Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
If you enjoy healthy living combined with the many pleasures of leisure, sport, and tourism, then why not turn your passion into a career? Want to avoid working at a desk for the rest of your life? Are you a people person? Do you enjoy being active at work? The Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies major at Middle Tennessee State University offers specializations in recreation administration, outdoor recreation, sport studies, event planning, and tourism studies. Also, be sure to check out our Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program. Students accepted into the ABM can take up to four graduate classes that count both for the B.S. in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies (LSTS) and M.S. in Leisure and Sport Management (LSM) at no additional cost! Both our undergraduate LSTS and graduate LSM programs give professionals opportunities that range from running their own facilities to becoming athletic directors—and everything in between.
To learn more about the LSTS degrees, click on the DEGREES tab. The mission, vision, and value statements; forms and manuals, and accreditation statistics can be found under the INFO tab.
MTSU alum Rainone works as Tennessee State Parks ranger
Graduate Shaun Rainone (’14) is a park ranger at Panther Creek State Park, where he is developing a birds of prey program. He previously worked with the Jr. Ranger field team for Tennessee State Parks and visited schools as state parks mascot Ramble the Racoon alongside Titans mascot T-Rac. Rainone also was a ranger in summer programs and showed kids why snakes and birds of prey are important and protected. He worked with a rescue bald eagle from Reelfoot Lake State Park during the 2015 Titans draft party (pictured). Many Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies courses relate to his current work, but he cites a field study course at Radnor Lake State Natural Area as crucial to his future. He also studied abroad in Europe. “Many of the things I learned along the way are now being taught to youngsters and people throughout Tennessee,” he says.
Explore a world of opportunities
After graduating with an associate degree, Alexandria Willocks had no desire to obtain a bachelor's degree. The MTSU senior is thankful that the Leisure, Sports, and Tourism Studies major caught her attention. “While in this major I have learned more than I thought possible. I have been able to study tourism in post-Soviet Union Czech Republic and Poland and wine tourism in Canada,” she says. “The firsthand experience opportunities give students real skills that they will need after graduation. I am so thankful I found this major when I did and I'm proud to be a part of it!”
The exciting Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies program offers a range of career opportunities from recreation and sport and tourism management to outdoor leadership. This ever-changing field requires skilled, versatile professionals with expertise in customer service and personnel management. Students have access to real world experience ranging from internships at state parks to study abroad trips to places such as Ireland, France, and Italy where visits to historic parks and museums help students gain a better understanding of tourism. Potential career options include work in
Leisure Studies
- Campus recreation
- Community recreation
- Outdoor recreation
- Parks and recreation departments
- Facilities management
- Military recreation
- Youth recreation
Sports
- Athletic administration
- Coaching (all levels)
- Community/public relations
- General management
- Professional organization sales
- Recreational sport
- Youth sport
Tourism
- Chambers of commerce administrator
- Convention planner
- Hotel administrator
- Tourism development
- Travel and tourism management
- Travel counselor/agent
- Visitor information provider
- Wine tourism
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Arnold Air Force Base
- LSU Campus Recreation
- New Frontiers
- North Rutherford YMCA
- Tennessee State Parks
Undergraduate
The Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies program is a major leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a general core accredited through the Council on Accreditation: Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Students may choose courses from tracks in recreation administration, outdoor recreation, sport studies, and tourism studies. Click here to see the upper division form.
The Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies program does not require a minor; however, possible choices include Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Communication Disorders, Driver and Traffic Safety Education, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, or Recreation.
Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program – BS
The LSTS Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program allows eligible students to take selected courses that will count towards a Bachelors of Science (B.S.) in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies and Masters of Science (M.S.) in Leisure and Sport Management. LSTS majors who have completed 75 hours of coursework and who have a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible to apply for the ABM. Once accepted, students work with their advisor to identify four graduate classes that may substitute for four undergraduate classes, at no additional cost! These four graduate courses (12 credits) may then transfer toward a Masters of Science in Leisure and Sport Management (students must earn a B or higher in all graduate classes and have cumulative UG GPA 3.25). ABM students who earn a grade of B or higher in their graduate courses and who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 are eligible to be admitted to LSM Masters Program without taking the GRE. The M.S. in LSM requires 30 credit hours (thesis track) or 36 credit hours (internship track) of coursework. Students must apply & meet the specified requirements.
