School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism
- Faculty
- Course Work
- Undergraduate Minors
- Undergraduate Certificate Programs
- Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Graduate Programs
Phone: 703-993-2060
Web: rht.gmu.edu
E-mail: srht@gmu.edu
The School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism (RHT) prepares students for careers in health and physical education, athletic training, parks and outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation, exercise science, health promotion, tourism and events management, and sport management. The BS in athletic training prepares students for careers in athletic training and is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The BSEd in physical education prepares students for a teaching career (PK-12) in public and private schools. The BS in health, fitness, and recreation resources prepares students for supervisory and management careers in private and public parks and recreation systems (clinical and community), health promotion agencies, nonprofit and for-profit sport organizations, and tourism and events management sites. The parks and outdoor recreation and therapeutic recreation concentrations are accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (NRPA/AAPAR). The MS in exercise, fitness, and health promotion prepares professionals for advanced work in the field. The MAIS concentration in recreation resources management is designed for practicing professionals and students seeking advanced careers in recreation and natural resources management.
Faculty
Professors: Anderson, Brayley, D. Wiggins (Director)
Associate professors: Baker, Banville, Bever, Dieke, Kozlowski, Miller, Rikard, E. Rodgers, P. Rodgers, Schack, Walker, B. Wiggins
Assistant professors: Ambegaonkar, Caswell, Daniels, Harmon, Park
Instructors: Norden, Parham
Professional faculty: Lux, Waddell
Course Work
RHT offers all course work designated ATEP, EFHP, HEAL, PHED, PRLS, SPMT, and TOUR in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Additional courses are offered for elective credit to Mason students. These courses are included under PHED and PRLS.
Undergraduate Minors
Minor in Exercise Science (EXS)
- PHED 200
- PHED 300 (prerequisites: BIOL 124 and 125)
- PHED 365
- PHED 450
- HEAL 330
Minor in Health Promotion (HPR)
- PHED 200
- PRLS 310 or HEAL 323
- HEAL 370
- HEAL 372
- HEAL 430
- HEAL 450
Minor in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies (PRLS)
- PRLS 210
- PRLS 310
- PRLS 316
- PRLS 327
- PRLS 410
After completion of the above courses and a corequisite of PRLS 410, students complete PRLS 241.
Minor in Sport Management (SPMT)
- SPMT 201
- SPMT 405
- SPMT 412
- SPMT 420
- SPMT 455
- PRLS 410
Minor in Tourism and Events Management (TEM)
- TOUR 200
- TOUR 220
- TOUR 340
6 additional credits from TOUR courses
Minor in Special Education
For this 15-credit minor, please see the Division of Undergraduate Studies in Education (USIE) section in this chapter.
Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Certificate in Outdoor Adventure
This 24-credit program provides students with specialized skills unique to a variety of outdoor adventure activities, such as backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, and challenge-course facilitation. Course work focuses on the acquisition of technical skills and application of theory-to-experiential learning in an outdoor adventure curriculum. Students completing the program will be certified as Wilderness First Responders and Leave-No-Trace Trainers and will be fully prepared to work as challenge-course facilitators at outdoor education and adventure education organizations. This initiative combines the resources and services of RHT and Hemlock Overlook Center for Experiential Education.
Other Certificates
Students also may complete a certificate program outside RHT in environmental management (27 credits, see the Environmental Science and Policy section of the College of Science chapter) and gerontology (24 credits, see the College of Health and Human Services chapter). Students interested in the environmental management certificate should take BIOL 213 and either BIOL 303 or 304 instead of BIOL 103 and 104. Students interested in the gerontology certificate should take BIOL 124 and 125.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Health and Physical Education, BSEd
This degree prepares students for a career in teaching.
Teacher Licensure in Health and Physical Education PK-12 (PHED)
The teacher education program is accredited and approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Virginia Department of Education. The application process for admission depends on the applicant. For four-year students, those entering as freshmen can apply to the BSEd program after taking a minimum of 45 credits, attaining a cumulative GPA of 2.50, and submitting a passing score for the Praxis I test. Students must have passing grades in BIOL 124 and 125 and PHED 201 and 202. Degree-seeking transfer students can apply to the BSEd program by using their cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher for a minimum of 45 credits from their previous university, or they can complete 12 credits at Mason with a minimum of a 2.50 GPA. They must submit passing scores on the Praxis I and have passing grades in BIOL 124 and 125 and PHED 201 and 202.
