At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This nine-credit certificate program develops students' capacities in professional snowsports Leadership and focuses on three components. First, in RPTM 315, developing appropriate knowledge as a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America- American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), preparing for and completing the level II certificate in a discipline of their choice and developing a professional development plan.
Second, in RPTM 210 students develop a practical and theoretical knowledge of the roles that commercial recreation and tourism plays at different societal levels (local, regional, national and global). Managerial considerations for commercial recreation will be explored.
Finally, in RPTM 236 students will learn about supervision in recreation services, including theories, strategies, group dynamics, applied leadership and decision-making skills. The primary objectives of RPTM 236 are for students to examine both leadership and group dynamics as a function of leisure and recreation services. Students in RPTM 236 will be given a variety of leadership opportunities, to begin to develop leadership skills as well as observe others in recreation leadership positions. Information on leadership theory and group dynamics (group development, roles in groups, group decision making) will be provided throughout the course. Main topics include: Leadership theory; Approaches to leadership; leadership styles; Definition of group including characteristics and effective group management; Group decision making and problem solving; Recreation leadership skills including behavior management, interpersonal skills and motivation; Teaching as a leadership skill; learning theory; Communication as a leadership skill.
What is Professional Snowsports Leadership?
The Professional Snowsports Leadership Certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their ability to teach up to the intermediate level of snowsports and lead others in the industry. As a part of the certificate, students complete at least one module of the Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) Level II certification assessment in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, or cross-country skiing. Students also develop practical and theoretical knowledge of the roles that commercial recreation and tourism plays at different societal levels (local, regional, national and global). Supporting professional growth as a leader in the industry, students learn about supervision in recreation services, including theories, strategies, group dynamics, applied leadership and decision-making skills.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are working in or want to work in the snowsports industry.
- You have completed a Level I certification with PSIA-AASI and are looking to develop your skills in teaching snowsports.
- You are seeking to take on more of a leadership role in a snowsports organization.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Professional Snowsports Leadership, a minimum of 9 credits is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| RPTM 210 | Introduction to Commercial Recreation and Tourism | 3 |
| RPTM 315 | Snowsports Education II | 3 |
| RPTM 236 | Leadership and Group Dynamics in Recreation Services | 3 |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park and World Campus
Pete Allison, Ph.D.
Associate Teaching Professor
8th floor Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-470-5954
pra7@psu.edu
Career Paths
Completing this certificate can open opportunities for further undergraduate study or for graduate level work in a range of different fields such as education, leisure and recreation, psychology, sport and exercise science, child development and elite human performance.
Careers
The snowsports industry in the United State is a multi-billion dollar sector with over 30 million participants annually. There are a multitude of opportunities around the snowsports industry including on snow teaching, running snowsports schools and resorts, working in retail such as apparel, equipment and travel. There are approximately 480 operational snowsports areas in the United States.
Professional Resources
Contact
University Park and World Campus
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARK AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT
7th & 8th floor Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-470-5954
pra7@psu.edu
https://hhd.psu.edu/rptm/undergraduate/rptm-world-campus/snowsports-certificate