Introduction to Accreditation in PRT
Logo for Council on Accreditation in PRT
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's curriculum was the first academic program west of the Mississippi to be granted accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) in 1979. COAPRT is the only accreditation of recreation, park resources and leisure services curricula recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. In compliance with the accreditation standards and to ensure our graduates are prepared for successful careers in the parks, recreation, tourism and related professions the department engages in an ongoing assessment of the achievement of learning outcomes. Course syllabi include the applicable standards and their corresponding assessment of the standards.
2013 Accreditation Standards
- 7.01 - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate the following entry-level knowledge: a) the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism or related professions and their associated industries; b) techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries; and c) the foundation of the profession in history, science and philosophy.
- 7.02 - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate the ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experiences and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
- 7.03 - Students graduating from the program shall be able to demonstrate entry-level knowledge about management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism and/or related professions.
This standard is the focus of PRT 3207 Management of PRT
- 7.04 - Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate, through a comprehensive internship of not less than 400 clock hours, the ability to use diverse, structured ways of thinking to solve problems related to different facets of professional practice, engage in advocacy, and stimulate innovation.