Master of Science in
Outdoor Recreation and Sport Tourism
This online M.S in Outdoor Recreation and Sport Tourism is designed for working professionals seeking industry knowledge and decision-making skills to tackle leadership roles in outdoor recreation tourism, outdoor adventure tourism, and sport tourism. The program is on track to launch in Fall 2026.
Faculty members at the U of A – located in the heart of Arkansas' outdoor and sport industry – prepare learners to apply knowledge creatively and employ analytical skills that are necessary to thrive in this competitive, growing landscape. Learners will explore sustainable destination management, which ensures long-lasting programs that balance visitor enjoyment with community and environmental well-being.
Coursework focuses on industry-relevant skills in tourism planning, recreation management, and sustainability to support career growth across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Arkansas, specifically Northwest Arkansas, continues to invest significantly in building and improving outdoor recreation trails, cycling trails, climbing destinations, and paddling opportunities. Arkansas has received millions in grant dollars to improve outdoor recreation and sport infrastructure, including the Delta Heritage Trail rails-to-trails project, Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, WOKA Whitewater Park, and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, among others.
Proposed Program
Launch - Fall 2026
The College of Education and Health Professions is seeking approval from the U of A Board of Trustees and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education to offer the M.S in Outdoor Recreation and Sport Tourism online program, beginning Fall 2026. Prospective students who provide their contact information will receive an email when the program is approved and the application is opened.
100%
Online
30
Credit Hours
1.5 YRS
(Minimum)
Estimated Time
to Complete
No GRE
Required
Learn About
- Marketing, economics, and financial management related to tourism in outdoor recreation and sport tourism
- Implementing funding strategies, including the application and administration of grants.
- Understanding trends and issues as well as sustainability in outdoor recreation and sport tourism
- Applying critical thinking skills to problem identification, problem solving, and decision making within the context of tourism
- Integrating classroom knowledge with experiential learning to design, implement, and evaluate solutions for real-world challenges in tourism.
What Can I Do with this Degree?
There are many job titles associated with this degree. Some include:
- Parks and Recreation Director
- Outdoor Recreation Manager
- Sport Tourism Manager/Coordinator
- Tourism Program Coordinator
- Visitor Experience Manager
- Sport Event Manager
- Outdoor Event Director
- Recreation Program Manager
- Visitor Services Manager
- Race Director (marathons, trail races, cycling events)
- Event Operations Manager
- Outdoor Education Director
- Adventure Program Manager
- Youth Recreation Director
Admission Requirements
- Must meet admission requirements to the Graduate School
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours of undergraduate degree or conferral of a post-baccalaureate graduate degree
- A statement of interest and resume
| Tuition / credit hour | $459.68 |
| Fee / credit hour | |
|---|---|
| Library | $4.98 |
| Network & Data Systems | $16 |
| Off-campus | $30 |
| Online Facilities | $2 |
Tuition and fees per credit hour reflect fall 2025 rates for students studying completely online. Students in online programs who take an on-campus course will pay on-campus fees, mandatory and college fees, for only the on-campus course.
Program Contact
Michelle Gray
Department Head of Health, Human Performance and Recreation and Professor of Exercise
Science
Job Market Outlook
The Pathways career data reflect career information associated with degree programs, and that data may include some jobs that require additional credentials and experience BEYOND the academic degree, including but not limited to professional licensure and certification, additional coursework, and specific training. See " About this data" to learn more about Pathways.
