The Recreation and Tourism major has been a pioneer in the design and development of professional recreation curricula at the undergraduate level since it was established in 1964. It has been directly responsible for the professional preparation of undergraduate students. A student may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (non-teaching) in Recreation and Tourism, preparing the student to assume entry-level leadership roles in municipal, youth, commercial, non-profit, outdoor, and tourism settings.
Career Oportunities:
Supervise a community recreation center, coordinate travel and tourism packages, plan special events, organize youth athletics, direct an aquatic center, coordinate tournaments, or guide visitors and clients.
A major in recreation and tourism leads to employment with agencies in the public, private, and non-profit sector with individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Starting salaries are comparable to those of teachers yet vary with the nature of the setting and economic demands. The major is designed to assist the student in acquiring practical skills and employment connections and networks. Students complete 50 clock hours of recreation experience in the field prior to their junior level practicum and 500 clock hours of recreation experience in the field prior to their senior level internship. Additionally, students complete a 90-hour practicum and a 480-hour internship at professional sites under the direction of full-time recreation and tourism professionals. Networking with professionals and with the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is required in senior level classes, including the practicum and internship. Of the students who have completed their internships, the employment rate is 75% (full and part-time offerings). Responses to a career services survey noted a 100% employment rate.
Degree Requirements — 120 Credits
Required Major Credits — 39 hours REC 203 Introduction to Recreation and Tourism (3)
REC 206 Commercial Recreation and Tourism (3)
REC 232 Recreation Leadership (3)
REC 351 Areas and Facilities in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (3)
REC 368 Programs in Recreation and Tourism (3)
REC 394 Practicum in Recreation and Tourism (3)
REC 444 Professional Participation and Issues (3)
REC 451 Administration of Leisure Delivery Systems (3)
REC 490 Recreation Evaluation and Research (3)
REC 492 Internship in Recreation and Tourism (12)
Required Supporting Credits — 6 hours
BAMG 355 Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship (3)
SES 461 Administration and Law (3)
Required Specified LAC Credits — 9 hours
LAC area 2. Mathematics
STAT 150 Introduction to Statistical Analysis (3)
LAC area 5. Social and Behavioral Sciences
PSY 230 Human Growth and Development (3)
GERO 205 Introduction to Gerontology (3)
Elective LAC Credits — 31 hours
Elective University - Wide Credits — 35 hours