Recreation & Tourism Management Program

Description of Major

The Recreation and Tourism Management program offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Professionals in this field manage facilities, programs, and events that enrich people’s lives though high quality and memorable leisure time experiences. Leisure activities are an integral part of people’s lifestyles and billions of dollars are spent annually on recreation programs, activities and facilities in public, private, and nonprofit recreation organizations. Consequently, there is a need for qualified professionals to manage programs, facilities, and services in various agencies and businesses. This is a service- oriented career in which professionals work with people of all ages and backgrounds. To succeed in this field, one should have organizational skills, initiative and energy, and enjoy working with people.
Dedman College of Hospitality Scholarships information.

Curriculum

Students are advised to reach out to their academic advisor to determine which curriculum they are subject to:

2024-25

2023-24

Prerequisites

Prerequisite Coursework (3 hours)
The following course must be completed with a C minus or better:

Course Description Hours
CGS 2100 or
CGS 2518
Microcomputer Applications for Business or
Spreadsheets for Business
3

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
To be admitted to this program, students must have the following:

  1. Completion of at least 52 semester hours;
  2. A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all college work attempted;
  3. Satisfactory completion of all required prerequisite coursework; and
  4. Successful completion of 1st & 2nd GE English and 1st & 2nd GE Math coursework.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the degree requires the following:

  • Admission to Florida State University
  • Completion of at least 52 semester hours
  • Satisfactory completion of all required prerequisite coursework (see below)
  • Successful completion of 1st & 2nd Gen Ed English and 1st & 2nd Gen Ed Math coursework
  • Prerequisite Coursework (3 hours)

The following courses must be completed with a C minus or better:

  • CGS 2100 (3) Microcomputer Applications for Business OR CGS 2518 (3) Spreadsheets for Business (preferred)

Important Note
While we strongly recommend completing all prerequisites prior to applying to FSU, our college does consider conditional admission for students missing prerequisites. Students granted conditional admission will be required to complete the missing prerequisite(s) in their first term at FSU.

Program of Study

Major Program of Study  (39 hours)
Community college courses may not be substituted for 3000/4000 level courses. All courses must be completed with a grade of C minus or better and a minimum GPA of 2.00 in courses used to satisfy the major requirements.

Computer Skills Competency
No additional hours are needed beyond prerequisites (CGS 2100 or CGS 2518).

Oral Communication Competency (3 hours beyond major coursework)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met through a University approved college-level course.

Dedman College of Hospitality - ALL Majors (15 hours)

Course Description Hours
HFT 3424 Hospitality Financial Analysis 3
HFT 3431 Hospitality Managerial Accounting 3
HFT 4502 Integrated Marketing for Hospitality 3
HFT 4224 Hospitality Leadership and Ethics 3
HFT 3941* Internship 3-12

*All majors must complete a minimum of 3 hours of HFT 3941 (Internship). Students must have a total of 12 credit hours between HFT 3941 and elective requirements. Students may complete additional credit hours (up to 12) and use them as substitutes for elective requirements. This means that if the max of 12 hours are put towards HFT 3941, 0 hours of electives are required under major coursework.

Major Coursework  (24 hours)

Course Description Hours
LEI 1000 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism 3
LEI 3420 Recreation Activities Leadership 3
HFT 3700 Tourism and the Environment 3
LEI 3843 Commercial Recreation and Tourism 3
LEI 4602 Planning and Maintenance of Facilities 3
HFT 4941* Field Work 0
HFT or LEI Elective 3
HFT or LEI Elective 3
HFT or LEI Elective 3

*Required Work Experience
Students must complete at least 1,000 hours of work experience in the hospitality industry. The work experience must be completed at the post-secondary level. Students must register for HFT 4941 (Field Study in Hospitality Administration) in their final semester.

Students are required to complete 3 credit hours of Management Internship (HFT 3941) as part of their work experience.

