Parks, Recreation, and Tourism | The University of Vermont

The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program digs into the ways people benefit from relationships with the environment and the importance of preserving ecosystems.

The program fosters the delivery of high-quality recreation and tourism services that enrich peoples’ lives, create livable communities, and preserve cultural and natural environments. Vermont’s landscape and amenities offer an ideal laboratory to support learning about sustainable recreation and tourism. The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program offers an integrative approach, combining foundational knowledge in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences with professional skills in planning, business operations, and managerial skills.

Students hiking in the Green Mountains, a trail sign on the left says "Long Trail South"

B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism

The B.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (PRT) prepares students to become leaders in innovative sustainable practices in the recreation and tourism fields.

B.S. in PRT

A group of students at a ski resort in the winter posting for a photo

Faculty

Parks, Recreation, and Toursim faculty have longstanding partnerships in the industry. Their expertise includes environmental interpretation and sense of place, tourism development in rural and resource-dependent communities, social and cultural aspects of outdoor recreation, and more.

A student crouching on a mountainside looking at plant growth, she is wearing a backpack with equipment in it.

Experiential Learning

Parks, Recreation, and Tourism students engage in research projects, travel courses, field outings, and internships. These experiences prepare them to graduate with proven problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and research skills.

Alumni Ethan Tapper speaking with a group of people in the woods

Graduate Degrees

Rubenstein School Graduate Programs offer both Master's and Ph.D. degrees and include concentrations in environmental thought and culture, society and public affairs, forest and wildlife sciences, and aquatic ecology and watershed science.

Student Resources and Opportunities

Recent Headlines

Teaching at the top of Vermont

Saying Yes to Opportunities, at Home and Abroad

Senior Katie Conlon Turns Snowboarding Passion Into Career

Senior Andrew Romano Shares His Passion for Outdoor Recreation to Raise BIPOC Participation

Graduate Lauren Masters Pursues Career in Sustainable Business Management