Students who already have a degree from any discipline and are seeking licensure can apply to BSEd if they have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher on their last 60 credits of course work from their previous university, or after completing 12 credits at Mason. Applicants must submit a passing score on the Praxis I test and have passing grades in BIOL 124 and 125.
Degree Requirements
The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, with the final semester devoted to student teaching. To enroll in student teaching, students must have a minimum 2.50 GPA or higher in their last 60 credits of course work. They must submit scores on all parts of Praxis I. For majors only: Students are not permitted to enroll in the following courses until they have met BSEd application requirements: HEAL 405 and PHED 308, 403, 404, and 415.
Student Teaching Internship Application
Student teaching applications are available from RHT (Prince William and Fairfax Campuses) and the Office of Student and Faculty Services (GSE, Robinson Hall A, Room 103). Applications must be completed one semester before taking PHED 415 Student Teaching in Physical Education. Application deadlines for student teaching internships for the fall semester are February 1 (advisor) and February 15 (Office of Student and Faculty Services). Deadlines for spring semester are September 1 (advisor) and September 15 (Office of Student and Faculty Services). Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.50 during their last 60 degree-specific credits.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university's writing-intensive requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of PHED 365.
- (PHED majors are required to take BIOL 124
and 125 to meet state licensure.) - TEM or SPMT may enroll in any approved science
(one lecture and one lab course).
- (PHED students are required to take PHED 415.)
Athletic Training, BS
This program provides educational and clinical experiences concerning the management of injuries and health problems associated with physical activity. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills that must be mastered within an entry-level athletic training education program.
Degree Requirements
The degree requires a minimum of 121 credits. Students begin the preprofessional phase (Level I) upon admission to Mason by enrolling in prerequisite courses, including BIOL 124 and 125; HEAL 110, 205, and 330; and ATEP 228 and 229.
On successful completion of all Level I prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in all prerequisite courses, students may enroll in didactic and clinical education courses, along with other professional courses. In Level II, students begin clinical education assignments. Typically, athletic training didactic courses are paired with a clinical education course. Levels II through IV require prerequisites, including maintenance of at least a 2.50 GPA for all professional courses, successful completion of prerequisite preprofessional courses, concurrent enrollment in didactic and clinical courses, and current emergency cardiac care (ECC) certification.
The following describes the preprofessional and professional courses that students should take in each level of the program:
Level I preprofessional courses:
- BIOL 124, 125
- HEAL 110, 205, 330
- ATEP 228, 229
Level II professional courses:
- PHED 200, 300
- ATEP 310, 315, 320, 325
Level III professional courses:
- ATEP 350, 354, 357, 413
- PHED 365, 410, 450
- PRLS 410
Level IV professional courses:
- EFHP 524
- ATEP 441
- PRLS 405, 450, 460
During Level IV, students complete all courses, including ATEP 441 Practicum. This course is a capstone program, as well as a synthesis requirement of Mason's general education program. ATEP 441 is offered following completion of the professional courses in the major; thus, ATEP 441 is offered during the spring semester of the students' graduating year.
Levels II, III, and IV involve clinical education. The five clinical education courses are ATEP 315, 325, 357, 413, and 441. Students may enroll in only one clinical course per semester. Therefore, students can expect to enroll in a clinical education course for five semesters to complete the degree. Students will be assigned to a clinical instructor to satisfy clinical education requirements. Students will develop a schedule with their clinical instructor requiring approximately 15 to 20 hours per week throughout the semester at the clinical setting. Total clinical hours equal 225. Clinical assignments may be in athletic training settings, such as secondary schools, colleges, and universities; professional sports programs; sports medicine and other medical clinics; industry; and military training programs. Students will be evaluated on the mastery of competencies and proficiencies in athletic training. Evaluation will occur in academic courses and in the clinical setting by George Mason University athletic training education program-approved clinical instructors. To transfer course work from other universities, students must produce results of competency and proficiency evaluations. There will be further evaluation of these proficiencies related to those courses that transfer to Mason. Students should meet with their advisor every semester before scheduling courses.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university's writing-intensive requirement is satisfied by the successful completion of PRLS 450.
