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
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. 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. For students who want to take courses on the Tallahassee campus, contact Daniel Read by email dread@dedman.fsu.edu. For students who want to take classes on the Panama City campus, 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 (18 credits):
HFT 3424 Hospitality Financial Analysis (3)
HFT 3431 Hospitality Managerial Accounting (3)
HFT 3806 Introduction to Food and Beverage Management (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 (21 Credits):
LEI 1000 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism (3)
LEI 3420 Recreation Activities Leadership (3)
LEI 3435 Planning Recreation Experiences (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)
HFT or LEI Elective (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 twelve total) of HFT 3941 (Management Internship) and use them as substitutes for elective requirements (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 4524 Leadership and Supervision in Recreation, Tourism, and Events (3)
LEI 4551 Administration of Recreation, Tourism, and Event Organization (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 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 3270 Resort Operations (3)
HFT 3519 Conventions Services and Events Management (3)
HFT 3542 Event Management (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 4205 Conversational Spanish for Hospitality Managers (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)
Computer Skills Competency
All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in recreation and tourism management satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in CGS 2060 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 and any three of the following courses: LEI 3266, LEI 3420, LEI 3435, LEI 3843, LEI 4524. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.