Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) specializes in the planning and management of parks, recreation and sport areas and facilities, tourism attractions and leisure activities in a range of environments for all ages and lifestyles.

Reaching your career goals
Preparing for a career in the profession can begin at the NCSU Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management program. Students select from four possible specialties: program management, park and natural resources management, sport management, and tourism management. NCSU has the only graduate tourism management program curriculum in North Carolina. Tourism is currently the state's second largest industry. NCSU also has the only natural resources recreation program in the state. The Geographic Informations Systems Laboratory students use in this program is the largest of its kind in the country managed by a recreation department.

Diverse challenges
NCSU students in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management address challenges like educating people to appreciate and use the environment for enjoyment with no detrimental impact and enhancing life through the positive use of leisure time. Students discover the opportunity of working with people of all ages and backgrounds who are pursuing the leisure activities of their choice.

Getting out in the field
Field excursions introduce students to potential career settings including parks, public and commercial recreation facilities, sport and country clubs, corporate sport and fitness facilities, historic sites, YM/YWCA, convention centers and sports facilities. Student trips to state, city and county parks and forests enhance instruction in outdoor recreation management. Students may elect to participate in a week-long national consortium with professional experts, students and faculty from other universities. All students participate in a summer internship with an organization of their choice.

Assistance
To assist students with earning a substantial part of their educational expenses and gain practical experience and confidence, the department provides assistance with both job placement and co-ops. Students may be placed in positions at local parks or resorts. Raleigh, the state capital, offers numerous opportunities in both full and part-time positions. A student may pursue employment at one of the many country clubs, parks, sport businesses or recreation centers in the area. These programs insure students of improved employment opportunities and a greater earning power in the future. In addition to job placement, the department also provides financial assistance through foundation-supported scholarships.