Graduate
The department also offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Leisure and Sport Management and two concentrations from which to choose: Recreation and Leisure Services and Sport Industry. A Ph.D. is available in Human Performance within which one can specialize in leisure studies.
Other programs offered by HHP
The Department of Health and Human Performance also offers undergraduate majors in Athletic Training; Exercise Science, Community and Public Health with concentrations in Public Health and Health Education and Lifetime Wellness; Physical Education; and Speech and Theatre with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The department offers undergraduate minors in Athletic Coaching and Officiating, Driver and Traffic Safety Education, Communication Disorders, Health, Health and Physical Education, Health and Human Performance, Recreation, and Somatic Movement Education.
In addition, an M.S. is offered with a major in Health and Human Performance, which has two concentrations: Health and Physical Education.
Other specializations under the Ph.D. in Human Performance are exercise science, health, kinesmetrics, and physical education.
Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies, B.S.
Department of Health and Human Performance
615-904-8359
Joey Gray, program coordinator
Joey.Gray@mtsu.edu
The major in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies requires 64 hours and provides knowledge, skills, and experiences for students interested in preparing for positions in the leisure, sport, and tourism services professions. The major requires a general core accredited by NRPA. Specialized areas such as recreation administration, outdoor recreation, event planning, sport studies, and tourism studies may be created, and a minor or advised electives of approximately 15 credit hours may be chosen.
Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Program: Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies majors can apply to participate in the ABM program. Students accepted into the program can take up to four graduate classes that count both for the B.S. in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies major AND M.S. in Leisure and Sport Management at no additional cost.
Academic Map
Following is a printable, suggested four-year schedule of courses:
Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies, B.S., Academic Map
Degree Requirements
General Education (41 hours)
General Education requirements include courses in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Major Requirements (64 hours)
LSTS 3010 - Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours
Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.
LSTS 3380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society.
- LSTS 3530 - Program Planning in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 3530 - Program Planning in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
The understanding of participant leisure, sport, and tourism needs and ways organizations create services to respond to them.
LSTS 3540 - Facility Operations in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Theoretical foundations, principles, and subsequent application of these principles will provide a unique vantage point in the understanding of addressing various aspects of facility operations in the leisure, sport, and tourism industry. Provides insight into the facility operations industry; facility administration, event logistics, ethical concerns, ADA requirements, risk management, emergency preparedness, crowd management, safety and security, budget development, sponsorships, scheduling and booking, contract and negotiations, labor union relations, customer service within collegiate, private, public and community entities.
- LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work.
LSTS 4540 - Organization and Administration of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Nine hours of leisure, sports, and tourism coursework. Provides an opportunity for understanding the duties and responsibilities of an administrator and for developing the ability to perform these in recreation and leisure settings.
- LSTS 4660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.
- LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship. Pass/Fail.
- LSTS 4550 - Business Applications in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours OR
LSTS 4550 - Business Applications in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Explores the application of public relations, customer service, and marketing systems including procedures for developing marketing and budget plans for leisure, sport, and tourism services. Emphasizes public and customer relations, budgeting, and organizing and analyzing the marketing strategies in leisure service, sport, and tourism organizations.
- MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing 3 credit hours OR
MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Survey of the functions, processes, and institutions involved in the distribution of consumer and industrial goods and services. Decision making in marketing management introduced.
- MKT 3865 - Sports Marketing 3 credit hours
MKT 3865 - Sports Marketing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: MKT 3820 and admission into the College of Business. Survey of issues pertaining to the marketing of sports products and entities. Focuses on the application of strategic marketing planning to the sports industry.
- EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar 1 credit hour credit hours
EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar
1 credit hour credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing, EXL Scholars Program participant. Culminating experience for students in the EXL Scholars Program. Students will develop an e-portfolio of experiential and service-learning experiences and will participate in discussions of their EXL experiences.
