Program Detail

Georgia Southern University

School of Human Ecology

Dr. John Peden, Professor
Email
PO Box 8034
Statesboro, GA  30460-1000
(912) 478-5684

Accredited Program

  • Recreation and Tourism Management
    Initial Accreditation: 4/7/1983
    Next Review: Fall 2029
    Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
    Program Accreditation Status
    Program Information
    2024 Annual Report
    2023 Annual Report
    2022 Annual Report
    2021 Annual Report




    • The mission of the Recreation and Tourism Management Program at Georgia Southern University is to promote academic excellence and enhance student success in two distinct emphasis areas: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism & Community Leisure Services. This mission is accomplished through classroom instruction, stringent academic expectations, undergraduate research, and real-world application of gained knowledge. The Recreation and Tourism Management Program has a long tradition of providing experiential education, including service-learning, that is responsive to the needs of a diverse 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:
      Students enrolled in RECR 1530 (Introduction to Recreation) will demonstrate understanding of the foundations of the profession in history, science, and philosophy, and the ability to distinguish between diverse leisure delivery systems and the techniques used by professionals within parks, recreation, tourism, and related professions.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students completed multiple choice, true/false, and short answer examinations. Exam 1 addressed theoretical, scientific, and philosophical concepts. The Midterm Examination addressed historical foundations of the profession. A final oral exam addressed the nature and scope of the profession, along with techniques used by professionals in these industries.
    • Result:
      Measure #1 (Exam 1) Direct Measure (N=83) 89% of students (n= 74) scored 70% or higher on Exam 1. Meets Expectations: 36.1% (n=30) scored 70-89% on Exam 1. Exceeds Expectations: 53% (n=44) scored 90% or higher on Exam 1. Measure #2 (Midterm Exam) Direct Measure (N=83) 80% of students (n-66) scored 70% or higher on Exam 2. Meets Expectations: 48.2% (n=40) scored 70-89% on Exam 2. Exceeds Expectations: 31.3% (n=26) scored 90% or higher on Exam 2. (Measure #3 (Final Exam) Direct Measure (N=83) 92% of students scored 70% or higher on Exam 3. Meets Expectations: 28.9% (n=24) scored 70-89% on Exam 3. Exceeds Expectations: 62.6% (n=52) scored 90% or higher on Exam 3.
    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 enrolled in RECR 2530 (Leadership & Programming in Recreation) will demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate recreation services that facilitate targeted human experiences that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students learn concepts related to leadership and programming in recreation settings via lectures, assigned readings, and group discussions. Students then complete a service-learning project where they apply course concepts in a community setting.
    • Result:
      Measure #1 (Service-Learning Project) Direct Measure (N=27) 100% of students scored 70% or higher on the service-learning project. 70-89%: 18.5% (n=5) scored 70-89% on the service-learning project. 90-100%: 81.4%(n=22) scored 90% or higher on the service-learning project.
    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 enrolled in RECR 4630 (Professional Development in Recreation) will apply entry-level concepts, principles, and procedures applicable in human resource management.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students completed a mock interview assignment that required them to develop cover letters and resumes prior to being interviewed by classmates. Teams of students screened the candidates' cover letters and resumes, developed interview questions, and managed the interview process in a formal setting. Verbal and written feedback was provided to each candidate.
    • Result:
      Measure #1 (Mock Interview Project) Direct Measure (n=21) 100% of students scored 70% or higher on the mock interview project. Meets Expectations: 48% (n=10) of students scored 780-89% on the mock interview project. Exceeds Expectations 52% (n=11) of students scored 90% or higher on the mock interview project.