Online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Recreation Management

Travel and tourism are some of the largest industries and employers in the world. Earning a recreation and tourism management degree prepares you to take on key leadership roles in leisure enterprises related to travel, sports and recreation. You will build valuable management abilities and learn how they apply to this unique field.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 06/29/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What is recreation and tourism management?

At its core, recreation and tourism management is about providing enjoyable and enriching experiences in a variety of settings. Professionals in this field also play critical roles in ensuring the stability and cost-effectiveness of the programs they manage. At the same time, they make a positive difference in people’s lives and enhance the communities they work in, doing so in a manageable and cost-conscious manner.

Economic and social development is a key focus of the recreation management degree. Sports programs, community festivals and many other events offer financial and educational opportunities in the areas they serve. Effective planning and management can help extend these advantages and make them more accessible to all interested community members and stakeholders.

What can I do with a recreation and tourism management degree?

 

Foundational management knowledge is a key area of focus for this recreation and tourism management degree, as is the strategy of planning events, classes, sports leagues and similar activities. You will learn about the science of effectively delivering leisure services to benefit a variety of audiences and interests within a wide range of settings.

As a student, you can specialize in one of the following areas to help support your personal career path after graduation:

  • Events.
  • Recreation.
  • Sports.
  • Tourism.

With your recreation management degree, you can pursue many relevant roles in the public, private and nonprofit sectors at resorts, convention and visitor bureaus, sports enterprises and commercial recreation businesses. Graduates can also find jobs as tour operators, event planners, recreation coordinators and travel agents.

Will this degree prepare me for hospitality and food service roles?

 

A tourism management degree emphasizes improving communities through travel and recreation. There is not a specific focus on hospitality or the food and beverage industry.

Will my recreation and tourism management 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Recreation and tourism management degree courses

The recreation management degree offers you focused learning opportunities to gain tourism and recreation experience. You will learn about standard management principles and how they apply to recreation and tourism, as well as build more specialized knowledge and abilities. Featured courses include:


TDM 205: Introduction to Travel and Tourism (G)


PRM 120: Leisure and the Quality of Life (SB)


PRM 210: Leisure Delivery Systems


PRM 203: Program Planning


CRD 302: Inclusive Community Development (SB & C)


PRM 380: Wilderness and Parks in America (SB & H)


CRD 350: Tourism, Recreation and Sports Marketing


PRM 310: Volunteer Management


Tourism and recreation management degree jobs

A tourism 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 are not limited to:

Event Planner


Growth: 7.8 %
Salary: $51,560

Front Desk Manager


Growth: -11.7 %
Salary: $56,670

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 5.8 %
Salary: $103,650

Marketing Associate


Growth: -1.1 %
Salary: $133,460

Marketing Manager


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $142,170

Recreation Coordinator


Growth: 10.0 %
Salary: $28,440

Sales Manager


Growth: 3.5 %
Salary: $132,290

TV Program Director


Growth: 10.0 %
Salary: $76,400

Travel Agent


Growth: -25.9 %
Salary: $42,350

Educational leaders who blend theory and practical experience for powerful results

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions. Our faculty members include leading experts on parks and protected areas, sustainable tourism and nonprofit leadership and management. Recent 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 are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions. Our faculty members include leading experts on parks and protected areas, sustainable tourism and nonprofit leadership and management. Recent 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.

Recreation and tourism management degree admission requirements

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

A college built on public service and supporting social growth

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 public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#1


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#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 5


best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, 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.

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