Program Detail

Western Washington University

Department of Health and Human Development

Dr. Jasmine Goodnow, Professor, Program Coordinator
Email
516 High St
MS 9067
Bellingham, WA  98225-5946
(360) 650-3962

Accredited Programs




The Recreation Management and Leadership program (housed in the Department of Health and Human Development) at Western Washington University was established in 1952, and has been accredited since 1986. We offer a Bachelor of Arts degree with four concentration areas: Community Recreation, Outdoor Recreation, Sustainable Tourism, and Therapeutic Recreation. The program features a cohort-based (approximately 60 students per cohort), innovative phased curriculum where students complete 4 blocks of courses together as a community of learners

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students will be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the recreation profession and their associated industries.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    All students must successfully complete RECR 260: Introduction to Recreation Services, which introduces students to the historical, theoretical, and conceptual foundations of the recreation services industry. The course provides an overview of how recreation is differentiated from other human service fields and identifies and discusses the common core elements of the recreation services system across different sectors (resource management, therapeutic recreation, tourism, community recreation). In addition, the recreation profession is discussed and grounded in leisure and leisure behavior based on the premise that recreation services should be a force for positive benefits and outcomes and social change. There are 2 exams that are used to assess student learning on this outcome.
  • Result:
    97% of students received a 70% or more on combined average.
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate the ability to design a specific program plan that provides benefits and fulfills needs of a specific target market and agency’s mission statement.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    All students complete a program plan in their concentration coursework (RECR 370, 376, 377, or 379) where programming principles are taught.
  • Result:
    98% of students received 70% or more points on their final program plan
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in the profession.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Exam 1 and Exam 2
  • Result:
    86% of students received a 70% or more on their combined average

The Therapeutic Recreation program is one of four concentrations offered through the Recreation Management and Leadership program at Western Washington University. Students in this concentration, students learn the clinical skills necessary for entry-level employment as a recreational therapist and ensures that students are eligible to take the exam for NCTRC certification. This program was accredited for the first time in 2018.

COAPRT Standard 7.01. - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
  • Outcome:
    Students will demonstrate entry-level knowledge of the nature and scope of the TR profession and its foundations in history, science, and philosophy.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    REC 274 Exam
  • Result:
    Spring 2023: 100% (n=8) of students scored 70% or higher.
COAPRT Standard 7.02. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
  • Outcome:
    Apply the major methods of assessment (standardized, interview, observation, record review) to determine client abilities, strengths, needs, and goals
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    RECR 375 Final Assessment Report
  • Result:
    Fall 2023: 100% (n=6)
COAPRT Standard 7.03. - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions..
  • Outcome:
    Describe quality management and other regulatory practices in therapeutic recreation.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    RECR 421 Final Oral Exam
  • Result:
    Fall 2023: 100% (n=6)