3013
3
PSY 3003
3
RP 4001
1
3
4
3
RP 3043
RP 3063
RP 4173
3
3
3
AHS 2013
PE 4103
RP 4013
RP 4103
3
RP 3033
RP 3034
RP 3403
3
3
3
RP 4023
RP 4113
RP 4373
3
3
3
RP 4073
3
3
RP 4273
3
RP 4473
3
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
16
Approved Elective2
Total Hours
15 Total Hours
15
Total Hours
13
RP 41163
Total Hours
6
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See departmental advisor
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Turf Management Emphasis
The Turf Management Emphasis prepares students to meet the expanding market for turfgrass specialists in parks,
recreation playfields and golf courses.
Curriculum in Turf Management Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
1,T
ENGL 1013
3
1,T
ENGL 1023
3
Social Sciences
Spring
1,T
3
AGSS 2014
4
U.S.
History/Government1,T
CHEM 1113 and CHEM
1111T
3
Mathematics1,T
3
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
4
BIOL 2134T
4
PSY 2003T
3
RP 2013
3
TECH 1001
1
COMS 1003T
3
SPH 2003
3
RP 2033
3
RP 1013
Total Hours
3
14 Total Hours
13
RP 2003
Total Hours
3
15
Total Hours
13
Senior
Fall
RP 4063
RP 4103
RP 4113
RP 4753
3
3
3
3
Spring
AGPS 3244
RP 3791
RP 4001
RP 4023
RP 4763
4
1
1
3
3
Total Hours
12
Electives
Total Hours
4
16
Junior
Fall
RP 3013
RP 3033
RP 3034
RP 3763
RP 4013
3
3
4
3
3
Spring
AGPS 3053
RP 3043
RP 3063
RP 3403
RP 3793
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
16 Total Hours
RP 41163
Total Hours
6
3
3
3
3
3
15
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See Departmental Advisor.
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Minor Recreation and Park Administration
The minor in Recreation and Park Administration is designed for those students majoring in other disciplines who wish to
develop specialized knowledge in the area of Recreation and Park Administration. This minor may be of particular interest
to those students who wish to work for a recreation and park oriented agency after graduation. This minor may be wellsuited for Emergency Management, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, and Hospitality Administration majors. Flexibility in the
minor allows students to choose courses to match their particular needs and interests. The minor in Recreation and Park
Administration requires 18 hours of courses:
RP 1013 Principles of Recreation and Park Administration
RP 2003 Recreation Programming
RP Electives (12 hours of RP academic courses including 9 hours at the 3000
or 4000 level, excluding RP 3043, RP 4001, and RP 4116)
Hospitality Administration
Mission
The mission of the Hospitality Administration Program is to provide quality education in hospitality administration and
provide a foundation for professional growth and development. This is achieved by:
•
•
•
•
•
Providing knowledge, skills and abilities through a comprehensive academic curriculum.
Demonstrating professionalism, leadership and high ethical standards by a competent faculty and administration.
Promoting community service and outreach.
Emphasizing the importance of research and continuing education.
Encouraging life-long learning.
The Hospitality Administration degree program is designed to prepare students for management positions within the
hospitality industry such as lodging, resorts, conference, convention and visitor centers, restaurants, contract services,
theme parks and travel and tourism related operations.
The course work concentrates on general business, management, finance, marketing, accounting, law, computer science,
and specific courses related to hospitality management. The entire curriculum features numerous opportunities for the
practical application of problem-solving skills and creativity. The Hospitality Administration Program is accredited by the
Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.
Food and Beverage Management Emphasis
The Food and Beverage Management Emphasis prepares students for management careers in the food and beverage
industries as well as managed foodservice. This emphasis will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a
comprehensive management background in this dynamic and ever-changing hospitality industry. Restaurants are the
nation’s largest private-sector employer.
Curriculum in Food and Beverage Management Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
1,T
1,T
Spring
3
T
ACCT 2003
3
ACCT 2013T
3
4
ECON 2003T
3
PSY 2003T
3
3
HA 1923
3
3
3
3
16
3
3
15
Spring
HA 2003
HA 2063
Total Hours
Senior
Fall
SPH 2173T
HA 2023
HA 2053
Total Hours
3
Fine Arts & Humanities1,T 3
HA 4013
3
HA 4001
1
ENGL 1013
3
Science with Lab1,T
4
COMS 1003T
TECH 1001
HA 1043
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
U.S.
History/Government1,T
3
3
MGMT 3003
3
HA 4063
3
HA 4023
3
BUAD 3023
3
5
HA 4073
3
HA 4033
3
HA 2813
3
Approved Electives2,T
Approved Electives (30004000 level)
3
HA 4983
3
HA 4113
3
HA 2913
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
3
15 Total Hours
14
Total Hours
12
HA 4203
Total Hours
3
13
HA 41163
Total Hours
6
ENGL 1023
CHEM 1113 and CHEM
1111T
MATH 1113T
1 HA 1013
3 HA 1063
14 Total Hours
3
3
15
Spring
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See Departmental Advisor.
