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The parks, recreation, and tourism discipline focuses on delivering wholesome, rewarding, and eco-friendly outdoor leisure and travel experiences for diverse populations. Professionals in this sector oversee and preserve these natural assets and settings, guaranteeing public access to safe outdoor enjoyment. Through the University of Utah's Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) program, students gain the skills to explore various sectors addressing societal, ecological, and financial dimensions. The major offers three specialization tracks: Commercial, Community, & Sport Management; Outdoor Recreation Studies; and Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management. Each track incorporates foundational studies in leisure theory and research, alongside practical subjects relevant to park, recreation, and tourism careers. Sample courses cover leisure services administration, natural resource management, recreational planning, experiential learning, and sports administration.
Professional Pathways
Program graduates qualify for roles such as park supervisors, adventure guides, conservation officers, athletic coaches, program coordinators, event organizers, and wilderness specialists. Alumni have secured positions as environmental program coordinators, expedition leaders, athletic program administrators, conference planners, recreation center administrators, outdoor industry executives, camp administrators, and mountain resort operations staff. Those interested in nationwide opportunities can join the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service. Advanced degrees open doors to academic and research positions in higher education.