2 bicyclists riding on a country road

Recreation, Sport & Tourism

Promote environmental stewardship. Lead social and economic development. Study management and marketing.

Professional Certificate in Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Job opportunities in parks and recreation, sports, hotel and event management, convention and tourist bureaus, health/fitness, and volunteer and youth agencies are increasing.

This certificate is intended for career changers and advancers who wish to obtain continued education to pursue careers in the recreation, sport, and tourism industry. The Professional Certificate in RST will enable career advances, help obtain jobs, retain an industry-approved certification (CEUs), and stay at the cutting edge of new trends, issues and research in recreation, sport, and tourism.

Required and Elective Courses

Code Course
Core Coursework (4 Hours)
RST 501
RST 501: Concepts and Applications in Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Select One Critical Issues Course From (4 Hours):
RST 502
RST 502: Critical Issues Recreation Management
RST 520
RST 520: Critical Issues Sport Management
RST530
RST 530: Critical Issues Tourism Management
Select One Elective (4 Hours)
One RST Online Elective

Total Hours: 12

Inclusive by Design in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Professional Certificate

The Inclusive by Design in Recreation, Sport and Tourism Certificate is intended for professionals and students who seek advanced knowledge and skills on the fundamental principles of inclusive design in contemporary society. Professionals and students will acquire competencies in: (1) inclusive design practices within recreation, sport and tourism industries; (2) critical issues and trends in recreation, sport, or tourism management, and (3) planning and design of parks or management of recreation, sport and tourism organizations. Guided by cutting-edge research and professional practice, the Inclusive by Design Certificate courses also allows professionals and students to surpass the minimum requirements as mandated by accessibility laws via the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides them with the knowledge to increase health and well-being, social participation, and performance among diverse recreation, sport and tourism user groups.

 

Required and Elective Courses

Code Course
Core Coursework (4 Hours)
RST 585:
RST 585: Inclusive by Design in Recreation, Sport and Tourism
Select One Critical Issues Course From (4 Hours):
RST 502:
RST 502: Critical Issues Recreation Management
RST520:
RST 520: Critical Issues Sport Management
RST530:
RST 530: Critical Issues Tourism Management
Select One Option Area Course From (4 Hours):
RST588:
RST 588: Park Planning and Design
RST512:
RST 512: Managing Recreation, Sport & Tourism Organizations

Total Hours: 12

  • High ranking program and university

  • Complete the certificate in about 6 months

  • Ideal for working professionals

  • 100% online delivery; no campus visit required

  • No background in RST required

  • No additional cost for out-of-state or international students

Important Dates

Program begins in September, January or May.

Deadlines: December 12, 2024, for Spring 2025; May 15, 2025 for Summer 2025, and; August 11, 2025 for Fall 2025.

Tuition & Fees

The Professional Certificate in RST features a flat-rate tuition—no additional cost for out-of-state or international students. Cost of the program for the 2024-2025 academic year is $755 per credit hour including fees. Veteran benefits apply. Financial aid is available for individuals who wish to apply these courses to the MS Degree program.

Transfer Hours Policy

Students can transfer up to 12 RST certificate credit hours if applying to the full RST MS program after certificate completion.

Total Hours Needed

Professional Certificate in RST: 12 Credit Hours

Inclusive by Design in RST Professional Certificate: 12 Credit Hours

For more information, email Mike Mulvaney, Director of Online MS in RST Programs, or call 217-300-0933.