Accreditation
The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). COAPRT accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, and at nationally accredited institutions in Canada, and Mexico.
We are required by COAPRT standard 2.05.05 to report aggregated data and additional evidence reflecting program academic quality and student achievement. The following data from Fall 2013 provides that evidence:
Core courses related to Standard 7.01 were identified. Pretest-posttest instruments were administered to measure the degree of change in competencies as a result of participation. The nature and scope of the profession, techniques and processes used by professionals in these industries and the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy are covered in the courses Society and Leisure (RST 100), Leisure and Human Development (RST 316) and Research Methods and Analysis (RST 370).
Faculty identified an average score of 75% on the posttest would constitute satisfactory evidence that the learning outcome had been achieved. This target was exceeded in every course that tests were administered.
Students graduating from RST complete courses in Leisure and Diversity (RST 230) and Leisure Programming (RST 300), related to Standard 7.02. Pretest-posttest measured competency with respect to design, implementation and evaluation of services targeting human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
Faculty identified an average score of 75% on the posttest would constitute satisfactory evidence that the learning outcome had been achieved. This target was exceeded in both courses that tests were administered.
Core courses related to Standard 7.03, demonstration of entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management in parks, recreation, tourism and related professions, were identified. Pre/posttest in Leisure Service Delivery (RST 110) and Human Resource Management in Leisure Studies (RST 420) were administered.
Faculty identified an average score on the posttest would constitute satisfactory evidence that the learning outcome had been achieved. The target was exceeded in Leisure Service Delivery. Students scored 72% in Human Resource Management in Leisure Studies.
Important Information Regarding Degree Mills
Please watch this important video regarding degree and accreditation mills. According to CHEA, "Degree mills and accreditation mills mislead and harm. In the United States, degrees and certificates from mills may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degree mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. "Accreditation" from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential." Read more on CHEA's website.