parks recreation and tourism management salary

Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management

• Recreation and Park Management (parks planning and management, recreation programming and administration, community sport and recreation administration, facility management, etc.) focuses on environmental education, outdoor recreation, parks planning and management and conservation of parks and other natural resource areas.
• Tourism and Event Management  (event planning, sustainable tourism, facility management, facility and site planning, and recreation programming and administration) focuses on program development and community-based recreation for non-profit organizations, public recreation and park agencies, as well as companies and corporations.

Parks, Recreation & Tourism website has more information about the major, careers and student profiles.

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Courses include:

• Leadership and Supervision, Programming, Sport Law, Geospatial Applications, Outdoor Recreation Management, Sustainable Tourism, Facility Management, Interpretation, Parks and Recreation Finance and Planning

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management

About this degree.

Connect people with the outdoors with a major in parks, recreation, and tourism management. This program is ideal for anyone who wants to work outdoors and teach others about the environment. Learn to create educational programs, manage natural resources for outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism, and help people interact with the environment.

Students learn real-world skills and tools needed to identify, understand, and manage complex human-environment issues. This includes an emphasis on understanding significant historical developments, developing services and programs, managing for recreational impacts, and recognizing the importance of sustainable development.

What you will learn

Courses teach the "human dimensions" of natural resources, helping students better understand the role that people play in sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism. Learn what makes tourism sustainable, how to cultivate environmental awareness through outdoor recreation, managing wilderness areas to accommodate visitors, and the business skills needed to run a successful eco-tourism or recreation enterprise.

The curriculum offers opportunities for students to study abroad on one of our many study abroad programs including Antarctica, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Students pursuing the parks, recreation, and tourism major may be able to complete one or more of the following programs alongside their major.

• Environmental Education certificate
• Sustainability certificate
• Entrepreneurship certificate

Tourism director

Park manager

Environmental educator

Outdoor adventure guide

Entrepreneur

You can find many of our graduates working at state and national parks, where they are leaders in their field. Others move into environmental interpretation or education, work as directors at municipal parks and leisure service offices, for tourism boards, or work in the eco-tourism industry.

This degree also sets graduates up for working as a business owner in a tourism-related field.

Faculty research includes topics such as sustainable business models, motivations for tourists, eco-tourism, and the influence social media has on travel. Students are encouraged to assist in faculty and graduate student projects.

Interesting Facts

What can't you do with a degree in..., wildlife sciences.

In this area of emphasis, students learn how to manage healthy populations of wildlife.

Minor in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

Immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary field that complements biology, chemistry, physics, geology—or just a love of being out on the water.

Forestry is a major economic engine in the South, and forest products are used in thousands of products.

Support Warnell

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience.  Learn more about giving .

Every dollar given has a direct impact upon our students and faculty.

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Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management – Bachelor’s Degree Program (BS)

Study parks, tourism and recreation management at the university of montana.

Learn to sustain wild places through outdoor recreation and tourism management. Our bachelor’s degree in parks, tourism and recreation management offers a unique opportunity to study in the diverse and beautiful outdoor classrooms of western Montana, with destinations such as Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, national forests, wild and scenic rivers, and cultural and heritage sites only a few hours’ drive from campus.

At UM, you’ll learn from faculty members who are renowned experts in their fields and actively engaged in research that benefits our community, the West and the world. You’ll also have numerous opportunities to apply classroom lessons in the real world, through field-based projects in the senior capstone course and a required internship tailored to your interests and professional goals.

You can specialize your parks and recreation management degree through three different tracks: recreation resource management, nature-based tourism or outdoor recreation services. Our graduates go on to a range of parks and recreation jobs including park ranger, tourism operator, recreation resource planner, public lands manager, outfitter or guide, and community recreation provider.

of parks, tourism and recreation management students participate in an internship

value of the outdoor recreation industry in Montana

hours or less to outstanding outdoor landscapes including Glacier and Yellowstone national parks

Other degree options for parks, tourism and recreation management at UM

• Master of Science in Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management

What can you do with a parks, tourism and recreation management degree?

Parks and recreation employers throughout Montana and across the nation choose UM graduates for their skills-based learning, leadership training and on-the-job experience. It’s why 97% of Franke College of Forestry and Conservation graduates are employed or attending graduate school, and 85% are employed in their degree field. From river and backcountry rangers, to tourism operators, to outfitters and guides and wilderness managers, graduates of the parks, tourism and recreation management bachelor’s degree go on to exciting and successful careers sustaining wild places and public lands.

