Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources

We are passionate about the power of outdoors experiences to transform peoples' lives–and communities–for the better.  We love connecting people to nature.  If you love the outdoors and working with people, the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources major is a great choice.  The RPTR major prepares students for careers providing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities for a wide range of public, commercial, and non-profit agencies. 

Tailor your education to your career goals with one of three Areas of Emphasis:

• Adventure Recreation
• Park and Outdoor Recreation
• Sustainable Tourism

The professional preparation program in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources is grounded in the RPTR core courses and capped with a required professional internship program, usually during the summer following the student's junior year.  Many of our graduates go on to work in leadership positions with city, county, regional, state and federal parks and recreation and conservation agencies including the National Park Service, US National Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, etc.  Other graduates find leadership opportunities within the business sector–with resorts, outfitters, and adventure education programs.  And still others pursue rewarding careers in the diverse non-profit sector, working for youth-serving agencies like the Boy or Girl Scouts, conservation agencies like the Nature Conservancy, or watershed associations like the Friends of Cheat.

RPTR majors are encouraged to become active in professional societies and associations such as the student-led Professional Recreation and Park Society, Society of American Foresters, and National Recreation and Park Association, and they are encouraged to earn professional certification in areas such as outdoor leadership and Wilderness first responder.

Visit the Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources major page for more information.  Come visit our program office in the Division of Forestry and Natural Resources, 325 Percival Hall, P.O. Box 6125, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6125.

Recreation, Parks, and Tourism

Students graduating from the RPTR program shall be able to:

1. demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy;
2. design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity;
3. apply entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related organizations; and
4. demonstrate the potential to succeed as professionals at supervisory or higher levels in park, recreation, tourism, or related organizations. 

• Must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale for general admission.
• Must meet English Proficiency or request conditional admission and admission to the Intensive English Program (IEP).
• Please be advised that some Engineering majors may reach capacity and therefore will be restricted from entry.
• For direct admission to some colleges and majors, SAT or ACT scores are required and must be sent to WVU directly from the respective testing services. Please review the program requirements. For all other majors, international students are encouraged but not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, if available. SAT/ACT scores are useful for determining scholarship eligibility.
• WVU welcomes applications from students with IGCSE and O-Level Certificates from an approved UK exam board for admissions consideration. We require a minimum of five subject passes, of which two must be English and Mathematics. The average of the grades must be at least a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). A passing grade in the subject of English will be accepted as evidence of sufficient English ability.

1. Review the admissions requirements, English Language Proficiency requirements (scores are for undergraduate levels only) and our undergraduate application deadlines.
2. To apply for an on-campus program, complete either the WVU Application or the Common App and include the nonrefundable fee of $65.
   
   WVU Application The Common App

   To apply for an online program, use the steps for WVU Online Campus applicants.

3. Have your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic or Duolingo English Test scores sent to WVU.
4. Send the following information to WVU:
   • Copies of all official academic records/transcripts in original language of issue (transcripts from U.S. institutions must be sent to WVU directly from the institutions).
   • Copies of all academic certificates or diplomas in original language of issue.
   Note: Original or certified copies of official records/transcripts must be submitted after admission or upon arrival.
   • English translations of academic records/transcripts and certificates/diplomas.