National Recreation & Park Association, Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions COAPRT

Overview

The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) is a specialized accrediting body that evaluates and accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies. These programs are offered at regionally accredited institutions within the United States and its territories, as well as at nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico. COAPRT operates under the auspices of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation, and leisure services. According to uniRank, COAPRT is recognized as a significant entity in the field of recreation and park education.

Historical and Legal Framework

COAPRT was established in 1974 as the Council on Accreditation to provide accreditation services for higher education programs in parks and recreation. In 2009, the council adopted its current name to reflect its expanded scope, which includes tourism and related professions. The accreditation process is voluntary and involves a rigorous evaluation of academic programs to ensure they meet established standards of quality and effectiveness. COAPRT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), affirming its role in maintaining academic quality in the field.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: COAPRT's mission is to protect students, families, sponsoring bodies, colleges, universities, employers, and the public by ensuring that those enrolled in accredited programs receive a quality education that empowers them to succeed in parks, recreation, tourism, and related professions.

Vision: COAPRT envisions a future where accredited programs produce competent professionals who contribute to the enhancement of parks, recreation, tourism, and related services.

Objectives:

• To establish and uphold standards for academic programs in parks, recreation, tourism, and related professions.
• To conduct comprehensive evaluations of programs seeking accreditation.
• To provide guidance and support to institutions in the accreditation process.
• To promote continuous improvement and accountability within accredited programs.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

COAPRT operates as an autonomous body under the NRPA, with its own governance structure. The council is composed of professionals and academics from various disciplines within parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields. This diverse composition ensures that accreditation decisions are informed by a broad range of expertise and perspectives. While COAPRT is sponsored by the NRPA, it maintains independence in its accreditation processes to uphold the integrity and credibility of its evaluations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

COAPRT's accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of academic programs to assess their adherence to established standards. These standards encompass areas such as curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and program resources. Institutions seeking accreditation must submit detailed documentation and undergo site visits by peer reviewers. Programs that meet or exceed the standards are granted accreditation, which is typically valid for a period of seven years. This process ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute effectively to their professions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

COAPRT's accreditation services extend beyond the United States to include institutions in Canada and Mexico, reflecting its commitment to fostering international cooperation in higher education. The council collaborates with various professional organizations and accrediting bodies to align its standards with global best practices and to promote the mobility of graduates across borders. This international engagement enhances the quality and recognition of accredited programs and supports the development of a globally competent workforce in parks, recreation, tourism, and related professions.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

COAPRT continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields. By maintaining rigorous accreditation standards, the council ensures that academic programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry. Looking forward, COAPRT aims to further enhance its accreditation processes by integrating emerging trends and technologies, thereby preparing graduates to meet the challenges of a dynamic and interconnected world. The council's ongoing commitment to quality assurance contributes to the continuous improvement of educational outcomes and the professionalization of the field.

Summary

The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) is a specialized accrediting body that ensures the quality and effectiveness of academic programs in parks, recreation, tourism, and related fields. Established in 1974 and operating under the National Recreation and Park Association, COAPRT upholds rigorous standards and conducts thorough evaluations to accredit programs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Through its commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement, COAPRT plays a crucial role in preparing competent professionals who contribute to the enhancement of parks, recreation, tourism, and related services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is COAPRT?
  COAPRT is the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions, a specialized accrediting body that evaluates and accredits baccalaureate programs in parks, recreation, tourism, sport management, event management, therapeutic recreation, and leisure studies.
• When was COAPRT established?
  COAPRT was established in 1974 as the Council on Accreditation and changed its name in 2009 to reflect its expanded scope.
• Which institutions does COAPRT accredit?
  COAPRT accredits programs at regionally accredited institutions in the United States and its territories, as well as at nationally accredited institutions in Canada and Mexico.
• How long is COAPRT accreditation valid?
  COAPRT accreditation is typically valid for a period of seven years, subject to periodic reviews and evaluations.
• Is COAPRT affiliated with any other organizations?
  COAPRT operates under the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Organization Name

National Recreation & Park Association, Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions

Acronym

COAPRT

Year of Establishment

1/01/1981

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

100

Address

22377 Belmont Ridge Road
Ashburn
20148 Virginia United States

Phone

+1 (703) 858 784

Fax

+1 (703) 858 794

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

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