Major in Natural Resource Tourism

Program Overview

The Natural Resource Tourism major at Colorado State University trains students in tourism management and recreation within natural resource conservation. It emphasizes communication, research, and planning skills, preparing graduates for careers in tourism enterprises, government agencies, or nonprofits that focus on the responsible use of natural resources. The program offers concentrations in Global Tourism and Natural Resource Tourism.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Natural Resource Tourism major at Colorado State University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the tourism and recreation industry, particularly within the context of natural resource management. The program emphasizes problem-solving, systems planning, integrative team decision-making, quantitative analysis, and effective communication skills. Graduates gain an understanding of the historical evolution of environmental conservation and develop an appreciation for the role of their discipline in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Objectives:

Students will demonstrate:

• Written and oral communication skills: Emphasis on writing skills, with a focus on high-quality communication, including substance, organization, mechanics, and evidence.
• Research and analytical skills: Ability to generate problem statements, research questions, data acquisition methodologies, synthesize information, and develop management implications and conclusions.
• Planning skills: Ability to implement the planning process, including setting goals and objectives, acquiring relevant background information, synthesizing information, conceptualizing ideas, constructing alternative courses of action, making recommendations, and evaluating decisions.

Careers:

Graduates primarily work in a variety of private commercial tourism and recreation enterprises. While competition for full-time positions in desirable natural resource locations can be intense, ample opportunities exist for gaining experience through seasonal, temporary, and volunteer work. A high-quality, pre-approved internship is required for graduation. Advanced studies can lead to more responsible positions and potential advancement to top professional levels.

Career opportunities include:

• Retail relations manager
• Social media planner
• Convention sales coordinator
• Marketing/public relations specialist
• Trip counselor
• Travel account manager
• Food and beverage supervisor
• Small tourism enterprise/ecotourism owner/manager
• Regional sales director
• Account executive
• Director of trail development
• Tourism planner
• Travel pricing and demand analyst
• Concession specialist
• Marketing/sales manager
• Conference/meeting/event planner
• Resort services director
• Member relations director
• Purchasing manager
• Camp and nature center director
• Sustainable energy director

Other:

• Concentrations: The program offers two concentrations: Global Tourism and Natural Resource Tourism.
• Accelerated Program: An accelerated program option allows students to graduate on a faster schedule, typically involving 15-16 credits per semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions.
Students with prior credit may further accelerate their graduation.
• More Information: To learn more about the Global Tourism or Natural Resource Tourism concentrations, or to declare a concentration, students can schedule a meeting with an advisor.