Online B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism: Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management
Shape unforgettable adventures for guests.
Whether you’re passionate about preserving natural landscapes or enhancing visitor experiences, the University of Utah’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism degree program provides the foundation to excel in tourism management and hospitality.
Credits Required
What Does It Cost
$520/credit*
*Subject to change without notice.
Tuition Estimator
Learning Format
Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Why Choose UOnline’s Bachelor’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism?
UOnline’s parks and recreation degree program, with an emphasis on Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management, teaches you how to manage tourism operations while considering the broader effects on culture, the environment, and local economies. The curriculum covers topics such as sustainable tourism, protecting natural and cultural landmarks, enhancing visitor experiences, and marketing destinations. You also develop practical skills in event planning, customer service, tourism policy, and economics, preparing you for various careers.
As an online student, you have the flexibility to learn from anywhere, whether you're working or traveling. Not only is coursework convenient, but you can also customize the program to match your career goals by focusing on sustainable tourism management, hospitality management, or tourism enterprise and marketing.
Every student in the hospitality management degree program gains real-world experience through a required internship. If you live in Utah, you can access one of the world’s top tourism and hospitality destinations, including state and national parks, well-known ski resorts, beautiful mountains, and more.
Application Deadlines
Choose to begin UOnline’s hospitality management degree program in the semester that fits your schedule.
Any Semester Admission
Begin your recreation journey. The application deadline for the fall semester is April 1, the spring semester is Nov. 1, and the summer semester is March 1.
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Overview
At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.
Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:
- Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
- Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
- Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.
Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:
- Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
- Participate in and guide online discussions.
- Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
- Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.
Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management from the College of Health.
All of the courses at the university, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members.
To earn the parks and recreation degree online, you must take 122 credit hours, which includes general education requirements, 66 program-specific credits, and a senior internship.:
- Courses in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism: Complete 42 credit hours in required courses, including an internship, that cover foundational industry skills.
- Courses in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management: Take nine credit hours in sustainable tourism and hospitality management. These classes introduce you to leading topics, issues, and skills for tourism and hospitality.
- Elective Focus Areas: To customize your degree to your interests, complete a total of 15 credit hours in sustainable tourism management, hospitality management, or tourism enterprise and marketing.
Most students complete the major coursework in four semesters and typically finish their internship during the summer. While the program is designed for completion in four years, part-time study is available, which may extend your time to graduation.
view program curriculum & requirements
Student Learning Outcomes
- Understand the historical and current trends in the field, including philosophical issues, the role of various governmental services, and economic factors.
- Identify, create, and lead recreational opportunities for individuals with an array of skill and interest levels within a diverse set of program types.
- Use quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate parks, recreation, and tourism services for the purposes of improving managerial decision-making.
- Recognize the significance of providing services for all individuals and learn to adapt and create services for non-dominant populations.
- Learn the skills needed to succeed in professional parks, recreation, and tourism organizations, including marketing and promotion, budgeting and pricing, and potential risk and liability matters.
- Gain practical experience by completing 400 or more hours of service in a professional parks, recreation, and tourism organization.
The cost per credit hour for the online tourism degree program is $520. Tuition is subject to change. Calculate your total program cost.
Tuition does not include additional fees, such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program.
Review UOnline's cost and financial aid information. The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism offers scholarship opportunities for admitted students who meet specific requirements.
Note: New students beginning their studies with UOnline in fall 2024 may be eligible for university employee tuition reductions in certain cases. Email us at uonline@utah.edu to find out if you qualify.
Submit the University of Utah application to apply for UOnline’s hospitality management degree program.
Career Outcomes
Whether you want to manage guest services for cruise lines, coordinate ecotourism experiences, or promote sustainable travel, the online tourism degree program equips you with the skills needed for in-demand roles.
The focus on sustainability and hospitality management ensures you're ready for positions with industries that are actively seeking professionals who understand sustainable practices. Plus, hands-on internships give you a competitive edge when entering the job market.
Potential Roles
- Catering Coordinator
- Director of Tourism
- Events Director
- Environmental Educator
- Facilities Manager
- Front Desk Supervisor
- Hotel Manager
- Operations Manager
- Sustainability Manager
- Tour Guide
Alumni Careers
Graduates who earned a parks and recreation degree from UOnline are working in the following positions:
- Conference Services Manager (Hotel Monaco)
- Director of Events (4Life Research)
- General Manager (Nailed! Salon and Boutique)
- Guest Services Agent (Marriott Mountainside)
- Marketing Coordinator (Sundance Mountain Resort)
- Membership Manager (Hogle Zoo)
- Philanthropy Assistant (Trust for the National Mall)
- Special Event Coordinator (Hogle Zoo)
- Sustainability Coordinator (Deer Valley Resort)
- Vacation Planner (Deer Valley Resort)
11%
Expected Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for entertainment and recreation managers is expected to increase by 11% over the next nine years, faster than most occupations.
$73,460
Median Annual Wage
In May 2023, the median salary for entertainment and recreation managers was $73,460, as reported by the BLS.
35,800
Currently Employed
The BLS shared that 35,800 entertainment and recreation managers were employed in 2023.
Department Contact
Get in touch to explore how earning the University of Utah’s online parks, recreation, and tourism degree can help you meet your goals.
Eric Gardner
Academic Advisor