- (ATT majors are required to take BIOL 124 and 125 as
prerequisites to other courses.)
- ATT students are required to take ATEP 441.
Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, BS
Concentrations include the following:
Exercise Science (EXS)
This concentration emphasizes promotion of healthy lifestyles outside school settings. This degree prepares students for supervisory and managerial careers in private and public fitness agencies and clinical and public safety settings. Students complete supervised internships in professional settings; a minor is available.
Health Promotion (HPR)
This concentration prepares students for supervisory and managerial careers in voluntary health organizations, nonprofit and managed care organizations, hospital wellness centers, health departments, and health clubs. The degree includes courses on topics such as nutrition, contemporary health problems, and community health systems. Students complete supervised internships in professional settings; a minor is available.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation (POR)
This concentration explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life. The curriculum includes courses in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, and environmental education. The program is accredited by NRPA/AAPAR. Graduates are employed in national, state, and local recreation and park agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private and commercial operations. Students complete supervised internships in professional settings; a minor is available.
Sport Management (SPM)
This concentration enhances the professional development of liberal arts-educated students, thereby preparing them to assume entry-level managerial positions in the $300 billion sport industry, including private enterprises, government or public employment sectors, nonprofit or voluntary agencies, and commercial sport ventures. Preparation in sport marketing, finance, ethics, law, operations, planning, and program leadership fosters the skills that enhance students' acquisition and advancement in sport management careers. An integral part of the program is the opportunity to complete two field experiences in sport organizations. A minor is available.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
This concentration teaches students how to use activities as therapeutic tools toward a renewed quality of life for people with disabilities across the lifespan. Completion of the foundations course, as well as law, issues, and assessment courses, prepares students for an internship under a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and preparation for the national exam. The program is accredited by NRPA/AAPAR. Graduates find employment in local, state, and federal recreation settings, senior and adult health care, nonprofit organizations, and educational and clinical institutions.
Tourism and Events Management (TEM)
This concentration prepares students to enter a diverse profession in the world's third largest industry. Built on the curricula cornerstones of resort management, environmental tourism, event management, and cultural and heritage tourism, courses equip students with knowledge, skills, and experience in managing the tourism experience for the benefit of the traveler, host, and supporting industry. Graduates are employed in commercial, private, and public agencies and in a wide variety of jobs and many geographic or business settings.
A minor is available with a work-experience option.
Concentrations in exercise science, health promotion,
and therapeutic recreation require BIOL 124 and 125 (8 Credits)
Parks and outdoor recreation students interested in the environmental management certificate are encouraged to take BIOL 213 and either BIOL 303 or 304. Students interested in the gerontology certificate are encouraged to take BIOL 124 and 125.
Students in tourism and events management, and sport management may enroll in any approved science course (one lecture and one lab).
Synthesis
Tourism and events management concentration:
TOUR 490 (12 Credits)
Exercise science, health promotion concentrations:
HEAL 490 (12 Credits)
Parks and outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation
concentrations: PRLS 490 (12 Credits)
Sport management concentration: SPMT 490 (12 Credits)
Professional Sequence by Concentration
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university's writing-intensive requirement for HFRR majors is satisfied by successful completion of PRLS 450.
Physical Activity and Sports Courses
Our courses in physical activity and sports provide a broad range of opportunities that promote the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff. Taught by experts with a wealth of experience and commitment to sharing their knowledge and skills, the courses include more traditional individual and dual sports, self-defense and martial arts, and recreation activities concerned with wilderness and outdoor pursuits. Open to students in any major, these courses are all designed to foster educational growth, encourage leisure interests, and promote lifetime fitness for the entire Mason community.