What you’ll learn in the parks, tourism and recreation degree program

As a parks and recreation major, you’ll study the interactions of social, ecological and policy aspects of outdoor recreation management and tourism that support sustainability while developing critical skills to address complex challenges and integrate conservation sciences into planning.

Parks, tourism and recreation jobs

Our graduates work with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, and many other federal and state land management agencies. Others find jobs with private and nonprofit organizations such as nature preserves, educational organizations, camps and resorts, hospitality and resort associations, and visitor and convention bureaus. Examples of park and recreation jobs include:

• River or backcountry ranger
• Tourism/resort operator
• Wilderness manager
• Recreation planner
• Outfitter or guide

Parks and recreation salary

We estimate that graduates of the parks, tourism and recreation management bachelor’s degree at UM earn an average of $71,045 per year. However, keep in mind that salaries can vary widely depending on the career you choose.

Video: Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management at UM

Learn how to work with people to develop and manage recreation and tourism experiences while protecting natural resources as a parks, tourism and recreation major at the University of Montana.

Student Spotlight: Undergraduates Develop Trailhead Signage

It’s a well-known truism in the world of park management: Hikers rarely read trailhead signs. And in their zeal to enjoy the wilderness – now –  they miss important messages posted to protect parks, wildlife and the hikers themselves. That's why a team of UM undergraduate student researchers set out to determine what it takes – visually and verbally – to reach even the most single-minded hikers.

Beyond the classroom: Experiential learning in the parks, tourism and recreation management degree program

Visit national wildlife refuges and national parks, raft on the Clark Fork and meet with recreation resource managers. Parks and recreation majors engage in a variety of outdoor learning adventures that make the world their classroom. At UM, you’ll also have access to 25,000 acres of land managed for student and faculty research , including Lubrecht Experimental Forest and Bandy Ranch at the south end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex.

Field-based courses in the parks and recreation degree

If you enjoy hands-on learning in the great outdoors you’ve come to the right place. Experiential learning is built into UM’s parks, tourism and recreation degree from day one:

• Take a multi-day field trip to Glacier National Park and meet with wilderness rangers, park leadership and tourism operators in our First Year Seminar in Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management course.
• Spend a winter session studying wilderness values and management, winter ecology and snow science in our Winter Wilderness Field Studies course.
• Work on a team research project to help a local organization solve a pressing outdoor recreation and tourism issue as part of your capstone experience.
• Attend professional conferences, visit Yellowstone National Park, raft the Alberton Gorge and more as you learn about recreation and tourism management.

Internships in the parks and recreation management major

As a parks and recreation major, you’ll complete a 400-hour internship that provides real-life work experience and helps you build professional connections. Our faculty members will work with you to customize an internship project that suits your career goals and will help you gain the skills you need to be successful. Examples of past internships include exploring wild areas as a backcountry ranger, leading groups down whitewater rapids and helping visitors find their ideal experience in national parks.

Study abroad in the parks, tourism and recreation management degree

Our Sustaining Human Society and the Natural Environment course offers an opportunity to study abroad in Zambia and Botswana, where you’ll explore the complex interactions between rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, tourism and sustainable use of natural resources. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the University of Montana .

Career development in the parks, tourism and recreation management degree program

At UM, you can count on getting the support you need to succeed — not only in your coursework, but also in preparing for your future career. It starts with our award-winning faculty, all experts in their field with many professional connections, who are committed to one-on-one mentoring and helping each student tailor an individualized experience. Field experiences, internships and student organizations offer additional opportunities for networking, service learning and professional development.

Student organizations for parks, tourism and recreation management majors

We are home to a variety of active student organizations you may choose to take part in as a parks and recreation major, including:

• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
• Montana Trails, Recreation and Parks Association
• Student Recreation Association
• Outdoor Recreation Living Learning Community
• Freshman Wilderness Experience
• Women’s Climbing Night at Outdoor Programs

Parks, tourism and recreation management scholarships

The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships you’ll be eligible for as a major in parks, tourism and recreation management. You’ll also be eligible for Franke Sustainability Fellowships, which fund study abroad and research experiences focused on sustainability.

