Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
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. The University of Utah's Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) program equips students to enter various sectors addressing societal, ecological, and financial dimensions of communities. Those enrolled can select from three specialization tracks: Commercial, Community, & Sport Management; Outdoor Recreation Studies; or Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management. The curriculum across all specializations covers leisure theory and research alongside practical applications in park, recreation, and tourism fields. Sample courses encompass 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, event coordinators, and wilderness activity leaders. Alumni have secured positions as environmental program coordinators, expedition leaders, sports program administrators, venue operations directors, outdoor industry executives, camp administrators, and mountain resort safety personnel. For those seeking national opportunities, careers await with the National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service managing recreational sites across America. Advanced degrees can lead to academic and research positions in higher education.