Online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Recreation Management
Through Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in tourism and recreation management, you’ll gain the skills needed to improve and diversify economies through tourism development and marketing. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take on key leadership roles in leisure enterprises related to travel, sports and recreation.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare for careers in tourism and recreation management
The travel and tourism industry is the largest industry and employer in the world. Along with recreation, sports and other leisure-oriented enterprises, there is significant employment potential for graduates with opportunities in most communities or regions.
With a tourism and recreation management degree, you can pursue many relevant roles in the public, private and nonprofit sectors at resorts, convention and visitor bureaus, sports enterprises or commercial recreation businesses. You’ll also be prepared to work as a tour operator, event planner, recreation coordinator or travel agent.
In addition, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:
What you’ll learn in this bachelor’s program
Foundational management knowledge is a key area of focus in this program, as well as the strategy of planning events, classes, sports leagues and similar activities. You’ll learn about the science of effectively delivering leisure services to benefit a variety of audiences and interests within a wide range of settings. You’ll also gain a variety of transferable skills, including the ability to speak effectively, listen attentively, facilitate group discussion, identify problems, develop evaluation strategies, manage groups and promote change.
Will my degree say 'online'?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Tourism and recreation management courses
This program offers you focused learning opportunities to gain tourism and recreation experience. You’ll learn about standard management principles and how they apply to recreation and tourism, as well as more specialized knowledge and abilities.
The jobs in tourism and recreation management you’ll be prepared for
A tourism and recreation management degree can be your first step toward a variety of roles related to travel, tourism, recreation and sports. Graduates often draw on their area of specialization as they select a professional path. Opportunities exist locally, nationally and abroad in businesses, governments and nonprofits. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Event Planner
Front Desk Manager
General Manager (GM)
Marketing Associate
Marketing Manager
Recreation Coordinator
Sales Manager
TV Program Director
Travel Agent
Educational leaders who blend theory and practical experience for powerful results
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Educational leaders who blend theory and practical experience for powerful results
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Nationally recognized public service programs
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Top 10
best online master’s in criminal justice programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
