Undergraduate Program in Recreation and Tourism Management
Dedman College of hospitality
Website: https://dedman.fsu.edu/current-students/undergraduate-programs/recreation-and-tourism-management
Department Chair: Cynthia Johnson; Teaching Faculty I: Jieun Song
The Recreation and Tourism Management program offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Recreation and Tourism Management. The degree is designed to prepare individuals for professional positions in such settings as resort and commercial recreation companies, corporate and employee recreation, public parks and recreation, youth-serving and military agencies, campus recreation, and travel and tourism. With a bachelor's degree from this program, students may qualify for employment as recreation program supervisors/managers/coordinators, facility managers, adult and youth sports supervisors, activities directors, tourism services managers, and guest service coordinators.
The Recreation and Tourism degree is a part of the Dedman College of Hospitality. The Dedman College faculty and staff work closely with industry partners to provide students with relevant curriculum and job placement opportunities upon graduation. The College's internship program encourages experiential learning as a complementary approach to classroom education. It offers established internships across the U.S. and those with world-class operations in many other countries, such as in Ireland and New Zealand. Students are also encouraged to enrich their global education through the Dedman College's Montreaux, Switzerland and Florence, Italy Study Abroad Programs, or through the International Exchange Programs in Surrey, England and Seoul, South Korea.
For more information, contact the Department Chair, Cynthia Johnson, by e-mail at crjohnson@dedman.fsu.edu or by phone at (850) 645-9980. The Recreation and Tourism Management program offers its full degree program at both the Tallahassee campus and the Panama City campus.
Advising
Florida State University provides academic advising to students interested in pursuing coursework in the Dedman College of Hospitality. Students seeking academic advising on the Tallahassee campus are advised to visit https://dedman.fsu.edu/current-students/academic-advising and reach out to an academic advisor for more information. Students may also contact Renee Dyehouse by email at rdyehouse@fsu.edu for more information. Students who want to take classes on the Panama City campus are advised to contact the Academic Advising & Student Success Center by e-mail at advising@pc.fsu.edu or by phone at (850) 770-2288.
State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites for Recreation
The Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) houses the statewide, internet-based catalog of distance learning courses, degree programs, and resources offered by Florida's public colleges and universities, and they have developed operational procedures and technical guidelines for the catalog that all institutions must follow. The statute governing this policy can be reviewed by visiting https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/1006.73.
FLVC has identified common program prerequisites for the degree program in Recreation. To obtain the most up-to-date, state-approved prerequisites for this degree, visit: https://cpm.flvc.org/programs/85/207.
Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites but may not be admitted into the program.
Recreation and Tourism Management Degree Requirements
To earn a bachelor's degree in Recreation and Tourism Management, students must successfully complete the following: A minimum grade of “C–” or better must be earned in all program coursework.
Hospitality Core (15 credits):
HFT 3424 Hospitality Financial Analysis (3)
HFT 3431 Hospitality Managerial Accounting (3)
HFT 4502 Integrated Marketing for Hospitality (3)
HFT 4224 Hospitality Leadership and Ethics (3)
HFT 3941 Management Internship (3-12)*
Recreation and Tourism Major Requirements (24 Credits):
LEI 1000 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism (3)
LEI 3420 Recreation Activities Leadership (3)
HFT 3700 Tourism Management and the Environment (3)
LEI 3843 Commercial Recreation and Tourism (3)
LEI 4602 Planning and Maintenance of Facilities in Leisure Systems (3)
HFT 4941 Field Study in Hospitality Administration (0)
Elective Listed Below (3)*
Elective Listed Below (3)*
Elective Listed Below (3)*
*Recreation and Tourism Management majors must complete a minimum of three credit hours of HFT 3941 (Management Internship). Majors may complete additional credit hours (up to 12 total) of HFT 3941 (Management Internship) and use them as a substitute for the elective requirement (approved elective options listed below).
Students must complete at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the recreation/hospitality industry. The work experience must be completed at the post-secondary level. Students must register for HFT 4941 (Field Study in Hospitality Administration) in their final semester.
Recreation and Tourism Management Electives:
LEI 1181 Leisure and Recreation Adaptations for All Ages and Abilities (3)
LEI 2318 Events: Love Them, Then Leave Them. What's My Footprint? (3)
LEI 3266 Outdoor Adventure Ed (3)
LEI 3312 Introduction to Special Events (3)
LEI 4314 Event Operations and Management (3)
LEI 4561 Special Event Promotions (3)
LEI 4864 Technology for Events (3)
HFT 2060 Coffee and Tea (3)
HFT 2061 Ales, Lagers, and International Culture (3)
HFT 2062 International Wine and Culture (3)
HFT 2063 Distilled Spirits (3)
HFT 2080 International Protocol on Western Behavior and Service Standards (3)
HFT 2452 Hospitality Supply Management (3).
