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 in fields such as recreation resource management, parks and recreation, tourism, or related areas of graduate study.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Value the history, philosophy, economic impact, and scope of outdoor recreation. Including comparing US outdoor recreation practices to other countries.
• Utilize interdisciplinary knowledge in social science and sciences to make decisions and solve problems. Course work will include geology, biology, natural resources, hospitality management, and psychology.
• Demonstrate competence as a risk manager.
• Demonstrate competence as an effective communicator, able to communicate with co-workers, supervisors, participants, peers, and appropriate publics.
• Demonstrate competence in entry level administration and management skills and abilities.
• Demonstrate competence as a capable leader.
• Utilize common knowledge, technology, tools, and processes in their emphasis.
• Demonstrate competence as a steward for outdoor recreation valuing natural and cultural resources in their life and work.

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 one of the following minors to complement their program of study:

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

Recommended General Education

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