LSTS Track Electives (15 hours)
- LSTS 3150 - Foundations of Sport Industry 3 credit hours
LSTS 3150 - Foundations of Sport Industry
3 credit hours
Introduces the dynamics of the sport industry field. Discusses theoretical foundation and subsequent application and addresses the various aspects of the sport industry profession. Provides a clear understanding of the role of sport industry professional, specifically the sport industry, ethical concerns, risk management, marketing, economics, and the supervision of sporting industry.
- LSTS 3360 - Camp and Camp Counseling 3 credit hours
LSTS 3360 - Camp and Camp Counseling
3 credit hours
Emphasis on the camp counselor, including discussion of techniques and skills appropriate in various camp settings. Day-to-day management of residential, trip/travel, and special emphasis camps examined. Some off-campus experience.
- LSTS 3370 - Principles of Outdoor Recreation 3 credit hours
LSTS 3370 - Principles of Outdoor Recreation
3 credit hours
Concepts, principles, and practices in various types of park, recreation, and tourism settings. Emphasis on overall and critical subsystems of the outdoor recreation management system primarily in public land settings.
- LSTS 3390 - Tourism and Commercial Recreation 3 credit hours
LSTS 3390 - Tourism and Commercial Recreation
3 credit hours
Introduces the broad sector of recreation and leisure services profession which focuses on delivery of leisure travel and tourism-based recreation services and programs. Particular emphasis placed upon understanding the relationship between commercial recreation organizations and historical, cultural, and natural resources.
- LSTS 3570 - Outdoor Pursuits Education 3 credit hours
LSTS 3570 - Outdoor Pursuits Education
3 credit hours
Concentration on developing student's ability in adventure-based recreation and education. Emphasis placed on learning how to implement an outdoor pursuit experience for oneself and others. Both on- and off-campus experiences will be conducted and may involve day/overnight camping, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, ropes courses, and orienteering.
- LSTS 4110 - Youth Sport Programming and Administration 3 credit hours
LSTS 4110 - Youth Sport Programming and Administration
3 credit hours
Explores and examines youth sport history, philosophy, developmental stages of youth, administration and programming for youth, and current issues and events necessary to deliver youth sport activities within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations. Addresses the various learning stages of youth sport and the impact these experiences can have on youth.
LSTS 4120 - Community Development through Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Explores and utilizes sustainable practices to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate tourism’s potential contribution to, or detraction from, the quality of life for communities. Examines economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political impacts on community tourism development within the community tourism development context.
- LSTS 4130 - Sport Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4130 - Sport Tourism
3 credit hours
Familiarizes students with the sport tourism industry through exploration of sport in global society, sport event planning;/execution/evaluation, spectatorship, the economic and political sport tourism landscape, and policy impacting, and impacted by, sport tourism.
- LSTS 4140 - Wine Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4140 - Wine Tourism
3 credit hours
Familiarizes students with how wine and tourism industry diverge, and indeed converge, across a range of economic, technical, cultural, geographic, and vocational factors.
- LSTS 4250 - The Sport Agent 3 credit hours
LSTS 4250 - The Sport Agent
3 credit hours
Introduces student to the principles, dynamics, and realities of the sport agent industry. Provides insight into the history and legal foundations of sports representation, the evolution of the industry, the business of competition for clients, common pitfalls of both representatives and clients, a wide array of ethical issues, the laws that govern the industry, the structures and language of contracts, negotiation tactics, and sport-specific information.
- LSTS 4350 - Special Event Planning 3 credit hours
LSTS 4350 - Special Event Planning
3 credit hours
Introduces the planning and administration of special events to include weddings, ceremonies, festivals, and concerts. Explores the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, and historical influences on special event decision-making. Reviews practices relevant to successful special events and consultancy for diverse clientele and settings. Offers understanding of the history, theoretical foundations, key intricacies of special events, the role of the planner, industry standards and trends, and career opportunities.
- LSTS 4470 - Leisure and Aging 3 credit hours
LSTS 4470 - Leisure and Aging
3 credit hours
Aging relative to the individual, family, peers, and society with an emphasis on leisure. The holistic approach including physical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and cognitive aspects. Interdisciplinary approach makes this course ideal for the developing or practicing human service professional.
- LSTS 4490 - Campus Recreation 3 credit hours
LSTS 4490 - Campus Recreation
3 credit hours
For those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society.
