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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Tourism and Recreation Management (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following areas to support your personal career path after graduation:

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

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

 

The bachelor’s in tourism and recreation management is ideal for students interested in learning how to provide enjoyable and enriching experiences in a variety of settings. This includes ensuring the stability and cost-effectiveness of the programs they manage, as well as making a positive difference in people’s lives and embracing the communities they work in.

Please note: While this program does emphasize improving communities through travel and recreation, there isn’t a specific focus on hospitality or the food and beverage industry.

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.

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


PRM 210: Leisure Delivery Systems


PRM 203: Program Planning


CRD 302: Inclusive Community Development (SOBE OR SB & C)


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


CRD 350: Tourism, Recreation and Sports Marketing


PRM 310: Volunteer Management (CIVI)


CRD 401: Managing Tourism and Leisure Enterprises


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


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $52,560

Front Desk Manager


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $61,910

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $98,100

Marketing Associate


Growth: 1.9 %
Salary: $127,830

Marketing Manager


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $140,040

Recreation Coordinator


Growth: 4.6 %
Salary: $31,680

Sales Manager


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $130,600

TV Program Director


Growth: 6.7 %
Salary: $85,320

Travel Agent


Growth: 3.5 %
Salary: $46,400

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.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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 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.

#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 15


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.

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