Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management - Tourism and Event Management Concentration

The curriculum in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management is a professional program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions. The curriculum provides students with a broad education in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, and fosters the professional, technical, and communication skills needed to plan and implement recreation programs and tourism events, manage parks and facilities, and design tourism services.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of positions in a dynamic, people-centered profession that includes some of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. The curriculum provides 42 hours of core coursework that includes foundations of tourism and event management, geospatial problem solving, outdoor recreation management, organizational leadership, fiscal management, and recreation programming.

In addition to the general education requirements and the core professional requirements, students can attain specialized training by choosing a concentration - either Recreation and Park Management (RPM) or Tourism and Event Management (TEM) - and selecting 15 hours of coursework related to their professional interests.

Academic studies on campus are supplemented by service learning opportunities, practical experiences in the Triangle area, and a 10-week internship with a park, recreation, event, or tourism organization. Other optional and encouraged opportunities include a weeklong experience at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, faculty-supervised research projects, and study abroad opportunities.

Tourism & Event Management (15 hours)

Tourism and Event Management students seek opportunities to work with people; think strategically and enjoy the process of planning; are inspired by the world's unique natural and cultural resources; and want to use travel and events to bring people closer together. Examples of concentration courses include: Sustainable Tourism; Destination Planning and Management; Services, Facilities, and Event Marketing;Tourism, Poverty, and Health; and Special Event Planning.

Applicants attending school outside the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

• Official secondary school transcripts and English translations
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of Financial Ability
• Optional SAT or ACT scores

Applicants attending school in the U.S. must submit the following materials to complete their application:

• Official high school transcripts
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Proof of Financial Ability (for F-1 or J-1 students)
• Optional SAT or ACT scores

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries. The growth of the industry is expected to increase as people have more discretionary time. Communities around the world need leaders who can help sustainably grow the tourism industry through leisure and business travel as well as events. The goals of tourism and event management professionals are to promote the planning, development, marketing, and provision of tourism and event opportunities that enhance economies while also promoting community well-being and the conservation of natural and cultural resources. Students within the Tourism and Event Management concentration are prepared to accomplish these goals and are equipped to plan and promote sustainable tourism and event opportunities that are inclusive of, and accessible to, a diverse population of visitors in a variety of settings.

Career opportunities include employment by tourism development agencies or organizations, such as convention and conference centers; visitor bureaus and centers; tourism development authorities; hotels and hospitality operators; resorts, private clubs, theme parks, and event management companies. Other career opportunities include tourism business or event management entrepreneurship. 

Choose to apply through one of our two applications – we do not have a preference which application you choose. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is required, and application fee waivers are not accepted.

• Common App
• Coalition on Scoir