Course Description:

This course is intended to provide professional masters students with an introduction to fundamental data analytic procedures and techniques used in program evaluation in parks, recreation, sport, and tourism settings.
The course places emphasis on the rationale for using specific data management and analysis procedures and interpretation of results for decision making.

Learning Objectives :

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the logic behind and steps involved in program evaluation.

2. Describe the importance of data in evaluation and explain how data can be used in evaluation.

3. Formulate meaningful evaluation objectives to guide data collection and analysis.

4. Conduct basic descriptive and inferential statistical procedures as a part of program evaluation.

5. Choose appropriate methods of displaying data analysis results.

6. Use appropriate terminology to interpret and communicate results from data analysis.

Reflection:

In the recreation profession, data is an integral part of delivering appropriate programs and services to the population we serve. The assignments exposed students to alternative methods of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data. This course detailed how data can relay persuasive messages that can be used to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences. Data organized and presented properly can assist in areas such as securing funding or helping with program approvals.

Course Description:

This course is intended to provide students with advanced concepts of financial management as applied to the unique industries of parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how the receipt, disbursement, and utilization of funds can foster sustainability within these types of organizations. Additionally, this course will focus on developing the skills necessary to apply ethical financial analysis principles through financial risk management.

Learning Objectives:

Students will:

• Learn advanced financial theories as related to parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management organizations

• Apply analytical techniques and principles of budgeting to enable sustainability

• Discuss and apply current financial practices as they relate to the generation, consumption, and disbursement of funds

• Discuss and apply ethical financial analysis to the current economic situations within parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management organizations

Reflection:

Unlike many other cohorts, this was our first course in the program. This course was beneficial for me on different levels. First, as a current employee of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, topics and assignment that delved into public funding and managing of assets was extremely relevant, and directly impacts the agency I work for.

Secondly, this course provided practical knowledge that I was able to apply to personal business ventures. While pursuing this master’s degree, I was actively establishing an Independent Interscholastic Preparatory Athletic Program. The course delved into financial theories, practices, budgeting, and financial analysis, which proved to be immensely valuable while establishing sound financial practices for this newly established sports program.

Course Description:

Exploration of the conceptual foundations of leisure, recreation, sport, play, and work, the history of ideas in the field, and the relationships of these ideas to contemporary professional and social problems.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Explain the implications of the profession’s historical foundation on contemporary professional and social problems.

2. Describe the conceptual frameworks associated with leisure, recreation, tourism, and sport.

3. Describe the theoretical foundations associated with leisure, recreation, tourism, and sport.

4. Discuss the various contemporary trends and issues in leisure, recreation, tourism, and sport.

5. Appreciate the importance of leisure and recreation in our lives.

6. Exhibit good communication and writing skills, and sound methods of thinking and analysis.

Reflection:

This course highlights the foundation of the recreation profession, as well as the history and evolution of leisure, recreation, sport, and play. The assignments and topics discussed challenged students to explored the historical factors that impacted how concepts and practices have been developed. As a recreation professional I had the benefit of having practical knowledge and experience to lean on for this course. However, the discussion boards and class dialogs allowed students to share different perspectives from their personal experiences, expanding each others view points and understanding.

To satisfy the requirements of this online Master’s Degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sports Management at NC State University, I had to complete 7 core courses and 3 elective courses.

Please use the Core Competencies drop-down menu or click the links below to access information about each of the 10 courses I completed, as well as my personal thoughts and takeaways for each class.

PRT 500: Conceptual Foundation

PRT 503: Advanced Fiscal Management for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport

PRT 504: Data Management and Evaluation in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport

PRT 505: GIS and Spatial Analysis in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport

PRT 506: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport

PRT 507: Strategic Marketing Management in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport

PRT 508: Risk Management for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, & Sport Organizations

PRT 595: Sustainable Tourism and Evaluation

PRT 512: Sport and Entertainment Venue Management Operations and Services

PRT 595: Mentoring Tourism Microentrepreneurs