At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This nine-credit certificate program develops students' capacities in professional snowsports management and focuses on three components, one of which have flexibility to accommodate students interests.
First, RPTM 351 focuses on 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 III certificate in a discipline of their choice and developing a professional development plan emphasizing lifelong learning.
Second, in RPTM 410 will provide students with an overview of marketing in general and recreation/tourism marketing in particular. Supplemental objectives are to (a) provide students with a review of different marketing theories and practices and (b) help students apply marketing principles to practical recreation/tourism situations. Main topics typically include: Introduction to marketing and its evolution; Parameters of the recreation/tourism experience and how this affects marketing practices; Defining and segmenting the consumer market; The marketing mix; Conducting marketing research in an effort to develop effective marketing strategy; Service quality and its impact on marketing strategy; Customer loyalty and its impact on marketing strategy; Recognizing and responding to the changing needs of consumer markets.
The remaining three (3) credits can be selected from the list of courses from the College of Health and Human Development (CHHD) which allow flexibility for students to explore their specific interests in more detail. This is designed to enhance learner agency and to allow students to tailor the certificate to reflect their own interests. Other relevant courses can be identified and agreed with the program director.
What is Professional Snowsports Management?
Students earn the Snowsports Management certificate will gain knowledge and skills that will enhance their ability to teach all skill levels of snowsports and manage people and programs in the snowsports industry. As a part of the certificate, students will prepare for and attend at least one module of the Professional Ski Instructors of America – American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) Level III certification assessment in alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, or cross-country skiing. Students also develop practical and theoretical knowledge of marketing principles in general, recreation, and tourism settings. Supporting their professional growth as a manager in the industry, students select from a list of approved courses from the College of Health and Human Development, allowing the exploration of specific interests in more detail.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are working in or want to work in snowsports education.
- You have completed a Level II certification with PSIA-AASI and are looking to develop additional skills in teaching snowsports and planning clinics.
- You are interested in taking on more of a management role in the snowsports industry.
Program Requirements
To earn an undergraduate certificate in Professional Snowsports Management, a minimum of 9 credits is required.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| RPTM 351 | Snowsports Education III | 3 |
| RPTM 410 | Marketing of Recreation Services | 3 |
| Choose one (1) three-credit course selected from a supporting course list | 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
Penn State's Certificate Program for snowsports professionals prepares individuals for a career in snowsports in collaboration with the Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). Whether you are brand new to the industry, looking to stand out, or established and experienced and seeking to enhance your development, Penn State offers certificates incorporating all levels of PSIA-AASI instruction.
Careers
The snowsports industry in the 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.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
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.
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