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
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, sport management organizations, and tourism and events management sites. 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: Brayley, Ruhling, D. Wiggins (director)
- Associate Professors: Anderson, Bever, Kozlowski, Miller, Rikard, E. Rodgers, P. Rodgers, Schack, Walker, B. Wiggins
- Assistant Professors: Banville, Bowen, Caswell, Daniels, Lozar, Waddell
- Instructors: Norden
- Administrative Faculty: Lee, Lomax, Shaffer
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)
16 credits (8 unique to the minor):
- PHED 200
- PHED 300 (prerequisites: BIOL 124 and 125)
- PHED 365
- PHED 450
- HEAL 330
Minor in Health Promotion (HPR)
18 credits (8 unique to the minor):
- PHED 200
- PRLS 310 or HEAL 323
- HEAL 370
- HEAL 372
- HEAL 430
- HEAL 450
Minor in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies (PRLS)
18 credits (8 unique to the minor):
- 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)
18 credits (8 unique to the minor):
- SPMT 201
- SPMT 302
- SPMT 318
- SPMT 320
- SPMT 405
- SPMT 412
Minor in Tourism and Events Management (TEM)
15 credits (8 unique to the minor):
- TOUR 200
- TOUR 220
- TOUR 340
- 6 additional credits from TOUR courses
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 both the acquisition of technical skills and application of theory-to-experiential learning in an outdoor adventure curriculum. Students completing certificate requirements 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 Outdoor Education.
Other Certificates
Students also may complete a certificate program outside RHT in environmental management (27 credits, see the biology section of the College of Arts and Sciences chapter) and gerontology (24 credits, see the College of Nursing and Health Science 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
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 BSEd 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 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 123 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 306, 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 A103A). 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.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | |
| Written communication | 6 |
| Oral communication | 3 |
| Information technology | 3 |
| Quantitative reasoning | 3 |
| Literature | 3 |
| Arts | 3 |
| U.S. history | 3 |
| Western civilization | 3 |
| Social and behavioral science | 3 |
| Global understanding | 3 |
| Natural science (PHED majors are required to take BIOL 124 and 125 to meet state licensure) |
8 |
| Synthesis (PHED students are required to take PHED 415) |
9 |
| Professional Sequence | |
| EDRD 300 | 3 |
| HEAL 110, 205, 220, 310, 325, 330, 405 | 22 |
| PHED 108, 110, 150 or 159, 200, 201, 202, 273 274, 275, 300, 306, 308, 365, 403, 404, 450 | 39 |
| PRLS 316, 410, 460 | 9 |
| Total credits | 123 |
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 program.
Degree requirements
The degree requires a minimum of 121 credits. Students begin the first level upon admission to Mason by enrolling in prerequisite courses, including BIOL 124 and 125; HEAL 110, 205, and 330; and ATEP 228 and 229.
After successful completion of Level I prerequisite courses, students 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 professional courses, successful completion of prerequisite courses, concurrent enrollment in didactic and clinical courses, and current CPR certification.
The following describes the professional courses that students should take in each level of the program.
Level I courses:
- BIOL 124, 125
- HEAL 110, 205, 330
- ATEP 228, 229
Level II courses:
- PHED 200, 300
- ATEP 310, 315, 320, 325
Level III courses:
- ATEP 350, 354, 357, 413
- PHED 365, 410, 450
- PRLS 410
Level IV 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 equals 225. Clinical assignments may be in athletic training settings such as in secondary schools, colleges and universities; professional sports programs; sports medicine and other medical clinics; industry; and military training programs. Students will be evaluated on attainment of proficiencies in athletic training. Evaluation will occur in academic courses as well as in the clinical setting. To transfer course work from other universities, students must produce results of 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.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | |
| Written communication | 6 |
| Oral communication | 3 |
| Information technology | 3 |
| Quantitative reasoning | 3 |
| Literature | 3 |
| Arts | 3 |
| U.S. history | 3 |
| Western civilization | 3 |
| Social and behavioral science | 3 |
| Global understanding | 3 |
| Natural science (ATT majors are required to take BIOL 124 and 125 as prerequisites to other courses) |
8 |
| Synthesis ATT students are required to take ATEP 441 |
3 |
| Professional Sequence | |
| ATEP 228, 229, 310, 315, 320, 325, 350, 354, 357, 413 | 30 |
| HEAL 110, 205, 330 | 10 |
| PHED 200, 300, 365, 410, 450 | 10 |
| PRLS 405, 410, 450, 460 | 12 |
| EFHP 524 | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total credits | 121 |
Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources, BS
Concentrations include the following:
Exercise Science (ES)
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)
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)
Explores the contribution of recreation and parks to public well-being and quality of life. Curriculum includes courses in natural resources management, outdoor recreation programming, and environmental education. The program is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA/AALR). 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)
Prepares students for management positions in the sport industry, the 11th largest industry in the United States. Included among its many professional positions are marketing coordinators, event management specialists, athletic directors, program coordinators, public relations managers, and human resource specialists. Students complete course work in sport marketing and finance, sport and ethics, and a supervised internship in a professional setting; a minor is available.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR)
Teaches students how to provide recreation services for people with disabilities. 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/AALR. Graduates find employment in local, state, and federal recreation settings, senior and adult health care, nonprofit organ-izations, and educational and clinical institutions across the life span.
