Program Detail

Western Carolina University


Dr. Paul Stonehouse, Assistant Professor
Email
1 University Way
Reid 122-I
Cullowhee, NC  28723
828-227-2965

Accredited Program

  • Parks and Recreation Management
    Initial Accreditation: 9/28/2021
    Next Review: 2026
    Accreditation Status:
    Program Accreditation Status
    Program Information
    2024 Annual Report
    2023 Annual Report
    2021 Annual Report




    • WCU's Parks and Recreation Management Program (PRM) prepares students for professions in the leisure service, recreation, outdoor, and tourism industries, as well as with land agencies such as the National Parks and U.S. Forest Service. Students in the program earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Parks and Recreation Management. A PRM minor is also available. PRM Mission: Our mission is to advance knowledge, educate professionals, engage communities, and affect positive social and environmental change using innovative, experiential, and equitable practices. PRM graduates are prepared to design, implement, and evaluate components of the leisure service industry.

    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:
      Program Level SLO's: Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry level knowledge: a) the nature and scope 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. Course Level SLO (PRM 270: Leadership and Group Dynamics): Demonstrate basic knowledge of leadership concepts, styles, and theories (Course SLO #1) Course Level SLO (PRM 270: Leadership and Group Dynamics): Assess their own leadership skills, styles, strengths and weaknesses (Course SLO #2)
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Leadership Essay (written assignment evaluation)
    • Result:
      From Fall 2023: 86.7% of students scored 75% or above on the leadership essay. (n=26/30)
    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:
      Program-level SLO: Students graduating from the Program shall demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity. Course level-SLO (PRM 275): Explore elements of one’s own identity and worldview and how our own identities and lenses frame how we view, interpret, and experience leisure. Course SLO #4. -Measured with the "Media Analysis" assignment
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      PRM 275: Diversity & Inclusion in Parks and Recreation Management "Media Analysis"
    • Result:
      Fall 2023 Results: 19/22 students scored 75% or above on the "Media Analysis" assignment. (86%)
    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:
      Program-level SLO: 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. Course-level SLO (PRM 361): Develop an overall program plan that includes all the information needed to plan, implement, and evaluate a recreation program. Course SLO #2.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      PRM 361: Program Planning and Evaluation "Program Plan Project"
    • Result:
      Fall 2023 Results: 100% of students scored 80% or higher. (40/40)