Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Park and conservation area management focus area graduates tell us, “I’m told every day by visitors that I have the greatest job.”
  • Our program has been accredited through the National Recreation and Park Association for more than 35 years.
  • Our students have volunteered for the 2010 Paralympic Games in Vancouver and done community service in Tanzania.
  • Junior year, you'll work with a faculty member to complete a year-long research project.
ABOUT.

Nearly one-third of a person’s life is spent at leisure. In modern society, recreational activities are just as necessary to a healthy, balanced life as sleeping or eating. With a major in parks, recreation and tourism management (PRTM), you’ll learn how to manage recreational experiences in a way that is sustainable, thus preserving the natural and cultural resources that each of us is dependent on. The PRTM profession is all about being active and involved; we treat your learning the same way. We do class differently, and in your second year you’ll spend an entire semester in the field with a group of fellow majors and dedicated, passionate professors. You’ll take trips, organize events, meet area professionals, write papers, learn to communicate professionally and collaborate on real-world business plans. In understanding the role of PRTM in community and economic development, you’ll be preparing yourself for a long-term career after graduation.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

The parks, recreation and tourism management major offers five concentration areas. No matter which focus you choose, you’ll graduate knowing how to manage recreational activities, take an active role in the environment, and perform scientific studies on recreation and tourism and the effects on a local, regional and national economy.

Community Recreation, Sport and Camp Management: Take classes in facility operations, management, leadership, programming and risk management, and be prepared for programming and managerial positions in various recreation-related fields.

PGA Golf Management Program: If you want to be a PGA professional, this concentration offers you specialized knowledge and preparation to be an industry leader. Built on a strong business background, this curriculum allows you to earn a minor in business administration.

Park and Conservation Area Management: Prepare to work for governmental and not-for-profit agencies and organizations that manage our natural and historic heritage parks for quality visitor experiences.

Therapeutic Recreation: Discover how to create meaningful recreation experiences and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Travel and Tourism: Learn the issues pertaining to the management, planning and promotion of places and events such as tourist attractions.

Double Major: Students in the PGA golf management program have the opportunity to earn a double major in PRTM and business management.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Athletic Leadership
  • Business Administration
  • Communication
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Sociology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

While there is value to spending time in a classroom with your professors, our faculty fully believe that the best learning experiences for you are out in the world. It’s no secret that people attracted to parks, recreation and tourism management aren’t people who include “sitting inside” at the top of their list of favorite things to do. Therefore, our faculty have made providing outside-the-classroom learning experiences a priority.

Internships and Research Projects:

Connect with Other Students:

  • PRTM Student Association
  • PGA Golf Management Student Association
  • Rho Phi Lambda Honor Society
CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

51%

Employed

12%

Grad School

21%

Seeking Employment

16%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Yellowstone National Park — Special Assistant to Superintendent
  • Miramont Country Club, Texas — Assistant Golf Professional
  • Long County Recreation Department, Ga. — Recreation Director
  • Champions Made from Adversity, Ga. — Program Coordinator

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Penn State — Master’s
  • University of Connecticut — Master’s
  • Graduate School Name — Masters

Common Career Areas**

  • State and National Parks
    • Special Events/Event Management
    • Trails, Greenways and Open Space
  • Tourism Infrastructure
    • Conservation/Preservation
      • Historic, Cultural and Natural Resources
    • Recreation Therapy
      • Special Populations
    • Sport Tourism
      • Event Management
    • Youth
      • Camps
      • Campus Recreation
      • Youth Athletics
      • Before- and After-school Programming
    • Golf Management/Operations
      • Event Management
        • Conference, Convention and Meeting Planning
      *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
      **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
      FIND OUT MORE.

      Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

      Micky Ward, Student Services Program Coordinator
      864-656-0371 — mickyw@clemson.edu