Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where can I work after graduating with a degree in Recreation and Tourism Studies?

Recreation and Tourism Management Emphasis Area

This emphasis focuses on management in the travel and tourism and private/commercial recreation service industry. This emphasis area will be of interest to students seeking careers in a variety of commercial recreation settings as well as the tourism industry. This emphasis will also appeal to students interested in community or public recreation.

Employment:
Hotels and Resorts
Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus
Theme Parks
Cruise Lines
YMCA Agencies
Spa and Health Clubs
Municipal Recreation Departments
Travel Agencies

Therapeutic Recreation Emphasis Area

This emphasis prepares students to be recreation therapists in the health and human service industry. This emphasis will be of interest to students seeking careers working with individuals with special needs. The emphasis prepares students to provide comprehensive therapeutic recreation services to individuals experiencing limitations through illness and/or disability.

Employment:
Rehabilitation Hospitals
Residential Treatment Facilities
Outpatient Treatment Centers
Residential Schools
Pediatric Hospitals
Psychiatric Hospitals
Long Term Care Facilities
Correctional Facilities

2. What is the average salary range for jobs in the recreation and tourism industry?

Location is often a determining factor in salary range. Cost of living impacts greatly on pay scales. Locally, entry level salaries range from $25,000 - $35,000.

3. Are there alternate career paths available to me?

Yes, many of our RTS graduates have gone on to graduate school. Some examples of alternate career paths include:

Business Administration
Public Administration
Health Care Administration
Long Term Care Administration
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Special Education
Guidance & Counseling
Geology
Law
Psychology

4. Is there a professional certification I will be able to pursue upon graduation?

Yes, upon graduation students with a B.S. degree in Recreation and Tourism Studies are eligible to take national certification exams. All majors are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and the therapeutic recreation majors are also eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).

5. Is the Recreation and Tourism Studies program accredited?

Yes, the RTS program at Old Dominion University has been accredited since 1984 by the National Recreation and Park Association/American Association for Leisure and Recreation (NRPA/AALR) Council on Accreditation.

6. Are there other web sites where I may find more information on recreation and tourism studies?

Yes, the following web sites will also provide information:

American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
www.atra-tr.org

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
www.nctrc.org

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
www.nrpa.org