All students majoring in Recreation, Parks and Tourism must complete an internship as directed by the Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Upon successful completion of this experience, you will receive 9-12 credits for completing between 10-weeks/400-hours and 14-weeks/560-hours. Recreation therapy interns must complete the 12-credit option.
This experience is considered by many educators and practitioners to be the most vital phase of professional preparation. It provides you with the opportunity to make practical use of principles, methods, knowledge, and materials acquired in the academic program of study. The application of theory in a practical setting gives meaning and fulfillment to the formal educational experience.
Your internship experience is done in a carefully selected agency under the supervision of an agency supervisor and a department faculty supervisor. Utilizing an agency internship survey form, the agency is screened and approved to meet departmental and accreditation requirements for an internship.
RCPT 469 Pre-Internship Seminar helps students prepare for their internships. As part of this course, students will have access to approved internship sites by concentration and all required forms and paperwork. RCPT majors must attain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to register for RCPT 470 Internship in Recreation, Parks and Tourism.