RTNL Programs
Explore. Lead. Inspire.
Prepare for dynamic careers creating experiences and environments that encourage people to explore, connect and grow through undergraduate and graduate programs focused on recreation, tourism, nonprofit leadership and philanthropy at UNI.
Here you'll find recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership (RTNL) programs that help you empower others and strengthen your community. Contribute to healthy lifestyles by managing youth camps, parks, sports facilities and senior centers. Specialize in outdoor education and leadership. Support your community and visitors through various social and charitable organizations.
In addition to both the BA and MA in RTNL, educational opportunities include:
- Certificates:
- Nonprofit leadership
- Outdoor recreation
- Tourism
- Youth work in religious settings (interdisciplinary)
- MA in philanthropy/nonprofit development
Recreation, Tourism & Nonprofit Leadership
Become an effective leader in various community and nonprofit settings. The RTNL degree gives you many career options. Through hands-on learning, practical skill development, and extra-curricular activities, you will be prepared to lead in community recreation, nonprofit administration, tourism, or youth development.
What our alumni say
Master's Programs
Recreation, Tourism and Nonprofit Leadership MA
This program prepares you for leadership roles in various settings, including youth services, campus or community recreation, outdoor leadership, tourism and nonprofit management. Take an active role in determining your personal learning objectives and develop your programs of study to take your career to the next level. Coordinator: Chris Kowalski
Philanthropy/Nonprofit Development MA (Online)
As a nonprofit professional with three to five years of experience, this flexible, online program lets you develop your professional skills and knowledge in areas such as ethical policy and scholarly research, theories and models related to the nonprofit world--such as grant writing, donor relations, advocacy and accountability. Coordinator: Julianne Gassman
Renowned Facilities
A fit environment to grow
The Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC) is the ultimate hub for UNI students where you will take your RTNL major classes. Inside you'll find a vibrant community using the:
- Fitness center, weight rooms, pools and fitness classes
- Climbing wall and outdoor equipment rental office
- Nonprofit Leadership Alliance office
- RTNL Outdoor Adventures lab
- Easy access to athletic events in the UNI-Dome
This is your space to explore, lead and inspire.
On campus and beyond
At UNI, you have access to:
- UNI athletic fields (football, softball, rugby, ultimate frisbee, soccer)
- Hiking, biking and running trails – on and off campus
- An on-campus pond for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding – with trails weaving through the surrounding prairie
- Tallgrass Prairie Center
- Community facilities and parks, including the new Gateway River Park for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding
In addition, through RTNL Outdoor Adventures, you can participate in – or help lead – trips regionally and beyond. Recent ventures: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and the Grand Canyon!
A fit environment to grow
The Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC) is the ultimate hub for UNI students where you will take your RTNL major classes. Inside you'll find a vibrant community using the:
- Fitness center, weight rooms, pools and fitness classes
- Climbing wall and outdoor equipment rental office
- Nonprofit Leadership Alliance office
- RTNL Outdoor Adventures lab
- Easy access to athletic events in the UNI-Dome
This is your space to explore, lead and inspire.
On campus and beyond
At UNI, you have access to:
- UNI athletic fields (football, softball, rugby, ultimate frisbee, soccer)
- Hiking, biking and running trails – on and off campus
- An on-campus pond for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding – with trails weaving through the surrounding prairie
- Tallgrass Prairie Center
- Community facilities and parks, including the new Gateway River Park for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding
In addition, through RTNL Outdoor Adventures, you can participate in – or help lead – trips regionally and beyond. Recent ventures: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and the Grand Canyon!