Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism (B.S.)

The Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism major combines an understanding of natural resource recreation and tourism with sustainability. It also effectively links theory with practice and community engagement.

This major includes learning concepts of leisure, tourism, recreation and sustainability, as well as the operation of recreation delivery systems, policy, administration, management, planning and evaluation.

CURRENT STUDENTS: Connect with your academic advisor for advising appointments or to change your major/minor.

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Core areas of study include:

  • Community engagement and sustainability.
  • Parks and recreation.
  • Grant writing and fund development.
  • Environmental and nature resource policy/law.
  • Tourism and recreation management.
  • Geographical information systems.

The Department of Community Sustainability infuses sustainability into all of its majors. Learn about the Sustainability Core

Learn more about all the requirements and courses in Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

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Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism Graduates

See career outcomes for MSU Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism graduates, including salaries, top employers and employment locations.


Career Opportunities

Meeting people’s outdoor leisure needs, enhancing the quality of life and providing sustainable economic and social development are hallmarks of this major.

Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism prepares students for a variety of career paths.

  • Park and land management.
  • Recreation and conservation law enforcement.
  • Nature and cultural interpretation educator.
  • Non-profit camp and adventure management.

Faculty members and advisors maintain close relationships with government, non-profit and for-profit entities in the parks, recreation and tourism fields, which can help with internships, scholarships and employment opportunities.


Student Stories


Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisor

Schedule advising appointments online. (More details: MSU Student Information System resources.)

Read more about the role of academic advisors in the Department of Community Sustainability.

Interested in the Sustainable Parks, Recreation and Tourism major? Complete our student interest form to ask a question, leave a comment, and learn more!


Student Life

In addition to student jobs and internships, there are education abroad and undergraduate research opportunities.

There are also a variety of student clubs and organizations including:

  • Parks and Recreation Club (PARC).
  • Leadership in Environment and Agricultural Fields.
  • Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences.

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Natural Resources Majors