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Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration

Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration

Spotlight

In a world characterized by new technologies and rapidly changing human needs, the recreation and parks profession is being challenged to provide more opportunities for meaningful leisure experiences.

The Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA) meets this challenge through a multifaceted curriculum, innovative instructional techniques, and professional learning experiences designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of professional settings.

Established in 1968 as the Department of Recreation and Park Administration and renamed the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration in 1989, the Department has been preparing students to enter the leisure services field for over 40 years. More than 3,000 students have graduated from the Department, which has been continuously accredited by the Joint Council on Accreditation of the National Recreation and Park Association and American Association for Leisure and Recreation; and the Council on Accreditation of Park, Recreation, and Tourism Related Professions since October 13, 1978.

Accreditation Statement

The Western Illinois University's Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Program and Therapeutic Recreation Program are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Accreditation of Parks,Recreation,Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sports management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions in Canada, and Mexico.