- PHED 103 Fencing (1)
- PHED 105 Aerobics (1)
- PHED 107 Social Dance (1)
- PHED 108 Weight Training and Body Conditioning (1)
- PHED 110 Beginning Swimming (1)
- PHED 113 Latin Dance (1)
- PHED 118 Advanced Life Guarding (1)
- PHED 127 Social Dance II (1)
- PHED 128 Fencing II (2)
- PHED 129 Introduction to Yoga (1)
- PHED 130 Intermediate Yoga (1)
- PHED 134 Self-Defense for Men and Women (1)
- PHED 135 Self-Defense for Men and Women II (1)
- PHED 136 Tae Kwon Do (1)
- PHED 137 Intermediate Tae Kwon Do (1)
- PHED 138 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (1)
- PHED 139 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu II for Men and Women (2)
- PHED 140 Golf (1)
- PHED 144 Intermediate Golf (2
- PHED 145 Beginning Judo for Men and Women (1)
- PHED 146 Introduction to Badminton (1)
- PHED 147 Advanced Tae Kwon Do (2)
- PHED 149 Tai Chi (1)
- PHED 150 Intermediate Swimming (1)
- PHED 151 Introduction to Tennis (1)
- PHED 153 Intermediate Tennis (1)
- PHED 155 Introduction to Springboard Diving (2)
- PHED 156 Intermediate Springboard Diving (2)
- PHED 157 Aikido for Men and Women (1)
- PHED 158 Underwater Hockey (1)
- PHED 159 Advanced Swimming (1)
- PHED 160 Intermediate Tai Chi (1)
- PHED 162 Introduction to Bowling (1)
- PHED 163 Karate (1)
- PHED 164 Intermediate Karate (1)
- PHED 165 Introduction to Racquetball (1)
- PHED 166 Intermediate Racquetball (1)
- PHED 250 Water Safety Instruction (2)
- PHED 255 Scuba Diving (2)
- PRLS 110 Exploring Outdoor Adventure (2)
- PRLS 115 Introduction to Fly Fishing (1)
- PRLS 117 Rock Climbing (2)
- PRLS 118 Intermediate Rock Climbing (2)
- PRLS 119 Trap and Skeet Shooting (2)
- PRLS 120 Introduction to Backpacking (2)
- PRLS 121 Intermediate Trap and Skeet Shooting (2)
- PRLS 170 Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking (1)
- PRLS 173 Introduction to Coastal Kayaking (2)
- PRLS 174 Open Water Coastal Kayaking (2)
- PRLS 175 Introduction to Rowing (1)
- PRLS 180 Whitewater Canoeing (2)
- PRLS 181 Whitewater Canoeing II (2)
- PRLS 190 Downhill Skiing (1)
- PRLS 191 Snowboarding (2)
- PRLS 195 Introduction to Hot Air Ballooning (2)
- PRLS 200 Wilderness First Responders (2)
- PRLS 250 Wilderness Travel and Sustainability (2)
- PRLS 253 Florida Everglades Canoe Expedition (3)
Graduate Programs
Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion, MS
The Master of Science in Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion (EFHP) focuses on the role of physical activity in the promotion of health, fitness, and quality of life. Completion of this degree may lead to the pursuit of further academic study (doctoral programs) or preparation of professionals equipped to more adequately serve their communities.
Students may select to pursue a thesis or nonthesis option for completion of the MS EFHP degree.
Health Promotion
OR
* Students must have an advisor to supervise thesis work and chair the three-member thesis committee. Committee members are appointed by the EFHP Graduate Coordinator. The advisor must be a member of the Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion graduate faculty; one committee member may be selected from faculty outside of the program. Students may not register for thesis credit until a proposal has been approved by the student's thesis committee and the EFHP graduate coordinator.
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling graduate admission requirements, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, transcripts of all college course work, and GRE or MAT scores. Applicants should also have completed undergraduate course work in human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, and kinesiology. Applicants must provide a written goals statement from 500 to 1,000 words explaining how the program relates to their educational and career plans. Those who do not satisfy the above requirements may be offered provisional or nondegree status in accordance with the general regulations of the Graduate Council. Admission decisions are made whenever applicant files are complete. Following their admission, students may enroll in any term, although fall enrollment is recommended given the sequence of courses.