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Recreation & Tourism Management B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management (RTM) on the West campus has been accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association since 1994. This program prepares students for leadership and management roles, not only in the recreation and tourism management fields, but also the management areas of park, travel, and special events. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the second-largest industry in the United States through a curriculum that emphasizes experimental learning in professional settings. In addition, graduates from this program are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Students complete a 480 professional internship their senior year. The Recreation and Tourism Management program offers many opportunities for students to not only network with industry leaders but also gain a great deal of hands on experience in a wide variety of departments, agencies and businesses throughout the Valley.

The Recreation and Tourism Management program prepares students for leadership roles not only in the recreation and tourism management fields, but also the management areas of park, travel, and special events. Additionally, students may pursue a minor in Youth Services Leadership, through courses offered outside and inside the major. Students will develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the second-largest industry in the United States through a curriculum that emphasizes experimental learning in professional settings. In addition, graduates from this program are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).

Recreation and Tourism Management students have the opportunity to explore career options through a senior internship. Graduates of the program have found employment in resorts, outdoor recreation programs, commercial recreation businesses, fitness facilities, travel and tourism bureaus, and youth programs. While no university degree automatically ensures employment, Recreation and Tourism Management graduates who have tailored their programs and work experience to market opportunities have done very well in securing relevant career positions.

The program offers a curriculum that places the study of recreation and tourism in a broad, multi-disciplinary context. Students will integrate perspectives from such diverse arenas as human development and behavior, law, marketing, strategic planning, urban and regional planning, financing, economic development, social justice, environmental management, human resource management, organizational behavior, and public policy. At the same time, the curriculum emphasizes experimental learning in professional settings to develop the core competencies required for professional-level entry into the recreation and tourism fields.