Recreation & Tourism Management
Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Tourism Management
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 124
Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions for 39 years.
Providing life-changing experiences!
The Recreation & Tourism Management Program at Georgia Southern University is the only COAPRT accredited four-year bachelor’s degree of its type in the state of Georgia. Our students learn the underlying theory and administrative practices necessary to provide quality leisure services in the areas of outdoor recreation, sports and athletics, event planning, and tourism. Since 1983, our graduates have engaged in diverse rewarding professions that provide life-changing experiences throughout the state and nation.
Program Highlights
- Two distinct emphasis areas: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism & Community Leisure Services.
- Minor in Recreation and Tourism Management (15 credit hours)
- Accelerated Bachelors to Masters in Public Administration (MPA).
- Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management.
- Comprehensive 480-600 hour internship program in Senior year.
- Extensive network of internship and employment opportunities with national, state, and local organizations.
- Undergraduate research opportunities with experienced faculty mentors.
- Unique courses that incorporate service learning and other forms of experiential education.
- RECR 1530 approved for high school dual enrollment credit.
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Emphasis in Outdoor Recreation
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 124
The Outdoor Recreation emphasis prepares students to work for organizations that manage natural resources and provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. There are numerous experiential learning opportunities designed to develop knowledge and skills necessary for success in the outdoor recreation industry. Graduates work in fields such as resource conservation, park law enforcement, environmental education and outdoor leadership. There are two general career paths that outdoor recreation students can pursue: Outdoor Recreation Management and Outdoor Program Administration.
Careers in Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor Recreation Management: Graduates work for federal and state land management agencies. Examples include:
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Bureau of Land Management
- Conservation law enforcement
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Georgia DNR – Coastal Resources Division
- Historic sites
- National park services
- State park systems
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
- U.S. Forest Services
Outdoor Program Administration: Graduates work for recreational, educational, developmental, and therapeutic adventure programs in the private and non-profit sectors. Examples include:
- Camps, private schools, and residential facilities
- Commercial guide services and tourism providers
- Destination ski resorts
- Military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs
- National Outdoor Leadership School
- Outdoor education centers and science schools
- Outward Bound
- Therapeutic wilderness programs
- University outdoor programs
Emphasis in Tourism and Community Leisure Services
Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus
Credit Hours: 124
The Tourism and Community Leisure Services emphasis provides students the skills and experiences required to manage recreation programs and facilities in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Career opportunities are prevalent in organizations such as community parks and recreation departments, campus recreation centers, YMCA’s, Boys and Girls Clubs, and tourism destination resorts and hotels.
Careers in Tourism and Community Leisure Services
Tourism: Graduates work for public, private and non-profit organizations that manage tourism destinations and market them to potential visitors. Examples include:
- Airlines and cruise ships
- Commercial guide services and tourism providers
- Conference centers
- Convention and visitor bureau
- Destination marketing & sales
- Destination resorts
- Event management organization
- Theme park and tourism attractions
- Tourism promotion & planning agencies
Community Leisure Services: Graduates work for public, private and non-profit organizations that manage recreation programs and facilities. Examples include:
- Aquatic facilities and water parks
- Athletic departments
- Campus recreation and intramurals
- City and county recreation departments
- City and regional arts centers
- Corporate recreation programs
- Fitness centers
- Golf courses
- Military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs
- Sports and athletic facilities
Announcements
COAPRT Reaccreditation Granted
The Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT) granted continuing accreditation of Georgia Southern University’s Recreation & Tourism Management program on October 28, 2022. The Council approved the following commendations:
- The program is commended for its continued commitment to accreditation for the past 39 years.
- Faculty demonstrated strong regional, state, and national connections to industry professionals in order to support experiential learning, curriculum development, and mentorship.
- Program faculty are committed to the support of student success through their accessibility to students, outreach/networking, formal and informal advising, and creation of experiential learning opportunities.
- Campus and program services for students with disabilities are a significant strength of the program.
Recreation & Tourism Management News
- 2024 School of Human Ecology Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
Come out to this great student event. Thursday, April 18th, 20246-7 pmInterdisciplinary Academic Building Lobby To submit a proposal, email a 50-word abstractwith title and… - Adventure Education Field Trip to the Smokies
Students in Adventure Education (RECR 3230) planned and led a successful three day backpacking trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park during the Fall 23… - Poverty Simulation
The Poverty Simulation is being held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Armstrong Center (Armstrong Campus). Past Poverty Simulations…
For more news, see our School News Page
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