Electives

Majors must have a total of 12 credit hours between HFT 3941 and elective requirements. Students can complete additional credit hours of HFT 3941 and use them as substitutes for elective requirements.

Not all electives are offered every semester/year.

Course Description Notes
HFT 2060 Coffee and Tea  
HFT 2061 Ales, Lagers, and International Culture  
HFT 2062 International Wine and Culture  
HFT 2063 Distilled Spirits  
HFT 2080 International Protocol  
HFT 2452 Hospitality Supply Management  
HFT 2704 A Survey of Ecotourism (c) Part of Costa Rica study-abroad program
HFT 2710 International Travel and Tourism  
HFT 2716 International Travel and Culture  
HFT 2801 Tequila, Agave, Spirits and Culture  
HFT 2876 Italian Wine and Culture (f) Part of Florence study-abroad program
HFT 2890 International Food and Culture  
HFT 2895 Italian Food and Culture (f) Part of Florence study-abroad program
HFT 3100 Introduction to Global Club Management Not an elective for GCML majors;
only available in summer semester
HFT 3221 Human Resource Management  
HFT 3240 Managing Service Organizations  
HFT 3242 Communication in Hospitality (w)  
HFT 3519 Convention Services and Event Management  
HFT 3542 Event Management  
HFT 3544 Psychology of Customer Experience  
HFT 3700 Tourism Management and the Environment Not an elective for RT majors
HFT 3771 Introduction to Maritime Hospitality  
HFT 3891 Global Food Controversy  
HFT 4064 Ales, Lagers, and Culture Must be 21 or older
HFT 4448 Technology & Big Data Applications in Hospitality and Tourism  
HFT 4866 Wine and Culture Must be 21 or older
HFT 4905 DIS (Directed Individual Study) Permission of instructor, 0-12 credit hours
HFT 4930 Special Topics in Hospitality Permission of instructor
HFT 4970 Honors Thesis Permission of instructor
LEI 1181 Leisure, Recreation, and Adaptation  
LEI 2318 Events, Ethics, and Sustainability (e)  
LEI 3266 Outdoor Adventure  
LEI 3312 Introduction to Special Events  
LEI 4314 Event Operations and Management  
LEI 4561 Event Promotions  
LEI 4864 Technology for Events  

(e) Fulfills university ethics course requirement

(dl) Fulfills university digital literacy requirement

(f) Course offered only through the Florence study-abroad program

(c) Course offered only through the Costa Rica study-abroad program

(w) Upper-division writing course

Major Program Summary

Minimum Program Requirements
General Education 36*
Prerequisite 3*
College Core 15
Major Program of Study 24
Minor** 0
Computer Skills 0 (beyond prerequisites)
Oral Competency 0-3
Electives No. to bring total to 120
Total Hours Required 120

*Some prerequisite courses may also be counted as part of General Education requirements.

**Optional. Students who wish to have a minor must choose a program outside of the Dedman College of Hospitality.

In addition to the HFT / LEI electives offered, includes any approved courses across the university.

Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major here.

Remarks

  1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
  2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
  3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.

Careers

Salary Information
For more information visit the National Association of Colleges and Employers or the Occupational Outlook Handbook provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major
Parks and Recreation Director, Guest Services Director, Athletics Supervisor, Cultural Arts Supervisor, Recreation Program Director, Recreation Supervisor, Campus Recreation Director, Facility Manager, Resort Activities Director, Aquatics Supervisor, Tour Guide/Director, Fishing Charters Manager, Marina Manager, Program Director, Outdoor Recreation Manager, Conservation Manager, Park Ranger, Camp Coordinator.

Representative Employers
National and state recreation and park agencies, nonprofit community organizations, commercial recreation businesses, visitor and convention bureau, employee recreation programs, armed forces recreation, private clubs, resorts, colleges and universities, camps, tourism agencies, retirement communities, recreation/fishing product suppliers, equestrian centers, and commercial marinas.