LSTS 4580 - Seminar: Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Issues
3 credit hours
Increases awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.
- LSTS 4790 - Sport and Society 3 credit hours
LSTS 4790 - Sport and Society
3 credit hours
(Same as SOC 4790.) A behavioral approach to the sport and leisure phenomena from the related perspectives of sociology and anthropology.
LSTS 4850 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Leisure and Tourism
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of the leisure experience in other (non-U.S.) cultures through onsite observations; visits to cultural/historic sites; and interactions with managers and staff at selected parks, museums, attractions, and world heritage sites.
- ATHC 3810 - Directing Intramurals 3 credit hours
ATHC 3810 - Directing Intramurals
3 credit hours
The organization and administration of intramural programs. Actual participation in developing and supervising intramural activities.
ATHC 4800 - Administration of High School and College Athletics
3 credit hours
Deals with administrative concerns of athletic eligibility, contest management, equipment, finances, budgets, safety, layout and maintenance of facilities, public relations, publicity, and current athletic trends.
- ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology 3 credit hours OR
ATHC 4060 - Sport Psychology
3 credit hours
(Same as PSY 4060.) The application of behavioral principles, motivational research, personality factors, social/psychological findings, cognitive processes, dysfunctional behavior knowledge, and psychometric assessment procedures to the arena of sports. Introduces students to this discipline and provides knowledge to help enhance their own performances and the performances of others.
- ATHC 4690 - Psychology of Coaching and Officiating 3 credit hours
ATHC 4690 - Psychology of Coaching and Officiating
3 credit hours
The applications of psychological principles to the coaching, officiating, and playing of athletics at various levels. Emphasis will be on the motivation of and communication with and between all participants in athletic competition at a variety of levels.
- BCED 4300 - Professional Meeting, Event, Exhibition, and Convention (MEEC) Management 3 credit hours
BCED 4300 - Professional Meeting, Event, Exhibition, and Convention (MEEC) Management
3 credit hours
Introduces students to the meetings, events, exhibitions, and conventions (MEEC) industry. Explores the core issues of the MEEC industry from the fundamentals to the contemporary trends.
BCED 4570 - Meeting, Event, Exhibition, and Convention (MEEC) Practicum
3 credit hours
Completion of all minor required courses (including LSTS 3530 and BCED 4300). Provides students with practical work experience in the Meeting, Event, Exhibition, and Convention industry.
Electives (9 hours)
- Advisor approved
Internship (12 hours)
- LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation 12 credit hours
LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration 12 credit hours
LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Studies 12 credit hours
LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Studies
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4904 - Internship in Tourism Studies 12 credit hours
LSTS 4904 - Internship in Tourism Studies
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a tourism agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
Minor/Advised Electives (15 hours)
Total hours in program: 120
Curriculum: Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
Curricular listings include General Education requirements in Communication, History, Humanities and/or Fine Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social/Behavioral Sciences categories.
Freshman
- ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing 3 credit hours (Comm)
ENGL 1010 - Expository Writing
3 credit hours
The first General Education English course. Emphasis on learning to adapt composing processes to a variety of expository and analytic writing assignments. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.
- ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing 3 credit hours (Comm)
ENGL 1020 - Research and Argumentative Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 1010. The second General Education English course. Emphasis on analytic and argumentative writing and on locating, organizing, and using library resource materials in the writing. Minimum grade of C- required for credit.
- COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 credit hours (Comm)
COMM 2200 - Fundamentals of Communication
3 credit hours
Principles and processes of effective public oral communication including researching, critical thinking, organizing, presenting, listening, and using appropriate language. Emphasis on informative, persuasive, special occasion, and extemporaneous (impromptu) speaking. Counts as part of the General Education Communication requirement.
- Humanities and/or Fine Arts 6 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Mathematics 3 credit hours
Choose 6 hours from:
- HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I 3 credit hours OR
HIST 2010 - Survey of United States History I
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020.
- HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II 3 credit hours OR
HIST 2020 - Survey of United States History II
3 credit hours
Survey of the political, economic, social, cultural, and diplomatic phases of American life in its regional, national, and international aspects. HIST 2010 discusses the era from the beginning to 1877. HIST 2020 discusses the era from 1877 to the present. These courses are prerequisite for all advanced courses in American history and satisfy the General Education History requirement. HIST 2010 is NOT a prerequisite for HIST 2020.
- HIST 2030 - Tennessee History 3 credit hours
HIST 2030 - Tennessee History
3 credit hours
The role of the state in the development of the nation. May be used to satisfy one part of the General Education History requirement.
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Sophomore
- ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture 3 credit hours (Hum/FA) OR
ENGL 2020 - Themes in Literature and Culture
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Traces a specific theme or idea through a number of literary texts that reflect different historical and cultural contexts. Subject will vary.
- ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature 3 credit hours (Hum/FA) OR
ENGL 2030 - The Experience of Literature
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. The reading of a variety of literary types which illuminate themes and experiences common to human existence.
- HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation 3 credit hours (Hum/FA)
HUM 2610 - Foreign Literature in Translation
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020. Representative works of French, German, and Hispanic authors in English translation. No foreign-language proficiency required. Carries General Education credit.
LSTS 3010 - Introduction to Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours
Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.
- LSTS 3530 - Program Planning in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 3530 - Program Planning in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
The understanding of participant leisure, sport, and tourism needs and ways organizations create services to respond to them.
LSTS 3540 - Facility Operations in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Theoretical foundations, principles, and subsequent application of these principles will provide a unique vantage point in the understanding of addressing various aspects of facility operations in the leisure, sport, and tourism industry. Provides insight into the facility operations industry; facility administration, event logistics, ethical concerns, ADA requirements, risk management, emergency preparedness, crowd management, safety and security, budget development, sponsorships, scheduling and booking, contract and negotiations, labor union relations, customer service within collegiate, private, public and community entities.
- LSTS track courses 6 credit hours
- Minor or advised elective courses 6 credit hours
- Natural Sciences 4 credit hours
- Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
Subtotal: 31 Hours
Junior
- LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 3560 - Field Studies in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work.
LSTS 3380 - Disabilities and Diversity in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society.
LSTS 4540 - Organization and Administration of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Nine hours of leisure, sports, and tourism coursework. Provides an opportunity for understanding the duties and responsibilities of an administrator and for developing the ability to perform these in recreation and leisure settings.
- LSTS 4660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4660 - Evaluation of Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.
- LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours
LSTS 4890 - Senior Seminar in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship. Pass/Fail.
- LSTS track courses 9 credit hours
- Advisor-approved elective 3 credit hours
- LSTS 4550 - Business Applications in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism 3 credit hours OR
LSTS 4550 - Business Applications in Leisure, Sport, and Tourism
3 credit hours
Explores the application of public relations, customer service, and marketing systems including procedures for developing marketing and budget plans for leisure, sport, and tourism services. Emphasizes public and customer relations, budgeting, and organizing and analyzing the marketing strategies in leisure service, sport, and tourism organizations.
- MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing 3 credit hours OR
MKT 3820 - Principles of Marketing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Survey of the functions, processes, and institutions involved in the distribution of consumer and industrial goods and services. Decision making in marketing management introduced.
- MKT 3865 - Sports Marketing 3 credit hours
MKT 3865 - Sports Marketing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: MKT 3820 and admission into the College of Business. Survey of issues pertaining to the marketing of sports products and entities. Focuses on the application of strategic marketing planning to the sports industry.
Subtotal: 30 Hours
Senior
- EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar 1 credit hour credit hours
EXL 4000 - Experiential Learning Seminar
1 credit hour credit hours
Prerequisites: Senior standing, EXL Scholars Program participant. Culminating experience for students in the EXL Scholars Program. Students will develop an e-portfolio of experiential and service-learning experiences and will participate in discussions of their EXL experiences.