HFT 2704 A Survey of Ecotourism (3)
HFT 2710 International Travel and Tourism (3)
HFT 2716 International Travel and Culture (3)
HFT 2801 Tequila, Agave Spirits and Culture (3)
HFT 2876 Italian Wine and Culture (3)
HFT 2890 International Food and Culture (3)
HFT 2895 Italian Food and Culture (3)
HFT 3100 Introduction to Global Club Management (3)
HFT 3221 Human Resource Management (3)
HFT 3240 Managing Service Organizations (3)
HFT 3242 Hospitality Communications (3)
HFT 3519 Conventions Services and Events Management (3)
HFT 3542 Event Management (3)
HFT 3544 Psychology of the Customer Experience (3)
HFT 3700 Tourism Management and the Environment (3)
HFT 3771 Introduction to Maritime Hospitality
HFT 3891 Global Food Controversy (3)
HFT 4064 Ales, Lagers, and Culture (3) Note: Students must be twenty-one years of age to take this course.
HFT 4448 Technology and Big Data Applications in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
HFT 4866 Wine and Culture (3) Note: Students must be twenty-one years of age to take this course.
HFT 4905 Directed Individual Study (1–3)
HFT 4930r Special Topics in Hospitality Administration (1–3)
HFT 4970 Honors Thesis (3)
Digital Literacy Requirement
Students must complete at least one course designated as meeting the Digital Literacy Requirement with a grade of “C–” or higher. Courses fulfilling the Digital Literacy Requirement must accomplish at least three of the following outcomes:
- Evaluate and interpret the accuracy, credibility, and relevance of digital information
- Evaluate and interpret digital data and their implications
- Discuss the ways in which society and/or culture interact with digital technology
- Discuss digital technology trends and their professional implications
- Demonstrate the ability to use digital technology effectively
- Demonstrate the knowledge to use digital technology safely and ethically
Each academic major has determined the courses that fulfill the Digital Literacy requirement for that major. Students should contact their major department(s) to determine which courses will fulfill their Digital Literacy requirement.
Undergraduate majors in recreation and tourism management satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of “C–” or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2518, or CGS 2100 or equivalent.
Requirements for a Minor in Recreation and Tourism Management
A minor in Recreation and Tourism requires twelve hours of coursework. The minor consists of LEI 1000, any two of the following courses: LEI 1181, LEI 3266, HFT 3771, HFT 3100 (summers only), and one HFT elective. A grade of “C–” or better must be earned in each course counted toward the minor.
University Honors and Honor Societies
The Dedman College of Hospitality encourages eligible students to participate in university honors and in the honors in the major program. For a list of University-wide honor societies officially recognized by Florida State University, requirements, and other information, see the “University Honors Office and Honor Societies” chapter of the General Bulletin.
Definition of Prefixes
HFT—Hospitality Management
LEI—Leisure
Courses for Recreation and Tourism Management Majors
LEI 1000. Introduction to Recreation and Tourism (3). This course is an exploratory course designed to serve those students curious about or committed to recreation and tourism as a major. Students will be introduced to the types of providers and services offered by professionals working in the industry. The career options available in the recreation and tourism industry are also explored.
LEI 1181. Leisure and Recreation Adaptations for All Ages and Abilities (3). This course introduces students to the concepts of leisure and recreation for people of varying abilities. Students review best practices for inclusion in facilities and programs. This course is interactive, with student participation through simulations, group discussions, presentations, and opportunities for personal reflection.
LEI 1264. Backpacking (1). (S/U grade only.) This is an introductory course designed to prepare participants for backpacking in low-level terrain in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The course covers equipment, clothing, food preparation, route selection, safety and risk management, environmental practices, and “no trace” camping.
LEI 1267. Canoeing/Kayaking (1). (S/U grade only.) This course is designed to give students an applicable knowledge of the sport/activity of canoeing and kayaking, as well as develop students' physical and mental ability to learn and execute canoeing and kayaking skills. This is a beginner flat water and Class 1 level canoe course.
LEI 1269. Rock Climbing (1). (S/U grade only.) This is a basic rock-climbing class. The material covered is for students with little or no experience or knowledge of rock climbing. This class is experiential in nature; therefore, being present and active in class is necessary. Skills may include but are not limited to knot-tying, belaying, bouldering, safety concerns, route reading, and technique.
LEI 2318. Events, Ethics, and Sustainability (3). This course provides an overview of ethics and corporate social responsibility in the meetings, conventions, and events industry. Students evaluate the application of ethical practices in the meeting and events industry. The correlation between ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility is also analyzed. Students learn to identify and determine when sustainability related practices are applied to meetings, conventions, and events.
