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About PRTM

NC State’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) Department specializes in preparing planning and management professionals for the fields of parks, recreation, tourism, golf and recreational sports. We teach skills that are applicable across a wide range of environments and prepare our graduates to be the leaders in the next generation of park, recreation, tourism and sport professionals. PRTM is a national leader in research and extension activities - dedicated to finding real solutions for real problems and transferring that knowledge to help communities and people thrive. 

Academic Programs

We offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of specific concentration areas. We've graduated over (2,000) students with baccalaureate degrees since 2000 and more than (500) students with Master’s or other advanced degrees. Relevant coursework paired with hands-on field work and service learning opportunities put students on the frontline of their chosen specialty in a variety of settings with a wide array of audiences. In addition, students conduct research, participate in national consortiums and learn on-the-job through internships and co-ops. For PRTM students - Red Means Go!    

Research

PRTM places a heavy emphasis on research, not just for our faculty, but for our students as well. As part of a tier one research university, we have have the people and the skills needed to advance knowledge and develop innovations that solve real problems. PRTM researchers are deeply engaged in work in 4 broad areas – Health and Well-being, Equitable and Sustainable Tourism, Human Dimensions of Built and Natural Environments, and Geographic Information Sciences and Spatial Analysis Tools, Processes and Modeling for Examining People-Landscape Relationships.   LEARN MORE >>>

Extension and Outreach

True to NC State University's land grant mission, the PRTM department sponsors the largest recreation technical assistance and professional service program in the United States and a vibrant and effective tourism extension Program. The department's various Oglebay Management Schools taught through the national training program have certified over (10,000)  professionals since 1975. In addition, PRTM’s Recreation Resources Service (RRS) provides technical assistance and offers applied research and training programs to recreation providers across North Carolina. Our Tourism Extension program helps individuals and communities across the state to enhance economic development and quality of life through tourism. PRTM also provides leadership and thousands of volunteer hours each year for the N.C. Senior Games, and assists a wide variety of local agencies with their park and recreation programs through a thriving service learning program.   LEARN MORE >>>

Faculty Strengths

Our faculty include nationally-known experts in all areas of study and is particularly well-known for its unique expertise in recreation behavior, planning and resource development, natural resources, tourism planning and development, park management, program marketing and development, youth development and sport management, golf management and geospatial sciences.    LEARN MORE >>>

History

Our department was founded in 1947 and became the first nationally-accredited degree program of its kind in the United States. LEARN MORE >>>

For More Information

If you cannot find the PRTM information you need on this website, please contact: 
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
Box 8004, Biltmore Hall
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-8004
Phone: 919-515-3276
Fax: 919-515-3687