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

The Tourism Program at Arkansas Tech University offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of students and their professional goals in the tourism industry. Our program is the only accredited tourism program in Arkansas, providing both in-person and online opportunities to ensure accessibility and convenience for all students.

In addition to our core tourism program, we offer a specialized degree option in Therapeutic Recreation. This degree focuses on the essential role recreational activities play in enhancing individuals' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Therapeutic recreation is vital in society as it helps people with disabilities, illnesses, or other challenges lead more fulfilling and active lives. By promoting inclusion and improving quality of life, therapeutic recreation professionals make a significant impact on communities and individuals alike.

Our program leverages a multidisciplinary approach to prepare graduates for the diverse needs of the tourism and therapeutic recreation sectors. We recognize the value of previous coursework and strive to incorporate it for professionals seeking to complete their degree, ensuring a seamless path to graduation.

Graduates of our Therapeutic Recreation program find rewarding career opportunities in settings such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, community recreation programs, and senior living facilities. By joining our program, you will become part of a community dedicated to driving innovation and making a difference in the vibrant field of therapeutic recreation.

¹

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

²

Courses must be taken online due to internship being an application experience off site.

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.