Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Natural Resource Recreation Emphasis (B.S.)

Student Success Advisor(s)

Sample Degree Plan

Program Summary

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism (ORPT) is an interdisciplinary degree program offered by the Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation within the College of Education and Human Development. The interdisciplinary nature of the program includes coursework from Agriculture Science; Biology; Communication; Geology; and Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management.

The degree program in ORPT is intended to provide students with training that qualifies them to work in a variety of work settings including outdoor recreation management agencies, outdoor and experiential education organizations, outdoor tourism companies, and outdoor recreation service and instruction programs. Employment opportunities typically exist with local, state, and national agencies; protected natural areas; outdoor leadership and service programs; commercial recreation enterprises; and wilderness adventure/therapy organizations. Combined with the broad educational background provided by SUU’s baccalaureate core, this program will give students a wide range of opportunities upon graduation including preparation for graduate studies at Utah System of Higher Education’s Research I institutions in fields such as recreation resource management, parks and recreation, tourism, or related areas of graduate study.

Program Information

• All courses must be passed with a “C-” (1.7) or better to be counted in the major.
• Students may gain credit through the National Outdoor Leadership School for the following courses: ORPT 1542 , ORPT 2000 , ORPT 3040 , and ORPT 4860 . Signature of ORPT coordinator required.

Recommended Minors

The ORPT program recommends students consider completing the following minors to complement their program of study:

• Agriculture (Minor)  
• Biology (Minor)  
• Communication - Communication Studies Emphasis (Minor)  
• Communication - Strategic Communication Emphasis (Minor)  
• Criminal Justice (Minor)  
• Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management (Minor)  
• Management (Minor)  
• Physical Education - Exercise Science Emphasis (Minor)  

Program Prerequisites

The Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation strongly recommends that students complete the following courses as part of their General Education  requirements, as they are prerequisites for required major courses. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree.

• BIOL 1610 - General Biology I  & BIOL 1615 - General Biology Lab I  (can be used to fulfill General Education Life Sciences Knowledge Area)
• GEO 1050 - Geology of National Parks  & GEO 1055 - Geology National Parks Lab  OR GEO 2210 - Geology of Southern Utah  & GEO 2215 - Geology of Southern Utah Lab  (either can be used to fulfill General Education Physical Sciences Knowledge Area)

Additional Recommendations

• American Institutions: HIST 1700 - American Civilization  or POLS 1100 - American National Government  
• Humanities Knowledge Area: COMM 1010 - Introduction to Communication , COMM 2110 - Interpersonal Communication , EDUC 1010 - Foundations in Education , or HIST 1110 - Western Civilization II  
• Social and Behavioral Sciences Knowledge Area: ANTH 1010 - Cultural Anthropology , CJ 1010 - Introduction to Criminal Justice , COMM 2150 - Intercultural Communication , PE 1098 - Wellness Dynamics , PSY 1010 - General Psychology , or SOC 1010 - Introduction to Sociology