Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

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


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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 course work 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 2040 , ORPT 3040 , and ORPT 4860 . Signature of ORPT coordinator required.

Recommended General Education

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)


See General Education  for course options.

  • Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
  • Knowledge Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Knowledge Area requirements.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Requirement (12 Credits*)


  • Bachelor of Science Degree - Math or Science minimum requirement 12 Credits

* Note: A portion of the B.S. requirements may be met by fulfilling the General Education  Core and Knowledge Areas. Because of this, these credits are typically not counted in the degree total at the bottom of page. Some students majoring in non-science fields may need additional math/science courses to reach the minimum 12 credits. Consult your Student Success Advisor for details. 

Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Tourism Curriculum (73-74 Credits)


Select One of the Following (3-4 Credits)


Lecture/lab pairings count as one (any can be used to fulfill General Education Life Sciences Knowledge Area):

Select One of the Following (4 Credits)


Lecture/lab pairings count as one (either can be used to fulfill General Education Physical Sciences Knowledge Area):

Select One of the Following (3 Credits)


Business Skills Course (3 Credits)


Select one of the following:

Supportive Knowledge Courses (3 Credits)


Select 3 credits from the following:

Free Electives (11-23 Credits)


Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Total Credits, B.S. Degree: 120