- Advisor-approved electives 6 credit hours
- Minor or advised elective courses 9 credit hours
- LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation 12 credit hours OR
LSTS 4901 - Internship in Outdoor Recreation
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration 12 credit hours OR
LSTS 4902 - Internship in Recreation Administration
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Studies 12 credit hours OR
LSTS 4903 - Internship in Sport Studies
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
- LSTS 4904 - Internship in Tourism Studies 12 credit hours
LSTS 4904 - Internship in Tourism Studies
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a tourism agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
Subtotal: 28 Hours
Dr. Rudy Dunlap
Assistant Professor
rudy.dunlap@mtsu.edu
Dr. Steve Estes
Professor
steven.estes@mtsu.edu
Dr. Joey Gray
Associate Professor
joey.gray@mtsu.edu
Dr. Colby Jubenville
Professor
colby.jubenville@mtsu.edu
Dr. Dawn Shelar
Professor
victoria.shelar@mtsu.edu
Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies
3 credit hours
Issues relative to choices an individual and society make when utilizing "free" time and resources. Increased understanding of the multibillion dollar leisure industry and its effect on our personal and collective lives.
3 credit hours
Development and basic concepts of the leisure, sport, and tourism studies profession. History, definitions, theories, and social psychological concepts as well career opportunities and areas of service delivery.
3 credit hours
Introduces the dynamics of the sport industry field. Discusses theoretical foundation and subsequent application and addresses the various aspects of the sport industry profession. Provides a clear understanding of the role of sport industry professional, specifically the sport industry, ethical concerns, risk management, marketing, economics, and the supervision of sporting industry.
3 credit hours
Emphasis on the camp counselor, including discussion of techniques and skills appropriate in various camp settings. Day-to-day management of residential, trip/travel, and special emphasis camps examined. Some off-campus experience.
3 credit hours
Concepts, principles, and practices in various types of park, recreation, and tourism settings. Emphasis on overall and critical subsystems of the outdoor recreation management system primarily in public land settings.
3 credit hours
The study of natural, cultural, and historical interpretation and resource education concepts, principles, and practices applicable to various types of recreation and leisure service settings. Emphasis on interpretation and resource education, why and how to interpret and educate about resources, as well as how to effectively manage interpretation and resource education in varied settings.
3 credit hours
Explores issues surrounding leisure, sport, and tourism opportunities for persons with disabilities. Introduces important issues such as attitudes, advocacy, accessibility, legislation, and the broad range of opportunities in the provision of leisure, sport, and tourism services for persons with disabilities in our society.
3 credit hours
Introduces the broad sector of recreation and leisure services profession which focuses on delivery of leisure travel and tourism-based recreation services and programs. Particular emphasis placed upon understanding the relationship between commercial recreation organizations and historical, cultural, and natural resources.
3 credit hours
Conceptual and human relationship skills required of effective professionals. Emphasis on understanding group dynamics and processes associated with leading activities, programs, and personnel in leisure, sport, and tourism settings. Key component will be field application of skills.
3 credit hours
The understanding of participant leisure, sport, and tourism needs and ways organizations create services to respond to them.
3 credit hours
Theoretical foundations, principles, and subsequent application of these principles will provide a unique vantage point in the understanding of addressing various aspects of facility operations in the leisure, sport, and tourism industry. Provides insight into the facility operations industry; facility administration, event logistics, ethical concerns, ADA requirements, risk management, emergency preparedness, crowd management, safety and security, budget development, sponsorships, scheduling and booking, contract and negotiations, labor union relations, customer service within collegiate, private, public and community entities.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Provides an opportunity for supervised practical application of classroom theory in professional leisure, sports, and tourism field work.
3 credit hours
Concentration on developing student's ability in adventure-based recreation and education. Emphasis placed on learning how to implement an outdoor pursuit experience for oneself and others. Both on- and off-campus experiences will be conducted and may involve day/overnight camping, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, ropes courses, and orienteering.
3 credit hours
Explores and examines youth sport history, philosophy, developmental stages of youth, administration and programming for youth, and current issues and events necessary to deliver youth sport activities within a variety of settings, agencies, and/or organizations. Addresses the various learning stages of youth sport and the impact these experiences can have on youth.
3 credit hours
Explores and utilizes sustainable practices to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate tourism’s potential contribution to, or detraction from, the quality of life for communities. Examines economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and political impacts on community tourism development within the community tourism development context.
