Career Paths

The Career of the 21st century - Leisure is America’s number-one economic activity. In fact, one-third of our time, income and land is devoted to leisure and recreation. Cal Poly Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration graduates are employed in this industry by:

• Bonfante Gardens
• Hotel del Coronado
• San Francisco Giants
• Borland Employee Services
• San Mateo Parks and Recreation
• California State Parks
• Pebble Beach Resorts
• YMCA
• U.S. Forest Service
• Costa Azul Adventure Resort

The amount of leisure time is increasing and so will the demand for leisure programs and services. To effectively and efficiently deliver these high-demand services, we must have well trained and highly qualified Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration graduates.

The department's curriculum prepares students for professional careers in this dynamic and expanding field. The undergraduate curriculum focuses on program planning, public relations, marketing, budgeting and management of leisure services.

Students can select from this wide variety of specializations:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Outdoor, Adventure, and Resource Recreation
• Event Planning and Management
• Sport Management
• Community Services Management

Graduates from the department have been highly successful in securing internships and employment in the industry. The Alumni Spotlight page provides a glimpse into the success of graduates from the RPTA department.