program description

the recreation, parks, and tourism (rpt) department at sf state, in existence since 1946, has established a reputation for excellence. from distinguished faculty with extensive experience in teaching, research, and service, to a dynamic curriculum based on comprehensive feedback from students, alumni, current trends, and an advisory board of rpt professionals, students acquire the knowledge and skills to: 

• engineer experiences that engage, empower, and educate.

one of the program’s most important resources for faculty and the curriculum is the diversity and vitality of the san francisco bay area. the number of agencies, institutions, and leisure enterprises makes the region a hands-on classroom and living laboratory for public, private, and nonprofit recreation; local, state, and national parks; and domestic and international tourism.

the department offers a bachelor of science in recreation, parks, and tourism administration, which is accredited by the national council on accreditation of parks, recreation, and tourism (coaprt). accreditation provides many benefits including credibility and broader recognition within the academic and professional community. the rpt program delivers academic content that is current, relevant, and experiential. the curriculum leads to a 400-hour, 15-unit, full-time internship at one of 400+ approved rpt organizations. this culminating experience often leads to continued employment and a career in rpt.