What is outdoor recreation and tourism management?
The University of Wyoming's outdoor recreation and tourism management degree program
is an interdisciplinary major that combines the study of business, recreation, culture,
the environment, natural resources and tourism to prepare you for the fast-growing
outdoor recreation and tourism sector.
Yes, you'll log time in class learning from professors and outdoor industry experts,
but you'll also get to stretch your mind and legs in the great outdoors- studying
the vast living laboratory that is the Cowboy State and potentially locations around
the world.
Through in-depth coursework and hiking-boots-on-the-ground experiences, you will be
prepared for leadership roles at ski areas, with outdoor adventure programs, outdoor
and interpretive educational settings and hospitality and tourism enterprises.

To further customize your degree, outdoor recreation and tourism management majors get to choose from five curated concentrations! Explore the options and select the concentration that aligns with your passions and goals.

These are just a few of the courses you might take as an outdoor recreation and tourism
management major at UW:
- Foundations of Recreation and Tourism
- Tourism Theory and Practice
- Program Planning, Design and Discovery
- Forest Management

What Can You Do With an Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Bachelor's Degree?
The outdoor recreation and tourism management program at the University of Wyoming allows you to listen to that inner voice goading you to spend a gap year on the river and make a career of it. The state of Wyoming is an outdoor recreation and tourism mecca that generates billions of dollars in revenue every year. This growing industry is hungry for bold leaders and creative thinkers who can manage that growth wisely while also opening the state's doors to newcomers eager to experience the arching plains and soaring mountains in our state.
The University of Wyoming outdoor recreation and tourism management degree program has been designed to lead to careers in the following areas:
- Guest and hospitality services
- Tourism management
- Outdoor recreation enterprise
- Environmental education
- Outfitting and guiding services
- Outdoor adventure enterprise
- Resort or ranch management
- Recreation planning for governments
- Tour operation
- Museum Management
- Interpretation
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
- Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
- Three Rivers Forest Management
- Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
No outdoor experience? No problem! You don’t need any before enrolling in our Outdoor Recreation & Tourism Management program. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just discovering your love for the outdoors, this degree is the perfect place to learn, grow and dive into exciting adventures!
The job outlook for outdoor recreation and tourism is looking great! With more people craving outdoor experiences, careers in this field are growing steadily. From park management to eco-tourism, there are tons of exciting paths—and the demand for knowledgeable leaders in this field is only going up!
That's Why It's Called "Laradise"
The University of Wyoming is a dream come true for outdoor lovers! With stunning mountains, rock formations, and trails just minutes from campus, adventure is always within reach. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, biking or climbing, there’s something to do every season. If you love the outdoors, this is your perfect playground! Check out UW's Outdoor Program to learn more about all the activities that are available right out your front door.