Department website: https://www.atu.edu/tourism

Our general tourism degree offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific preferences and career aspirations. Many students pursue business courses to fulfill entrepreneurial goals, while others delve into ecology and law enforcement courses to pursue careers as park rangers. Additionally, students interested in higher education administration can take courses in student affairs to further their careers in academia.

In addition to these customizable pathways, we offer specialized certificates and minors to enrich your educational journey. For instance, our Minor in Hospitality Administration provides non-majors with foundational knowledge in hospitality management, complemented by advanced courses in tourism management.

Arkansas Tech University's Tourism Program emphasizes practical knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare students for various career paths within the tourism industry. Whether you're aiming to specialize in hospitality, pursue opportunities in ecotourism, or advance in higher education administration, our program equips you with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field.

Graduates of our program find rewarding career opportunities in diverse settings such as hospitality management, ecotourism, national park services, campus recreation, municipal recreation, outdoor recreation, destination marketing, event planning, tourism agencies, and more. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to driving innovation and making a positive impact in the vibrant world of tourism.

¹

See appropriate alternatives or substitutions in "General Education Requirements".

²

Complete 2000 - 4000 level hospitality or recreation and park elective.

³

Complete 3000 - 4000 level hospitality or recreation and park elective.

Council on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions

Students graduating from the program shall demonstrate:

• 7.01a Entry-level knowledge about the nature and scope of the relevant park, recreation, tourism, or related professions and their associated industries. 
• 7.01b Entry-level knowledge about techniques and processes used by professionals and workers in these industries.
• 7.01c Entry-level knowledge about the foundation of the profession in history, science, and philosophy. 
• 7.02 The ability to design, implement, and evaluate services that facilitate targeted human experience and that embrace personal and cultural dimensions of diversity.
• 7.03 Entry-level knowledge about operations and strategic management/administration in parks, recreation, tourism, and related professions.
• 7.04 The potential to succeed as professionals at supervisory or higher levels in park, recreation, tourism, or related organizations.