About This Degree
Utah State University was the first to offer an academic course on managing outdoor recreation.
Since the first class offered in the 1930s, USU continues to offer a strong degree program that prepares students for careers in public land recreation management.
Recreation resource management involves managing lands to accommodate recreational uses as well as interpreting the natural values of these lands to recreation visitors. Recreation resources play a vital role in maintaining the multiple uses of public lands. USU is located within half a day’s drive of six national parks, putting students in close proximity with field study opportunities at some of the most beautiful and most commonly visited recreation sites in the world.
What You Will Learn
Students wishing to pursue recreation resource management must have good people skills as well as a solid understanding of natural resources. Undergraduates receive a background in biological sciences, including courses in wildlife and fish diversity, plants, and ecology. The curriculum also places a strong focus on the human dimensions of natural resources, including planning and management; environmental interpretation; sociology and psychology of recreation; and environmental economics, history, and law.
ADVISING
At a Glance
College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Department: Environment and Society Department
USU Locations:
- Logan campus
- Statewide campuses
Program Requirements
Career And Outcomes
Career Opportunities
With a degree in recreation resource management, students may be qualified for the following careers:
- Recreation planner with state or federal agencies
- Park ranger in national forests, national rangelands, state parks, national parks, or wilderness areas
- Recreation professionals for organizations that promote or manage recreational use of land
- Environmental interpretation and education
- Environmental consultant
- Wildlife researcher
- Land use planner
- Public policy maker
Job Outlook
USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS
*This degree is available at various USU locations.
Admission
Admission Requirements
In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the recreation resource management program has additional requirements:
- First-Year students: First-Year students admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
- Transfer Students: Transfer students from other institutions or from other USU majors need a 2.5 total GPA for admission. Special attention will be given to the amount of, and performance in, prerequisite math and science courses.
International students have additional admissions requirements.
Program Requirements
All students complete a special project in order to graduate which might entail undergraduate research, a mentored internship, or a service-learning project.
Take The Next Step
Visit Campus
Schedule a campus tour and come see what it's all about.
Cost and Aid
Learn about tuition, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.
How to Apply
Start your degree path and apply now.
You May Also Be Interested In

Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Discover the overlaps between economics and rangeland and natural resource management. You can assess and apply the principles you learn in this minor in a range of careers, like agriculture, law, and business.

Environmental Planning
Prepare for a career helping communities plan for growth and development in a collaborative program that prepares you for engaging work, from analysis to planning, as you inform better land-use decisions and policies.

Geography
Explore the relationships between human society and the physical environment while delving into research about the earth’s resources, whether you choose to specialize in mapping and information analysis or the dynamics of human behavior.

Recreation Resource Management
Master the basics of recreation management, from planning and infrastructure to regulation and integration of natural resources, and explore human connections and partnerships to prepare for careers related to recreation resources.