Explore classes for parks, tourism and recreation management

Coursework for the parks and recreation program explores the processes and skills needed to determine alternative recreation and tourism management strategies, make management decisions and carry out management programs. You’ll also learn about the basic ecological characteristics of recreational lands. We offer concentrations in recreation resource management, nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation services.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in parks, tourism and recreation management .

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College of Natural Resources Job Boards

Parks, recreation and tourism management job board.

Program Description

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management prepares students for a variety of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The curriculum provides broad exposure to the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to create, manage, lead and operate in organizations, agencies and businesses that provide leisure and leisure-related experiences, services, environments and therapeutic interventions. Students choose from one of two concentration areas: (1) Parks, Recreation and Tourism Concentration with an emphasis area in Parks, Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation; Sport and Recreation Management; or Tourism and Event Management; (2) Recreational Therapy (RT). These concentration areas offer the flexibility to accommodate each student’s career objectives in positions in community recreation, campus recreation, sports and athletics management, event and experience planning and management, commercial recreation and tourism, park and conservation area management, interpretation and management of natural, historic, and cultural sites, rehabilitation services, recreational therapy, programs for people with disabilities, senior citizens or other special populations, camp administration, travel industry, resort management, convention and visitor bureaus, conference and meeting planning, and community tourism development to name a few.

The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT). Therefore, our graduates are immediately eligible to apply to become National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) “Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP),” a valuable credential for professional development. The Recreational Therapy program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Recreational Therapy Education (CARTE), and students choosing the Recreational Therapy option will also be qualified to sit for the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification.

When space is available, a student may change majors to one of the degree concentrations in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with approval of the department chair or the chair’s designee. Students are encouraged to speak with a PRTM advisor about changing their major prior to the start of their sophomore year to avoid a delay in graduation due to course sequencing and course prerequisite requirements.

Graduate degrees offered are Master of Science (Thesis option or Online/non-thesis option) and Doctor of Philosophy.

Program Requirements

Recreational therapy concentration.

The Recreational Therapy (RT) Concentration prepares students for exciting careers working with people with disabilities and health conditions in a variety of settings, including community-based recreation agencies, camps, children’s hospitals, psychiatric and physical rehabilitation hospitals, and assisted-living facilities, to name a few. Recreational Therapy consists of the delivery of recreation services designed to improve participants’ health, leisure experiences, quality of life, and functional capabilities. Students who complete these requirements are eligible to sit for the examination to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). As part of the coursework during their junior year, students complete preceptorships at agencies in Clemson and the surrounding area. The Recreational Therapy Concentration is a three and a half year degree.

Freshman Year

First semester.

• BIOL 1030 - General Biology I 3 Credits
• BIOL 1050 - General Biology Laboratory I 1 Credit
• PSYC 2010 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
• SOC 2010 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credits
• Mathematics Requirement 3 Credits 1
• South Carolina REACH Act Requirement 3 Credits 2

Credit Hours: 16

Second semester.

• CH 1010 - General Chemistry 4 Credits
• CH 1050 - Chemistry in Context I 4 Credits
• PRTM 2000 - The Profession and Practice in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 3 Credits
• Arts and Humanities (Non-Literature) Requirement 3 Credits 1
• English Composition Requirement 3 Credits 1
• Oral Communication Requirement 3 Credits 1

Sophomore Year

• PRTM 2200 - Conceptual Foundations of Parks, Recreation and Tourism 3 Credits
• PRTM 2220 - Program and Event Planning in Parks, Recreation and Tourism 3 Credits
• PRTM 2260 - Foundations of Management and Administration in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management 6 Credits
• Arts and Humanities (Literature) Requirement 3 Credits 1

Credit Hours: 15

• PRTM 2600 - Foundations of Recreational Therapy 3 Credits
• PSYC 3400 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3 Credits
• PSYC 3830 - Abnormal Psychology 3 Credits
• Global Challenges Requirement 3 Credits 1
• Elective 3 Credits
• PRTM 2060 - Practicum I 1 Credit
• PRTM 2070 - Practicum II 1 Credit

Credit Hours: 2

Junior year.

