Undergraduate Programs
Spotlight
Dr. Ruth Russell
Undergraduate Coordinator
Dr. Ruth V. Russell is Professor and Associate Chair of Learning Systems and Undergraduate Studies. Currently she serves as Chair of the departmental Undergraduate Studies Committee. Dr. Russell has published 12 textbooks on leisure, recreation program planning, recreation leadership, and evaluation and research methods. Additionally, her research focuses on the humanities of leisure, social/psychological determinants of leisure, serious leisure, and the impact of tourism in developing regions. As an award-winning teacher, Dr. Russell has given college-level lectures and classes on 4 continents, and across the U.S.
Our four-year undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Recreation degree. You can choose from five specialization areas:
- Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management
- Park and Recreation Management
- Recreational Sport Management
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Tourism Management
Available minors from the department include:
- Leadership
- Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management
- Recreational Sports Management
- Tourism Management
- Aquatics
- Youth Sport Management
- Fundraising
Gain Hands-On Experience
The undergraduate curriculum has a strong emphasis on hands-on expereience. In conjunction with your classwork, you'll actually do some of the things you love. Whether you're involved in a field activity with a class or a summer internship, you'll gain the experience you need to reinforce your academic training. See our Community Resources page to view some of the service clinics, institutes, and living laboratories at IU that offer you real-life experience.
Advising
Student advising varies depending on which option the student is choosing to enter in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies. Call 812-855-4711 to contact the appropriate advisor listed below.
- Therapeutic Recreation Majors, contact Dr. Bryan McCormick or Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck
- All other majors (Outdoor Recreation, Park & Recreation, Tourism, Recreational Sports Management) contact Dr. Julie Knapp or Mr. Dan Sharpless
R-1 Series
The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies offers an outstanding exploratory program for students to learn more about aspects of recreation, park, and tourism studies. The R-1 series allows students from a variety of backgrounds and interest levels to experience new and challenging endeavors. Topics include leadership, outdoor recreation skills, environmental exploration, and adaptive adventure. Please visit the Center for Student Leadership Development and IU Outdoor Adventures for a list of courses.
