Department of Recreation, Hospitality, & Parks Management

History

The Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management at Chico State is one of the oldest university programs in Recreation, Hospitality, Parks, or Tourism Management at any California university, with a history of over 50 years! It started as the Department of Recreation and Youth Leadership, and the bachelors degree was first offered in 1962. In 1966, a minor in Recreation, Hospitality, & Parks Management was added, followed by a Master of Arts degree in 1969. The department has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT)(opens in new window) or its precursors since 1986. It is also a member of Council of Hotel, Restaurant, & Institutional Educators (ICHRIE)(opens in new window).

It has been called the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management since 2011.

Today, we offer a BS in Recreation, Hospitality, & Parks Management, with 3 option areas: Event Management; Parks & Natural Resource Management; and Resort & Lodging Management. We also offer two minors: the Minor in Recreation, Hospitality, & Parks Management and the Minor in Tourism.