Adventure Education class on a backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Recreation & Tourism Management

Bachelor of Science in Recreation and 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 and 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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Courses and Curriculum

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.