Program Overview

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

The University of Montana offers a unique opportunity to study Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management in the diverse and beautiful outdoor classrooms of western Montana. The bachelor's degree program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain wild places through outdoor recreation and tourism management.

Program Overview

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between social, ecological, and policy aspects of outdoor recreation management and tourism. Students will learn from faculty members who are renowned experts in their fields and actively engaged in research that benefits the community, the West, and the world.

Specializations

Students can specialize their parks and recreation management degree through three different tracks:

• Recreation resource management
• Nature-based tourism
• Outdoor recreation services

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program go on to a range of parks and recreation jobs, including:

• Park ranger
• Tourism operator
• Recreation resource planner
• Public lands manager
• Outfitter or guide
• Community recreation provider

Program Details

• 100% of parks, tourism and recreation management students participate in an internship
• The outdoor recreation industry in Montana has a value of $7.1B
• The program is located near outstanding outdoor landscapes, including Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, which are only 4 hours or less away

Other Degree Options

The University of Montana also offers other degree options related to Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management, including:

• Forestry (Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctorate)
• Parks, Tourism and Recreation Management (Master of Science)
• Mountain Studies (Minor)
• Wilderness Studies (Minor)

What You'll Learn

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. You'll develop critical skills to address complex challenges and integrate conservation sciences into planning.

Parks, Tourism and Recreation Jobs

Graduates of the program work with federal and state land management agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Others find jobs with private and nonprofit organizations, such as nature preserves, educational organizations, camps, and resorts.

Salary Estimates

Graduates of the parks, tourism and recreation management bachelor's degree at the University of Montana can expect to earn an average salary of $71,045 per year.

Experiential Learning

The program offers a variety of outdoor learning adventures, including field-based courses and internships. Students can participate in multi-day field trips, winter wilderness field studies, and team research projects.

Internships

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. 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

The program 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.

Career Development

The program provides students with the support they need to succeed, including award-winning faculty, field experiences, internships, and student organizations. Students can participate in active student organizations, such as the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Montana Trails, Recreation and Parks Association, and the Student Recreation Association.

Scholarships

The W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to majors in parks, tourism and recreation management. Students are also eligible for Franke Sustainability Fellowships, which fund study abroad and research experiences focused on sustainability.

Coursework

The program explores the processes and skills needed to determine alternative recreation and tourism management strategies, make management decisions, and carry out management programs. Students will learn about the basic ecological characteristics of recreational lands and can choose from concentrations in recreation resource management, nature-based tourism, and outdoor recreation services.