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Lodging and Club Management Emphasis
The Lodging and Club Management Emphasis prepares students for management careers in hotels, lodging, resorts, and
public and private clubs. This emphasis will analyze competitive strategies, leadership styles, teamwork, and technology
in this dynamic and ever-changing hospitality industry.
Curriculum in Lodging and Club Management Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Spring
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
ENGL 10131,T
3
ENGL 10231,T
3
Fine Arts &
Humanities1,T
3
SPH 2173T
3
Science with Lab1,T
4
CHEM 1113 and CHEM
1111T
4
ACCT 2003T
3
ACCT 2013T
3
COMS 1003T
TECH 1001
3
3
3
3
PSY 2003T
HA 2023
3
3
ECON 2003T
HA 2003
2
HA 2063
3
1
HA 1043
MATH 1113T
HA 1063
3
Approved Electives
14 Total Hours
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
2
Spring
1,T
1,T
3
HA 2043
3
15 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
15 Total Hours
15
Spring
U.S. History/Government
BUAD 3023
HA 2053
HA 3143
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
MGMT 3003
HA 4203
HA 4093
3
HA 4013
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
HA 4063
HA 4073
HA 4243
3
3
3
Approved Electives2
3
HA 4113
3
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
15 Total Hours
HA 41163
Total Hours
6
15 Total Hours
HA 4001
1
HA 4023
HA 4033
HA 4253
Approved
Electives2
12 Total Hours
3
3
3
3
13
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
2
See Departmental Advisor.
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
Tourism and Event Management Emphasis
The Tourism and Event Management Emphasis prepares students for careers in tourism, convention and visitors bureaus
and sport and event management. This emphasis will provide a background in commercial recreation, recreational sport
and event management in Arkansas’ second leading industry and the world’s largest industry. Tourism and Event
Management is a collection of industries under the larger umbrella of hospitality management.
Curriculum in Tourism and Event Management Emphasis
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Freshman
Fall
Sophomore
Fall
Spring
1,T
3
ENGL 1013
Science with Lab
COMS 1003
TECH 1001
1,T
4
T
3
1
HA 1043
1,T
3
ENGL 1023
Science with Lab
MATH 1113
HA 1063
1,T
4
T
2
3
Approved Electives
14 Total Hours
Total Hours
Junior
Fall
Spring
1,T
Fine Arts & Humanities
1,T
U.S. History/Government
BUAD 3023
1,T
ACCT 2003
Spring
T
3
T
3
ECON 2003
ACCT 2013T
3
T
3
T
3
PSY 2003
3
HA 2003
3
3
HA 2063
3
SPH 2173
HA 2023
3
HA 2133
3
HA 3133
3
16 Total Hours
Senior
Fall
15 Total Hours
15
3
HA 4013
3
HA 4001
1
3
Spring
3
Fine Arts & Humanities
3
MGMT 3003
3
HA 4073
3
HA 4023
3
3
RP 3503
3
HA 4113
3
HA 4053
3
5
HA 4093
3
HA 4203
3
RP 3033
3
HA 2053
3
HA 4033
3
Approved Elective
2
Total Hours
Senior 9th Semester
Fall
15 Total Hours
HA 41163
Total Hours
6
12 Total Hours
14 Total Hours
6
1
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
See Departmental Advisor.
3
Internship must be completed in last semester after all coursework has been completed.
T
Designates a block of courses that would provide for a seamless transfer into this program if equivalent courses are
taken at another college or university.
2
Minor Hospitality Administration
The Hospitality Administration minor is designed for students of any major who want to learn about the hospitality
profession. The minor in Hospitality Administration consists of 18 hours of coursework:
HA 1043 Introduction to Hospitality Management
HA 2053 Work Experience
HA 4093 Resort Management
HA Elective (3 hours)
HA Elective (6 hours of 3000 or 4000 level)
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Management
Curriculum in Culinary Management
Freshman
Fall
Spring
1
ENGL 1013
3
MATH 1003
3
TECH 1001
CUL 1013
CUL 1923
Total Hours
1
3
3
13
1
Spring
ENGL 1023
CHEM 1113 and CHEM
1111
CUL 2813
CUL 2913
3
SPH 2173
3
COMS 1003
3
4
CUL 2003
3
CUL 2023
3
3
3
CUL 2053
CUL 2903
3
3
CUL 2063
CUL 2933
3
3
Total Hours
13
Total Hours
12
Total Hours
12
Summer After 2nd Spring
CUL 2996
6
Total Hours
6
Summer Between 1st and 2nd year
CUL 2923
3
CUL 2943
3
Total Hours
6
1
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Sophomore
Fall
See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".
13