Recreation & Tourism Management Degree

About the Recreation & Tourism Management Degree Program

The Recreation Tourism Management (RTM) is a social science orientated degree program. RTM is a leading undergraduate program based on faculty scholarship, outstanding student graduates, progressive educational techniques and innovative courses, and successful collaborations with community agencies. Because of our relatively small size, we can offer a personable and friendly atmosphere in which you will have the chance to know your fellow students and the faculty who are experts in the subject matter. Students will have many opportunities to learn and grow as an RTM major. Depending on your interests in Recreation Systems Management, Outdoor Recreation Management, or Sustainable Tourism Management, exciting career opportunities are available. Our program provides excellent professional opportunities to contribute to the community from a business or governance standpoint.

Sustainable Tourism Management

The Sustainable Tourism Management Emphasis focuses on developing skills to plan, organize, assess, and manage sustainable tourism. It incorporates international learning experiences to explore tools and strategies to minimize negative and maximize positive economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism. Sustainable tourism is the fastest growing segment of the world’s largest industry.

Sustainable Tourism Management Career Paths

  • Sustainable tours, accommodations, transportation, attractions, tour wholesaling and retailing
  • Sustainable tourism accreditation and eco-labeling agencies
  • Visitors bureaus and state tourism commissions
  • Professional writers and photographers
  • Green Marketing and Events Manager
  • Destination marketing organizations
  • Sustainable product development
  • Green meetings and events
  • Tourism related non-profits
  • Travel Service Managers
  • Tourism Director

Outdoor Resource Management

The Outdoor Resource Management Emphasis focuses on conservation, outdoor recreation planning, park administration, natural science, environmental interpretation, outdoor education, outdoor leadership, adventure programming, ecological preservation and environmental sustainability. Rewarding and meaningful careers enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, preserving and managing natural, historic, and cultural resources.

Outdoor Resource Management Career Paths

  • Zoo, park, forest, wildlife rangers with various agencies
  • Specialty Activities Guide (fishing/hunting)
  • Outdoor resource management planners
  • Professional writers and photographers
  • Professional writers and photographers
  • Outdoor education specialists
  • Outdoor program leaders
  • Interpretative guides
  • Sports Supervisor
  • Outdoor guides
  • Tour Operator
  • Naturalists

Recreation Systems Management

The Recreation Systems Management Emphasis focuses on leadership and management skills for organization, administration, and supervision of recreation, park, and tourism agencies in public, commercial and private settings. Prepares graduates for jobs in delivering leisure services in the public, non-profit and for profit recreation profession.

Recreation Systems Management Career Paths

  • Self-employment in commercial recreation, health and fitness settings, and tourism ventures
  • Program specialist/manager in municipal recreation and intramural recreation
  • Organization/manager for planning in youth and family non-profit agencies
  • Special events planner for parks, municipal, or commercial organizations
  • Manager in state or federal park and recreation agencies
  • Camp director recreational camp programs
  • Manager for military recreation programs
  • Athletic director in municipal recreation
  • Boys and Girls Club Director
  • Children’ Program Director
  • Senior Programs Director
  • YMCA Executive Director
  • Aquatics Director

RTM Minor

A minor in Recreation and Tourism Management can be the perfect complement to your current declared major. There are many exciting careers in RTM that can put your communication, environmental studies, geography or business major to good use.