Tourism and Events Management (TEM)
Prepares students to enter a diverse profession in the world's third largest industry. Built on the curricula cornerstones of resort management, environ-mental 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, the host, and the 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.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | |
| Written communication | 6 |
| Oral communication | 3 |
| Information technology | 3 |
| Quantitative reasoning | 3 |
| Literature | 3 |
| Arts | 3 |
| U.S. history | 3 |
| Western civilization | 3 |
| Social and behavioral science | 3 |
| Global understanding | 3 |
| Natural science
Concentrations in athletic training, exercise science, health promotion, and therapeutic recreation require BIOL 124 and 1258 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 science (one lecture and one lab). |
8 |
| Synthesis | |
| Tourism and events management concentration: TOUR 490 | 12 |
| Exercise science and health promotion concentrations: HEAL 490 | 12 |
| Parks and outdoor recreation, therapeutic recreation concentrations: PRLS 490 | 12 |
| Sport management concentration: SPMT 490 | 12 |
|
Professional Sequence by Concentration |
|
| Exercise science (ES) | |
| HEAL 205, 220, 323, 330, 350, 490 | 28 |
| PHED 200, 300, 304, 365, 410, 450, 480 | 23 |
| PRLS 310, 405, 410, 411, 450, 460 | 18 |
| Electives | 11 |
| Total | 121 |
|
Health promotion (HPR) |
|
| HEAL 205, 220, 323, 330, 350, 370, 372, 430, 450, 470, 490 | 43 |
| PHED 200, 365, 410 | 9 |
| PRLS 310, 410, 411, 450, 460 | 15 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Total | 120 |
|
Parks and outdoor recreation (POR) |
|
| HEAL 205, 323 | 7 |
| PHED 200 | 3 |
| PRLS 210, 241, 300, 302, 310, 316, 317, 327, 402, 405, 410, 411, 450, 460, 490, 501, 526 | 60 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total | 120 |
|
Sport management (SPM) |
|
| HEAL 205, 323, 350 | 10 |
| PHED 200, 304, 410 | 9 |
| PRLS 310, 405, 410, 411, 450, 460 | 15 |
| SPMT 201, 241, 302, 318, 320, 405, 412, 480, 490 | 36 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total | 120 |
|
Therapeutic recreation (TR) |
|
| HEAL 205, 323 | 7 |
| PHED 200 | 3 |
| PRLS 210, 241, 310, 316, 317, 327, 405, 410, 411, 416, 418, 450, 460, 490, 503 | 54 |
| PSYC 211, 325 | 6 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Total | 120 |
|
Tourism and events management (TEM) |
|
| HEAL 323 | 3 |
| PRLS 310, 410, 450, 460 | 12 |
| TOUR 200, 220, 241, 312, 330, 340, 352, 362, 412, 414, 420, 440, 470, 490 | 49 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Total | 123 |
Writing Intensive Requirement
The university's writing intensive requirement for HFRR majors is satisfied by successful completion of PRLS 450.
Graduate Programs
Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion, MS
This program prepares professionals in the fields of health and physical education, fitness, and health promotion and disease prevention to either pursue advanced academic training (doctoral program) or more adequately serve their communities.
| Credits | |
|---|---|
| Course Work | 30 |
Core
|
18 |
Electives (6-credit thesis option or 12-credit nonthesis):
Students must have an advisor to supervise thesis work and lead the thesis committee. The advisor must be a member of the exercise, fitness, and health promotion graduate faculty. Students may not register for thesis credit until a proposal has been approved by the graduate coordinator after consulting with the thesis advisor. The graduate coordinator appoints two members to the thesis committee, one of whom may be outside the program, on the basis of recommendations from the student and thesis advisor. Nonthesis Option:
|
6 or 12 |
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling graduate admission requirements, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, and provide transcripts of all college course work as well as GRE or MAT scores. Students also should have completed undergraduate courses in human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise physiology, and -kinesiology. They also should submit a written goals statement from 500 to 1,000 words explaining how the program relates to their educational and career plans. Applicants who do not meet the above requirements may be offered provisional or nondegree status in accordance with general regulations of the Graduate Council. Admission decisions are made whenever applicants' files are complete. Candidates may enroll in any term during the following year, although fall enrollment is recommended given the course sequence.