Nov 23, 2024  
2023-2024 General Catalog 
    
2023-2024 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG–FOR INFORMATION ONLY]

Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism - Natural Resource Recreation 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 Health Sciences. 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 professional 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 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:

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 - Natural Resource Recreation (84 Credits)


Core Courses (81 Credits)


Select One of the Following (4 Credits)


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

Select One of the Following (3 Credits)


Select One of the Following (3 Credits)


Free Electives (1-12 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


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