Best institutions to study Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
A program that prepares individuals to plan, develop, and manage tourism in a natural resource setting, with an emphasis on applying environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically sustainable principles.
15 U.S. institutions graduated 189 Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 03.0207, a specialization of Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02), and leads most directly to the Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling occupation (BLS SOC 11-9072).
About Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism programs
A program that prepares individuals to plan, develop, and manage tourism in a natural resource setting, with an emphasis on applying environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically sustainable principles. Includes instruction in environmental studies; natural resource management and interpretation; tourism planning, management, and policies; public land use management and policies; communications; marketing; and public relations.
See also: 31.0301 - Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism program prepares individuals to effectively plan, develop, and manage tourism in natural resource settings. This program emphasizes environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically sustainable practices, making it ideal for those passionate about conservation and outdoor recreation. Students will gain the skills necessary to work in various roles within the natural resources and tourism sectors.
Core coursework includes environmental studies, natural resource management, tourism planning, public land use policies, and effective communication strategies. Students will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and writing, which are vital for success in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree96 graduates / yr · 6 institutions51%
- Master's degree64 graduates / yr · 4 institutions34%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year22 graduates / yr · 3 institutions12%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.6%
- Associate's degree2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions1.1%
Graduates over time
Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 46 |
| 2013 | 73 |
| 2014 | 101 |
| 2015 | 78 |
| 2016 | 90 |
| 2017 | 95 |
| 2018 | 116 |
| 2019 | 147 |
| 2020 | 168 |
| 2021 | 173 |
| 2022 | 196 |
| 2023 | 184 |
| 2024 | 171 |
| 2025 | 189 |
Top 15 institutions for Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicMaster's | 53 | 67% | — | — |
| 2 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicBachelor's | 22 | 82% | — | — |
| 3 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 21 | 48% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Wyoming Laramie, WYPublicBachelor's | 21 | 59% | — | — |
| 5 | University of Vermont Burlington, VTPublicBachelor's | 18 | 79% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicBachelor's | 14 | 90% | — | — |
| 7 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College Bentonville, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 13 | 31% | — | — |
| 8 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 65% | — | — |
| 9 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WIPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 51% | — | $40,553 |
| 10 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster's | 5 | 0% | — | — |
| 11 | Northern Michigan University Marquette, MIPublicMaster's | 4 | 52% | — | — |
| 12 | Ferrum College Ferrum, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 32% | $22,258 | — |
| 13 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 58% | — | — |
| 14 | Casper College Casper, WYPublicAssociate's | 1 | 43% | — | — |
| 15 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo Arecibo, PRPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 1 | 39% | $9,729 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field (CIP 03.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 14 states & territories
Where Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism graduates come from. Each state links to all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1 | 53 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins53 / yr |
| Wyoming | 2 | 22 | University of Wyoming21 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 22 | Auburn University22 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 21 | The University of Montana21 / yr |
| Vermont | 1 | 18 | University of Vermont18 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 14 | University of Georgia14 / yr |
| Arkansas | 1 | 13 | NorthWest Arkansas Community College13 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 8 | Ohio University - Main Campus8 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 5 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point5 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 5 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion5 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 4 | Northern Michigan University4 / yr |
| Virginia | 1 | 2 | Ferrum College2 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 1 | Missouri State University - Springfield1 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 1 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9072, Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Entertainment and Recreation Managers, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a growth rate of 7.7% and approximately 5,500 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $77,180, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 03.0207
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gamblingprimary SOC 11-9072 | $79,520 | +7.7% Faster than average | ~5,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Plan, organize, or lead group activities for customers, such as exercise routines, athletic events, or arts and crafts.
- Plan programs of events or schedules of activities.
- Talk to coworkers using electronic devices, such as computers and radios.
- Write budgets to plan recreational activities or programs.
- Interview and hire associates to fill staff vacancies.
- Calculate and record department expenses and revenue.
Tools and technology used
Other Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy specializations
The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02).
- Environmental/CIP 03.0201
Natural Resources Management and Policy 1,612 graduates / yr72 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0204
Natural Resource Economics 323 graduates / yr19 institutions - Environmental/CIP 03.0299
Natural Resources Management and Policy 315 graduates / yr21 institutions - Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources ManagementCIP 03.0205293 graduates / yr32 institutions
- Environmental/CIP 03.0208
Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective Services 222 graduates / yr21 institutions - Energy and Environmental PolicyCIP 03.020982 graduates / yr11 institutions
- Land Use Planning and Management/CIP 03.0206
Development 81 graduates / yr14 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Bioenergy03.0210
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs →
Common questions
What types of careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work in roles such as Entertainment and Recreation Managers, focusing on planning and managing recreational activities.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, communication, and planning.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 7.7% and about 5,500 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
What is the CIP code for Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism?+
Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism is CIP 03.0207 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy (CIP 03.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to plan, develop, and manage tourism in a natural resource setting, with an emphasis on applying environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically sustainable principles. Includes instruction in environmental studies; natural resource management and interpretation; tourism planning, management, and policies; public land use management and policies; communications; marketing; and public relations.
How many institutions offer Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism programs?+
15 U.S. institutions reported Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 14 states & territories, awarding 189 credentials in the year. That is 6.1% of all Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates.
How much do Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling occupation, which Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism most directly leads to, pays a median of $79,520 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy field report median earnings of $40,553 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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