LEI 3004r. Introduction to Recreation, Tourism, and Events (3). This course introduces the nature and diversity of recreation pursuits and the social and cultural forces that influence leisure related choices. Students examine the various ways in which recreation is organized for delivery by professionals working in the recreation and event industry. Career opportunities in recreation, park, and event management are explored. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours.
LEI 3265r. Challenge Course Facilitation Training (1–4). This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to lead new games and field games and to facilitate group initiatives, and low ropes and high ropes challenge courses. The student learns to facilitate diverse groups to develop teamwork, and leadership skills, improve group dynamics, increase trust and improve communication, and direct a wide variety of challenge course activities. The course stresses safety, particularly in the use of ropes course apparatus, equipment, sequencing, and processing. The challenge-by-choice philosophy is followed throughout. This course comprises four separate components, which must be taken in sequence but may be taken in subsequent semesters.
LEI 3266. Outdoor Adventure Education (3). This course provides education in teaching leadership and programming skills for outdoor adventures through observation, direct participation and skills demonstration.
LEI 3312. Introduction to Special Events (3). This course introduces students to special event planning and prepares them to design and implement a variety of special events for leisure, recreation, and park organizations, community organizations, non-profit agencies, associations, corporations, and other organizations.
LEI 3420. Recreation Activities Leadership (3). This course includes selection, development, and understanding of recreation activities and how specific activities meet the needs of individuals. This course develops leadership skills and the ability to plan and lead activities appropriate to age, interest, ability, and culture.
LEI 3435. Planning Recreation Experiences (3). This course is designed to facilitate the understanding of principles and methods of recreation program design and operation. Students apply goal and objective technology, and development and sequencing of activities in creating a program design within the recreation, tourism and event field.
LEI 3701. Human Development and Functioning in Leisure (4). This course examines the role of human development and functioning for the entire age spectrum, including disabilities.
LEI 3843. Commercial Recreation and Tourism (3). This course is designed to introduce the concepts, principles, and practices of commercial recreation and tourism.
LEI 4314. Event Operations and Management (3). This is an advanced course in event planning and operations that provide students the opportunity to apply skills and concepts needed to plan and produce successful events. Focus is placed on managerial aspects of events such as financing, economic impact, and legal issues involved with events.
LEI 4524. Leadership and Supervision in Recreation, Tourism and Events (3). Prerequisite: LEI 1000. This course introduces the concepts, principles, and best practices for leading and supervising employees of recreation, sport, and leisure service organizations.
LEI 4551. Administration of Recreation, Tourism, and Event Organizations (3). In this course, students learn the skills needed for the administration of recreation, tourism, and event services providers, including legal foundations, contracts, risk management, revenue sources, budgeting, and financial management.
LEI 4561. Special Event Promotions (3). This course presents students with an overview of standard event promotional techniques including online marketing strategies.
LEI 4602. Planning and Maintenance of Facilities in Leisure Systems (3). This course provides basic information for the planning and maintenance of leisure areas and facilities.
LEI 4864. Technology for Events (3). This course introduces the student to the variety of ways computer applications and other technologies are used in the planning, design, marketing, and evaluation of events.
LEI 4881. Assessment, Research, and Evaluation in Recreation, Tourism, and Events (3). Prerequisite: LEI 3435. This course enables students to assess, research, and evaluate the functions, participant interests, and behaviors in recreation, tourism and event organizations.
LEI 4906r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.
LEI 4921r. Fieldwork in Recreation, Tourism and Events (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: LEI 3004 or 3420. This course is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to gain practical experience by working in an organized recreation, parks, tourism or special event agency. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) credit hours.
LEI 4932r. Special Topics in Leisure Services (3). In this course, current topics in leisure services are studied in depth. May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
LEI 4930. Senior Seminar in Recreation, Tourism, and Events (1). Pre- or corequisites: LEI 4551, LEI 4602, and LEI 4881. This seminar introduces current trends, issues and problems facing the recreation, tourism and events industry, and guides students' professional development as they seek their senior internship and career.
LEI 4940r. Internship in Recreation, Tourism and Events (15). Prerequisite: LEI 4930. This course is a full-time internship experience in a recreation, tourism, and events organization under the supervision of a professional in that field. May be repeated to a maximum of thirty (30) credit hours; repeatable within the same term.
HFT 3941. Management Internship (12). Prerequisite: Admission to the Dedman School of Hospitality. This internship course is designed for Dedman College of Hospitality students to gain real world experience in the business field through on-the-job practice. Students work under the direction of an approved industry professional and the internship director. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours.
HFT 4941. Field Study in Hospitality Administration (0). (S/U grade only.) This field study consists of 1,000 hours of satisfactory, acceptable work experience in the hospitality industry. Discussions expands and integrates the work experience to enhance management decision-making skills. Report and supervisors' evaluation required. Students should register for this class the semester in which they plan to graduate.
For listings relating to graduate coursework, consult the Graduate Bulletin.