Step into the first 4-year Tourism Program in Arkansas and launch your career in the state’s second-largest industry. Situated in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley at our Russellville campus, the College of Business and Economic Development offers a premier gateway to Destination Marketing, Economic Development, and Natural Resource Management. As the pioneers of tourism education in the Natural State, ATU combines professional excellence with the high-impact networking needed to lead the future of travel.
We prioritize a student-centered experience with flexible pathways, including 100% online tourism courses and in-person labs designed for the modern professional. Whether you are a first-time student or an industry professional seeking an accelerated degree, our curriculum is engineered for social mobility and long-term career success within a globally connected landscape.
From the boardrooms of the Russellville Chamber of Commerce to leadership roles in our Arkansas State Parks, ATU Tourism graduates are the elite choice for the industry. Join a supportive community dedicated to sustainable tourism and high-impact event management. Discover why Arkansas Tech University remains the strategic choice for leaders ready to build a future-proof career in the tourism sector.
The Tourism program ensures students are well-prepared for diverse careers in hospitality and lodging management, event planning and entertainment, recreation and parks management, natural resource management, and experience industry.
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Natural Resource Management teaches students how to manage and steward parks, natural areas, visitor facilities, and outdoor educational experiences through practical experience and partnerships with state parks, US Forest Service, and other land management agencies.
Explore MoreThe Technical Certificate in Casino and Gaming Industry Management expands on the Certificate of Proficiency and is designed for business/non-major students interested in casino careers, gaming professional development opportunities, hospitality and tourism professionals, and educators seeking to re-skill and expand their knowledge in casino management.
The Certificate of Proficiency in Casino and Gaming Industry is designed for business/non-major students interested in casino careers, gaming professional development opportunities, hospitality and tourism professionals, and educators seeking to re-skill and expand their knowledge in casino management.
In addition to our tourism core offerings, we provide a Minor in Hospitality Administration tailored for non-majors interested in exploring or enhancing their understanding of the tourism industry. This minor includes foundational courses such as Intro to Hospitality, Guest Relations, and Intro to Travel and Tourism. Students also complete 9 hours of upper-division tourism courses, focusing on advanced topics in hospitality and tourism management.
The minor in Recreation and Park Administration is designed for those students majoring in other disciplines who wish to develop specialized knowledge in the area of Recreation and Park Administration. This minor may be of particular interest to those students who wish to work for a recreation and park oriented agency after graduation. This minor may be well-suited for Emergency Management, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, and Hospitality Administration majors. Flexibility in the minor allows students to choose courses to match their particular needs and interests.
The mission of the Department of Agriculture and Tourism is to provide superior education and experiences in Agriculture and Tourism, building a foundation for personal and professional growth while developing and encouraging lifelong learning.
The Department of Agriculture and Tourism at Arkansas Tech University will be known for producing outstanding citizens, leaders, and professionals in their field.
Rothwell Hall
106 West O Street
479-880-4352
agriculturetourism@atu.edu