PRTM’s program management concentration is an excellent foundation for a career in the parks and recreation field. It offers instruction in all of the skills needed to design, implement, manage and evaluate successful recreational programs that improve communities and the quality of life for participants. Core courses include:

• Organization and Administration of Adventure Programs
• Introduction to Sport Management
• Interpretive Services
• Special Events Planning

Students also select elective courses from a wide range of offerings related to specific program settings, including Natural Resources, Outdoor Leadership, Commercial Tourism, Adventure Education and Community/Non-Profit Settings. Some students minor in either Environmental Science or Commercial/Tourism by augmenting their education with courses in natural resources or business skills such as accounting, marketing, advertising and finance.

Teaching Focus
Program management focuses on teaching students how to design and implement successful leisure programs that benefit individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. Students gain an understanding of the many physical, mental and social benefits of recreation and leisure and explore theory from a practical perspective. They gain experience in designing and providing programs to meet the diverse needs of various types of individuals and groups. Instruction is provided in program planning, design, promotion, evaluation, leadership skills, supervision, finance and facilities, liability and risk management.

Careers
Program planning prepares you for a career in the recreational departments of city, county and state governments, with non-profit agencies such as YMCA’s and YWCA’s, 4-H Clubs and population-speciifc organizations, or with specialty programs such as outdoor adventure camps and courses or resort and commercial facilities.