Program Detail





The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management program at North Carolina State University prepares students for planning and management careers in recreation, tourism, events, park administration, and community sport. We are a national leader in research and extension, dedicated to finding community-centered solutions to societal challenges, and using recreation, the outdoors, sport involvement, and sustainable practices to improve the quality of life for all.

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 in PRT 152 (Introduction to Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Event Management) shall demonstrate in general understanding of foundational topics in recreation, parks, and tourism, including historical elements of leisure, leisure theory, philosophy, laws, and important societal changes that have impacted measure delivery in our society. This course required for all students in the major.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    In-person learning assessments in (PRT 152) involve a face to face question and answer session and evaluation between the instructor and each student (individual sessions). These assessments are scored based on correct responses and explanations provided by each student. The questions involve a mixture of content from course readings, lectures, and the course text. PRT 358 is a Recreation Programming class that includes on site assessments practical learning and program planning at on onsite recreational spaces. Service learning assessments involve group collaboration, writing, evaluation, and written reports of weekly activities at recreational sites.
  • Result:
    We are achieving an acceptable standard for successful completion of this course and successful content delivery of course concepts. More than 70% of the students are scoring above an 80% on key course assignments aimed at evaluating understanding of foundational concepts in the major in addition to demonstrating strong skills in written communication. 40 out of 45 students (88.9%) in PRT 152 earned an 80% or higher in the course. PRT 152 is the PRTM introductory course to recreation, parks, and tourism, including historical elements of leisure, leisure theory, philosophy, and foundational topics. Students in PRT 152 in spring of 2024 are currently demonstrating high quality content mastery and verbal communication with an average score of 88% on in-person learning assessments. Students in PRT 358 in spring of 2024 are currently showing excellent writing skills when submitting service learning site assessments, with this semester's class scoring an average of 98%.
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:
    PRT 238 - Diversity and Inclusion in Recreation and Sport Students in this course should have the ability to apply theory related to inclusiveness and inclusion to practical applications of recreation management, policy, and procedures, including interactions and communication with staff, colleagues, and patrons in future recreational occupations. Students in PRT 238 (Diversity and Inclusion in Recreation and Sport) are asked to create a final project that involves an overall analysis of their understanding of general course concepts, involving theory and practical applications of theory.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Students are assessed and scored on a verbal presentation that involves the formation and implementation department policies related to diversity and inclusion and an introductory explanation and presentation of these policies .
  • Result:
    An analysis of grades resulted in data showing the number of students who successfully passed this assignment with the minimum 70% score or higher and the preferred 80% standard.
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:
    PRT 371 - Risk Management in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management Students in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and Event Management major are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of methods, laws, and procedures related to the mitigation and management of negative outcomes related to liability and risk in recreational settings and an understanding of the rules and policies used by recreational professionals and recreational environments as it pertains to liability and risk.
  • Measure Type:
    Direct
  • Assessment Method:
    Scores from the final exam were used to determine if our students have a satisfactory understanding of the course concepts identified in 7.03.
  • Result:
    33 of 38 students (86%) passed the final exam with the score of 80% or higher. The five students scoring below 80% scored between 76 and 79 on the exam. 36 out of 38 students passed the course with a grade of 80% or higher.