Online Bachelor of Science 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.

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Science
Program Focus
Tourism and Recreation Management
Program Name Abbreviation
Tourism and Recreation Management (BS)
Program Category
Degree Image
A recreation management degree student poses for a photo outside while between classes.
Program Description Intro

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.

Plan Code
PPTRMBS
Program code
UGPP
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

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.

Total Classes
40
Total Hours
120
Total Classes Tooltip
Class number may be less for transfer students.
Total Credit Hours
120
Total Hours Tooltip
Required number of credits to complete this degree.
Program Fee Code
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions - Undergraduate Programs
Courses Section Title
Tourism and recreation management courses
CIP code
31.01
Title
Educational leaders who blend theory and practical experience for powerful results
Description

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.
Accolade title
Nationally recognized public service programs
Accolade Description

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.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
#2
Accolades Description

in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Accolades Title
Top 5
Accolades Description

Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 10
Accolades Description

best online master’s in criminal justice programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 15
Accolades Description

best public affairs programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
Top 10%
Accolades Description

of graduate programs in social work, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Accolades Title
20
Accolades Description

research centers.

Accolades Title
25+
Accolades Description

academic programs offered online.

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Program fee code for resident
UPO301
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO301
Program Description Title
Prepare for careers in tourism and recreation management
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
tourism-and-recreation-management-bs
Program Generated Code
UGPP-PPTRMBS
Title
Will my degree say 'online'?
Description

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.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program Features