An internship is required for a Bachelor of Science degree from the Department of Recreation, Hospitality, and Parks Management. The internship meets the accreditation requirements of the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT).
Each student completes an internship of at least 560 hours, in their junior or senior year. The internship can be in the fall or spring semester. During the 14-week internship, students complete assignments reflecting on their experience. A majority of students complete paid internships, although unpaid internships with non-profit organizations may be possible. Many students find full-time, permanent employment to use toward their internship credit.
This internship experience was designed cooperatively by educators and field professionals to provide an experience that benefits both the intern and the internship site. One major feature of the internship is for the student to become exposed to the total overall operations and services of a business or an agency and to study management behavior and administrative functions. Site supervisors become the final education link in the molding of the emerging professional.
To learn more about the internship, please contact the RHPM Internship Coordinator.
Required Courses
Students receive course credit for their internship learning experience through three courses, which are included in the core courses required for graduation:
- RHPM 584: Internship Preparation (taken the semester before the internship);
- RHPM 586: Internship Seminar; and
- RHPM 589: Internship in Parks, Recreation, and/or Hospitality
Internship Objectives
During their internship experience, students will:
- Gain experience in their field of interest, and increase their professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Integrate theory learned in the classroom with practice in their professional field.
- Gain an understanding and appreciation of the policies, planning, operations, and responsibilities of the profession.
- Develop skills in human relations and interpersonal communication in a professional environment.
- Develop a professional understanding and attitude toward their work.
- Obtain information which can be used to make choices in relation to future jobs, areas of specialization, and/or future study in their field.
- Improve their professional competencies based on self-identified strengths and weaknesses identified during the internship experience.
- Experience an environment for reflection on their professional development, career objectives, and academic goals.
- Become aware of current trends, issues, and challenges in the profession.
- Benefit internship site by creating knowledge.
Learn More
To learn more about the internship, please contact the RHPM Internship Coordinator.