3 credit hours
Familiarizes students with the sport tourism industry through exploration of sport in global society, sport event planning;/execution/evaluation, spectatorship, the economic and political sport tourism landscape, and policy impacting, and impacted by, sport tourism.
3 credit hours
Familiarizes students with how wine and tourism industry diverge, and indeed converge, across a range of economic, technical, cultural, geographic, and vocational factors.
3 credit hours
Introduces student to the principles, dynamics, and realities of the sport agent industry. Provides insight into the history and legal foundations of sports representation, the evolution of the industry, the business of competition for clients, common pitfalls of both representatives and clients, a wide array of ethical issues, the laws that govern the industry, the structures and language of contracts, negotiation tactics, and sport-specific information.
3 credit hours
Introduces the planning and administration of special events to include weddings, ceremonies, festivals, and concerts. Explores the social, political, economic, cultural, religious, and historical influences on special event decision-making. Reviews practices relevant to successful special events and consultancy for diverse clientele and settings. Offers understanding of the history, theoretical foundations, key intricacies of special events, the role of the planner, industry standards and trends, and career opportunities.
3 credit hours
Aging relative to the individual, family, peers, and society with an emphasis on leisure. The holistic approach including physical, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and cognitive aspects. Interdisciplinary approach makes this course ideal for the developing or practicing human service professional.
3 credit hours
Explores the many activity-based therapeutic interventions currently utilized to alleviate existing health-related problems, maintain current level of functioning, or to assist in overall rehabilitation efforts of the transdisciplinary treatment team.
3 credit hours
For those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society.
3 credit hours
Designed to provide students with an understanding of therapeutic terminology and the utilization of appropriate terminology for third party reimbursement, treatment teams, counseling, and medical documentation.
3 credit hours
Explores the profession of recreational therapy, the wide range of disabilities, and the role of intervention in a variety of settings: clinical, community, and transitional. Topics include history, philosophy, professional development/certification, systemic program design, and implementation.
3 credit hours
Increases understanding of recreational therapy in clinical settings, working with persons with health-related issues and/or disability. Concepts of disease and disability, holistic approach, interdisciplinary treatment, assessment, intervention planning and implementation, evaluation, documentation, and third party reimbursement explored.
3 credit hours
Addresses issues clients may face when leaving institutions and returning to their communities. Examines the role and provision of recreational therapy services in transitional and community-based settings.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Nine hours of leisure, sports, and tourism coursework. Provides an opportunity for understanding the duties and responsibilities of an administrator and for developing the ability to perform these in recreation and leisure settings.
3 credit hours
Explores the application of public relations, customer service, and marketing systems including procedures for developing marketing and budget plans for leisure, sport, and tourism services. Emphasizes public and customer relations, budgeting, and organizing and analyzing the marketing strategies in leisure service, sport, and tourism organizations.
3 credit hours
An off-campus course that provides materials and experiences unobtainable in the traditional classroom. Exposure to issues, trends, and concerns relevant to outdoor recreation, resource management, and the delivery of programs and services in outdoor environments. Public, private non-profits, and commercial agencies will be experienced through a series of field trips, talks, groups exercises, and other experiential-based activities.
3 credit hours
Increases awareness of the importance of environmental considerations when planning, managing, or administering outdoor recreation programs. Includes environmental issues and methods of seeking solutions to environmental problems.
3 credit hours
In-depth reading; preparation of an annotated bibliography and report. Arrangements for course should be made with the instructor prior to registration.
3 credit hours
Research and evaluation procedures and techniques applicable to assessing leisure, sport, and tourism service programs, participants, administrative structures, and resources. Emphasis on beginning and completing a "real-world" evaluation project.
3 credit hours
A systematic approach to the fundamentals of group management in an experiential ropes course setting. Focuses on both interpersonal and technical facilitation skills. Several on- and off-campus experiential, demonstration, and practical application sessions required.
3 credit hours
(Same as SOC 4790.) A behavioral approach to the sport and leisure phenomena from the related perspectives of sociology and anthropology.
3 credit hours
An in-depth study of the leisure experience in other (non-U.S.) cultures through onsite observations; visits to cultural/historic sites; and interactions with managers and staff at selected parks, museums, attractions, and world heritage sites.
