Communication and business skills are also emphasized in the program because of their fundamental importance to the administration of recreation, park and tourism facilities and resources. This emphasis focuses on management of natural and cultural resources associated with park and amenity development. Necessary skills include computer applications for natural resource management, geographic information systems, impact assessment methodology, and heritage and natural resources planning techniques. Students with an emphasis in this field look forward to careers with both public and private employers in the recreation, park, and tourism fields, including state and federal agencies and private enterprises, non-profit organizations, youth camps, and environmental education programs. Skills in working with people in the legal and political environment are necessary, as well as the ability to assess and work with other organizations for cooperative developments in recreation and tourism.
Tourism is one of the world's largest and most diverse industries.
To help students prepare for tourism careers, this emphasis area introduces issues pertaining to the management, development, and promotion of places and events as tourism attractions. Courses in tourism are designed to collectively build understanding about the linkages that exist between local places, host populations, and various public, private, and special interest groups. Students also develop competencies in assessing economic, environmental, social, and political impacts of tourism, as well as in tourism marketing. Students in this emphasis can pursue careers in private sector enterprises, government agencies, convention and visitor bureaus, and other tourism related service organizations.