Program Detail

George Mason University

School of Sport, Recreation and Tourism Management - College of Education and Human Development

Dr. Ellen Drogin Rodgers, Associate Dean
Email
4400 University Drive, MS 4B4
2301 Thompson Hall
Fairfax, VA  22030
(703) 993-2034

Accredited Program

  • Recreation Management
    Initial Accreditation: 10/12/2004
    Next Review: Fall 2028
    Accreditation Status: Continued Accreditation
    Program Accreditation Status
    Program Information
    2024 Annual Report
    2023 Annual Report
    2022 Annual Report
    2021 Annual Report




    • The COAPRT-accredited curriculum in Recreation Management at George Mason University provides students with the framework necessary for professional development, career advancement, and graduate education through a combination of rewarding learning and practical experiences. Students pursue the BS in Recreation Management, with a concentration in Parks and Outdoor Recreation; Therapeutic Recreation; or an individualized program of study. Students are exposed to the various facets of this dynamic and rapidly growing field. Our graduates are prepared to make a real difference - informing policy, promoting economic development, advocating stewardship of natural resources, encouraging inclusive community service and lifelong recreation participation, and working to enhance the quality of life of all individuals, families, and communities at the local, national, and international levels.

    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 graduating from the Recreation Management program shall demonstrate an ability to develop and articulate their personal philosophy of leisure, and a broad awareness of the profession and associated industries.
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students in RMGT 210, Introduction to Recreation and Leisure, are required to complete an activity participation and economic log, entailing the monitoring and analysis of personal recreation and leisure activities and their expenses. Additionally, they are required to write a paper (with citations) documenting their personal philosophy of leisure, perspectives on participation and spending, and the relationship of these findings to the development of the profession and associated industries.
    • Result:
      In academic year 2022-2023, 92% of the Recreation Management students earned at least a "3-Competent" or better on each 7.01- aligned rubric indicator.
    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 graduating from the Recreation Management program shall complete and present (orally and in writing) a Program Plan that can be implemented and evaluated in future courses (including the internship).
    • Measure Type:
      Direct
    • Assessment Method:
      Students in RMGT 310, Program Planning and Evaluation, are required to develop a program plan comprising mission; program description; goals and objectives; operational criteria (e.g., accommodations; equipment/supplies; promotional website; staffing, venue and activity plans); and evaluation tools to demonstrate the ability to design and implement services.
    • Result:
      In academic year 2022-2023, 100% of the Recreation Management students earned a "4-Outstanding" on each 7.02-aligned rubric indicator.
    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 graduating from the Recreation Management program shall complete and present (orally) a program presentation that demonstrates the following learner outcomes: * Discuss management practices and principles developed and successfully used in business, industry and public agencies. * Identify problems affecting the management and operation of organizations and the delivery of sport, recreation and tourism services. * Discuss the principles of organizing, allocating and managing organizational resources in order to provide equitable delivery of sport, recreation and tourism services.
    • Measure Type:
      Indirect
    • Assessment Method:
      Students in RMGT 410, Administration of SRT Organizations I, are required to develop a project presentation incorporating recent research about the type of organization selected for the semester-long project. This presentation references the content of four course assignments in which student's describe a select organization’s purpose, mission, history, and services; develop an organizational plan including goals, actions, a vision, and a plan for overcoming anticipated challenges; and create a plan for staffing the organization, including interpreting and describing its organizational chart and structure, writing a job description, and designing a series of interview questions.
    • Result:
      In academic year 2022-2023, more than 90% of the Recreation Management students earned at least "3-Competent" on each "Content Areas" 7.03-aligned rubric indicator, and 95% of the students earned at least “3-Competent” on the “Evidence of Research” 7.03-aligned rubric indicator.