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: LSTS 3010 and LSTS 3530. Review of philosophy and professional ethics of leisure, sport, and tourism services. Self assessment of student's strengths, limitations, and career aspirations. Preparation of reference files, letters, and resumes. Identification of, application to, and acceptance by department-approved agencies for completion of internship. Pass/Fail.
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890; additional prerequisites: LSTS 4500, LSTS 4510, and LSTS 4480 or LSTS 4520. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40- hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Student assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a recreational agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a sport agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
12 credit hours
Prerequisites: Departmental approval; senior standing; minimum 2.25 GPA; LSTS 3010, LSTS 3530, LSTS 3540, LSTS 4540, and LSTS 4890. Provides practical experience. Students assigned to a field experience to spend an entire semester or two summer sessions in on-the-job training with a tourism agency. Students will work or volunteer 40 hours per week with an agency for a minimum of 480 hours of contact time.
3 credit hours
(Same as ATHT 4920/EXSC 4920/HLTH 4920/PHED 4920.) Independent study topics based on a study plan prepared in cooperation with a faculty supervisor. Culminates in a formal paper and/or comprehensive examination. Application forms must be completed and approved prior to enrollment. A maximum of three credit hours may be applied toward degree.
3 credit hours
(Same as ATHT 4965/EXSC 4965.) Examines the various uses of the aquatic environment to develop, maintain, and improve physical performance with practical development of skills and techniques and aquatic exercise programming. Combines both didactic and laboratory activities in an experiential learning environment.
Mission Statement
The Leisure, Sport, and Tourism Studies (LSTS) program at Middle Tennessee State University is a nationally accredited academic program recognized by the Council on Accreditation: Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (since 1994). We fully embrace the 2007-2017 Academic Master Plan of Middle Tennessee State University and work diligently to meet the goals and objectives described therein. The LSTS faculty is committed to creating an atmosphere of shared responsibility, respect, and dignity through open and honest communication, which will facilitate teamwork and enhance service delivery to our students, the campus and the community. Every opportunity to enhance the diversity of the faculty, staff, and students will be pursued in order to create a stimulating environment indicative of the larger global community. Through mutual respect and realistic expectations, faculty and staff will work together to further the mission of the University. We continually develop and revise goals in each of the three primary areas recognized by MTSU: education; research, and service.
Vision Statement
The vision of the Leisure, Sport, and Tourism program is to work collaboratively within the Department of Health and Human Performance and Middle Tennessee State University to strengthen our students individually and collectively. We will prepare students to face the future by being globally oriented and skillfully prepared for the new challenges our society faces in this millennium.
Value Statement
The Leisure, Sport, and Tourism program is located in the Department of Health and Human Performance and embraces the following core values:
- Healthy and active lifestyles
- Community service
- Fostering of diverse experiences
- Collaborative atmosphere
- Lifelong learning
Forms & Manuals
Important Information Regarding Degree Mills
Please watch this important video (http://youtu.be/a1voHNMQDrk) regarding degree and accreditation mills. According to CHEA, "Degree mills and accreditation mills mislead and harm. In the United States, degrees and certificates from mills may not be acknowledged by other institutions when students seek to transfer or go to graduate school. Employers may not acknowledge degrees and certificates from degree mills when providing tuition assistance for continuing education. “Accreditation” from an accreditation mill can mislead students and the public about the quality of an institution. In the presence of degree mills and accreditation mills, students may spend a good deal of money and receive neither an education nor a useable credential."Read more on CHEA's website (http://www.chea.org/degreemills/).
Contact and Student Information
Joey Gray
joey.gray@mtsu.edu
Phone | 615-898-2811
Sarah Fossett (A-D)
Sarah.Fossett@mtsu.edu
615-898-4818 | CKNB 108
Crystal Ellis (E-K)
Crystal.Ellis@mtsu.edu
615-898-4810 | CKNB 108
Gerald Christian (L-Q)
Gerald.Christian@mtsu.edu
615-898-4807 | CKNB 108
Judy Monroe (R-Z)
Judy.Monroe@mtsu.edu
615-904-8494 | CKNB 108
Department of Health and Human Performance
Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU Box 96
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132