• PRTM 3220 - Facilitation Techniques in Recreational Therapy 3 Credits
• PRTM 3230 - Professional Preparation for Recreational Therapy Practice 3 Credits
• PRTM 3240 - Assessment and Planning in Recreational Therapy 3 Credits
• Concentration Area Requirement 4 Credits 3
• BIOL 2210 - Therapeutic Applications of Human Anatomy and Physiology 3 Credits
• PRTM 3260 - Recreational Therapy Populations I 3 Credits
• PRTM 3270 - Recreational Therapy Populations II 3 Credits
• PRTM 3280 - Preceptorship in Recreational Therapy 3 Credits 4

Credit Hours: 12

• PRTM 4250 - Recreational Therapy Internship 12 Credits

Credits Hours: 12

Senior year.

• PRTM 4220 - Management of Recreational Therapy Services 3 Credits
• Concentration Area Requirement 5 Credits 3
• Elective 9 Credits

Credit Hours: 17

Total credits: 121.

1 See General Education Requirements    and advisor. Students should see their advisor to select general education requirements that meet the prerequisites for the Recreational Therapy concentration specific classes.

2 See the South Carolina REACH Act Requirement in the Academic Regulations    section.

3 Nine credits selected from AGRB 3610   ,  AL 3490   , AL 3500   , AL 3520   , AL 3530   , AL 3760   , AL 4530   , ASL 1010   , ASL 1020   ,  AVS 2080   , COMM 3300   , COMM 3480   , COMM 3500   , COMM 3640   , COMM 3800   ,  COMM 3810   , ED 4050   , EDF 3020   , EDF 3340   , EDF 3350   ,  HLTH 2600   , HLTH 3030   , HLTH 3050   , HLTH 3100   , HLTH 3400   , HLTH 4020   , HLTH 4100   , HLTH 4110   , HLTH 4150   , HLTH 4300   , HLTH 4400   , HLTH 4800   ,  JUST 4930   , LS 1260   , LS 2350   , LS 2360   , LS 2370   , LS 2380   , LS 2420   ,  LS 2750   , LS 2760   , LS 2780   , NPL 3000   , PHIL 3460   , PSYC 3060   ,  PSYC 3220   , PSYC 3240   , PSYC 3300   ,  PSYC 3330   , PSYC 3340   , PSYC 3440   , PSYC 3450   , PSYC 3520   , PSYC 3700   , PSYC 4150   , PSYC 4260   , PSYC 4430   , PSYC 4800   ,  PSYC 4820   , PSYC 4880   , SOC 3500   , SOC 3800   , SOC 3910   , SOC 3920   , SOC 3940   , SOC 3970   , SOC 4600   , SOC 4800   , SOC 4810   , SOC 4840   , YDP 3000   , YDP 3050   , YDP 3100   , YDP 3150   , YDP 3200   , YDP 3300   , YDP 3350   , YDP 3400   , or any 3000-4000-level course in ASL or PRTM.

4 Due to the requirements of the preceptorship, students make only take additional coursework this term with the approval of their advisor.

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Assistant Professor - Recreation and Tourism Management 24-27

• A doctorate degree in the discipline (e.g., outdoor recreation, park management, recreation management, sport management, experience design, event management, experiential education, tourism/travel, and/or hospitality management) or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution. Candidates who have ABD status will be considered but must have an earned doctorate by the first day of the Fall 2024 term.
• Experience or clear potential for working effectively with diverse groups and populations
• Experience or clear potential for teaching effectively in a college/university setting
• Experience or clear potential for conducting research that results in peer-reviewed publications
• Evidence of specialization in outdoor adventure, leadership through adventure, and outdoor education theory and skills. Other specializations will be considered.
• Ability to contribute to effective teaching of departmental core course in addition to area of specialization. Consult department curriculum.
• Industry/professional experience in area of specialization.
• Experience effectively working as a member of a collaborative team in a professional environment, preferably in an academic setting
• Evidence of effective engagement or potential to engage with a diverse student body
• Experience or potential using culturally responsive pedagogy that leads to equitable outcomes for all students
• Experience creating a student-centered learning environment
• Research/Lab experience or potential that includes working with students from diverse backgrounds
• Experience adopting inclusive approaches to mentoring
• Experience or commitment to establishing and maintaining collaborations with external professional/industry organizations
• Successful grant and/or fund development for research and/or programming
• Experience or clear potential for effective teaching using a variety of modalities (e.g., online, hybrid, and/or in-person/on-campus)
• a 3-5 page letter of application that addresses the required and preferred qualifications
• current curriculum vitae
• names and contact information of two references who can address the candidate's teaching, research, and service qualifications
• name and contact information of one reference who can address the candidate's work in professional/industry settings and/or with community organizations

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