Experience PRTM
PRTM is committed to providing impactful experiential learning opportunities for our students.
In our courses, you'll embark on a journey to discover your professional identity while exploring a variety of career paths in the field. From your initial classes as a PRTM major to your final capstone internship, our curriculum is centered around experiential learning. This approach allows students to apply classroom concepts and skills to real-world challenges in the community and industry. We provide information, resources, and support to help you navigate every step of your student experience. Whether you’re starting out or transferring into PRTM, you’ll have access to advising support, internships, work experience, student associations, and study abroad opportunities.
Experience PRTM Abroad
PRTM at the Paralympics in Paris
Paris, France
Clemson students have been attending the Paralympic Games since 2010, visiting places such as Sochi, Russia, London, United Kingdom, and Pyeongchang, South Korea. This year, they are attending the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France and will see over 4,400 athletes compete in 23 different sports. Students will earn credit while learning about sport and culture, hearing from sport designers and organizers to learn how the games are put on, and the importance of disability awareness in France and around the world. Through this international sporting events stage, students will also get a chance to understand the planning, details, and logistics that go into a large-scale sporting event. In addition to being in-person to experience the games, students will also have a chance to volunteer to help check-in athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
PRTM in the Bahamas
Eleuthera, Bahamas
Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a non-profit organization based in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, dedicated to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Under the leadership of Lane Glaze, a distinguished Professor of Practice in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (PRTM), OEF offers an enriching program for students through three distinct cohorts and specialized courses. This Study Abroad experience immerses students in park management principles, explores climate change impacts, and offers a chance to experience Eleuthera's stunning landscapes, combining academic learning with real-world insights. The course meets the Global Challenges General Education Requirement (PRTM 3500).
Experience PRTM in the Classroom
We are committed to an educational philosophy that prioritizes experiential learning as a cornerstone of academic excellence.
Our curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that students actively participate in their learning processes. Through collaborative projects, industry partnerships, and immersive experiences, our courses foster a deep understanding of the parks, recreation, and tourism management field. See example courses below where you can anticipate participating in hands-on, experiential learning.
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Explore Hands-On Course Opportunities
PRTM 2220: Program and Event Planning in Parks, Recreation and Tourism
PRTM 2220 is a dynamic course designed to equip students with the essential skills for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and events within the parks and recreation field. Throughout the semester, students will explore theoretical concepts, strategies, and best practices, culminating in a hands-on project. In collaboration with a local community organization, students will have the unique opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context, fostering both practical experience and community engagement.
PRTM 2260: Foundations of Management and Administration in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
PRTM 2260: Foundations of Management and Administration is part of the EDGE Program (Engaged Diverse Guided Experience). In this 6-credit course, students are introduced to the domains of strategic management and effective leadership before applying that knowledge to practice outside the classroom. The EDGE program provides students the opportunity to explore the field of parks, recreation, and tourism management through a series of signature experiences, including attending a professional conference, partnering with organizations in the local community to solve real-life challenges, engaging in leadership and team-building sessions, and conducting site visits to PRTM-related organizations.
PRTM 4030: Elements of Recreation and Park Planning
PRTM 4030 provides a dynamic approach to recreation and park planning by merging theoretical principles with hands-on experience through real-world projects, engaging students with clients like the SC State Park Service. Throughout the semester, students form consulting teams to address specific issues, culminating in comprehensive planning proposals that include detailed designs and budgets. This immersive experience not only enhances their planning skills but also builds confidence as they learn to navigate the complexities of real-world projects.
PRTM 4230: Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Unlock a unique learning adventure at Clemson University with our hands-on Adaptive Sports and Recreation course, where you’ll dive into real-world activities that prepare you for a career in adaptive sports. Whether you’re guiding a wheelchair basketball team, organizing inclusive community events, or helping individuals with disabilities explore new recreational activities, this course equips you with essential skills and the Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sport Specialist (CARSS-I) certification from Blaze Sports America. Ideal for those eager to go beyond conventional classrooms, you’ll gain extensive practical experience, ensuring you’re job-ready with the CARSS-I designation by the end of the course, showcasing your expertise in the field.
Experience PRTM in the Field
In our program, you will be able to integrate the knowledge gained throughout the program in both internship and practicum experiences; students in Recreational Therapy also have preceptorship hours that help prepare them for clinical settings. All of these experiences are resume-builders as much as they are confidence-builders, and we have dedicated staff to help you explore the possibilities of this experience.
