Becoming a Major in HRT

The exciting world of Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism is just a click away! Please explore the versatile options we have available in our department and contact us with any questions.

  • BS in Hospitality and Tourism
  • BS in Recreation
  • BS in Recreation with a Recreation Therapy Concentration

B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism

CSU East Bay’s Hospitality and Tourism program prepares students to join and advance in the dynamic, growing and exciting hospitality and tourism industry. Enormous career possibilities are available to students as the hospitality and tourism industry has been rapidly developing and becoming available to more of the world's population.

The Hospitality and Tourism program provides students with the knowledge they need about the various industry sectors such as restaurants/food services, hotels/resorts, special events/meeting planning and other tourism businesses. Students who wish to add another area of specialization may elect a minor in other fields such as accounting and finance, marketing and entrepreneurship, management, and others.

Our program also provides individuals with skills related to leadership, communication, technology, research, and problem solving along with the creativity they need to be excellent professionals. Combined with work experience, this preparation enables graduates to access enormous professional opportunities in hospitality and tourism companies in the San Francisco Bay area, a highly ranked tourist destination and a major provider of hospitality and tourism services and employment opportunities, and around the world.

CSU Hospitality and Tourism program strives to meet the needs and wants of hospitality and tourism leaders who seek smart, human-driven, quality and practical-oriented and dedicated individuals to help lead the growth of this industry in a booming environment. Graduates will enjoy opportunities for career advancements, contribute to others’ quality of life, travel, meet individuals from around the world, and a career in a field characterized as non-routine and exciting.

B.S. in Recreation 

The Recreation degree prepares students for leadership positions in public, private, and non-profit recreation and leisure agencies. Careers in recreation increase the quality of life through people, parks, and programs in communities, special districts, as well as at the state and national level. Potential jobs in this rewarding field include program coordinators, supervisors and directors in a variety of areas including day camps, sports, youth, teen and older adult activities and classes and naturalist, park ranger positions. Many graduates from our program are leaders in recreation organizations including Concord, Livermore, Oakland, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the East Bay Regional Park District.

B.S. in Recreation with Recreation Therapy Concentration

The Recreation Therapy Concentration is designed to prepare students to work as allied health professionals to work with people who have special needs in clinical, residential, and community-based agencies. This concentration is specifically designed to meet the standards developed by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) and the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification (CBRPC) for Recreation Therapy certifications. Successfully completing this curriculum will provide students with knowledge competencies necessary to qualify for both the National and State Therapeutic Recreation Certification Exams. Our program is accredited by the California Board of Recreation and Park Certification.

Many graduates of this concentration are leaders in Recreation Therapy in the San Francisco Bay Area. They work in varied locations such as rehabilitation hospitals, drug treatment programs, mental health clinics and inpatient programs, state hospitals, long term care facilities, prisons and schools.

It is important to gain experience with people with disabilities as you are going through school. The best internships require students to have experience. Ask your advisor for links to employment opportunities to build your resume and gain experience in this exciting and rewarding field.