Program Detail

California State University - Chico

Department of Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management

Chang Lee, Professor
Email
YOLO 173 Department of Recreation
Hospitality, and Parks Management
Chico, CA  95929-0001
(530) 898-6408

Accredited Program

  • Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management, Core Curriculum
    Initial Accreditation: 10/15/1986
    Next Review: Fall 2026
    Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
    Program Accreditation Status
    Program Information
    2024 Annual Report
    2023 Annual Report
    2022 Annual Report
    2021 Annual Report




    • Established in 1962, the Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management (RHPM) program at California State University, Chico is one of the oldest programs of its kind in California. The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management, featuring three specialized concentration options: Event Management, Parks and Recreation Management, and Resort and Lodging Management. We have an average of 110 majors, each of whom serves a full-time internship as a part of their graduation requirements. Graduates of the RHPM program are well-prepared to contribute to communities by providing diverse recreation programs and activities. They play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing parks, as well as in conserving natural and cultural resources. Additionally, these professionals are adept at creating immersive learning environments, organizing tours, planning conventions, and designing memorable experiences, which include everything from enjoyable dining experiences in restaurants to lively music festivals.

    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:
      After completing the DRHPM Core Curriculum, students will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of the profession along with professional practices of that profession. Demonstrate knowledge of the a) historical, b) scientific, and c) philosophical foundations of these professions. Demonstrate the ability to apply techniques and processes relevant to the profession.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      RHPM 200 (Foundations in Leisure & Recreation): Cumulative quiz scores. RHPM 326W (Recreation Therapy & Inclusion): Overall course performance and Investigation of an Inclusive Recreation Topic.
    • Result:
      In RHPM 200 (Foundations in Leisure & Recreation), 62.5% of students received 70% or better in Sp/23, and 82.6% of students received 70% or higher on quiz scores in Fa/23. In RHPM 326 (Recreation Therapy & Inclusion), 90.3% of students received 70% or better in the overall course performance in Sp/23, and 74% received 70% or better on the Investigation of Inclusive Topic in Fa/23.
    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:
      After completing the DRHPM Core Curriculum, students will be able to: Demonstrate the ability to design and implement recreation and related experiences. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate experiences for diverse clientele, settings, cultures, and contexts. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate service offerings, using evaluation data to improve the quality of offerings.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      RHPM 326W (Recreation Therapy & Inclusion): Wheelchair experience which the learning reaction paper outcome for Standard 7.02 was assessed.
    • Result:
      RHPM 326W (Recreation Therapy & Inclusion): Wheelchair experience reaction paper: 75% achieved 70% or higher.
    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:
      After completing the DRHPM Core Curriculum, students will be able to: Demonstrate knowledge of management, administration, history, and ethics. Demonstrate knowledge of managing personnel. Demonstrate knowledge of marketing. Apply basic concepts and techniques related to budget and financial documents. Apply basic concepts and techniques related to strategic planning.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      RHPM 490W (Management of Recreation & Parks): Cumulative quiz scores. RHPM 420 (Budgeting & Finance in RHPM): Financial workbook. RHPM 371 (Customer Service Management in RHPM): Quiz scores and project scores.
    • Result:
      In RHPM 490W (Management of Recreation & Parks), 88.2% of students achieved 70% or better on cumulative quiz scores in Fa/23, and 91.1% of students received 70% or better in Sp/23 on cumulative quiz scores. In RHPM 420 (Budgeting & Finance in RHPM), 81% of students achieved 70% or better in Sp/23 & 69% of students achieved 70% or better in Fa/23 on a financial workbook with presentation. In RHPM 371 (Customer Service Management in RHPM), 90.5% of students received 70% or above in Fa23 on quiz scores, and 95.2% of students received 70% on projects in Fa/23.