2 bicyclists riding on a country road

Recreation, Sport & Tourism

Promote environmental stewardship. Lead social and economic development. Study management and marketing.

Overview

Foster healthy lifestyles with a career in the world’s largest industries. As a student in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, you will learn from award winning faculty, work alongside world-class researchers, and gain hands-on, practical skills in your courses, study tours, site visits, and internships with related professional organizations. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs on campus, as well as two exciting online programs: our Online Master of Science in Recreation, Sport and Tourism and our Professional Certificate.

The core courses provide a strong foundation in theory and managerial principles. Select an area of concentration to complement your interests.

RECREATION

SPORT

TOURISM

Greetings from RST | Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois

The Experience

As part of the College of Applied Health Sciences, the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism offers programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate levels leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Our graduates are found in our nation's park districts, forest preserves, amateur and professional sports industries, resorts, bureaus of tourism, educational institutions, and universities.

Our faculty scholars study the changing leisure needs of our society. The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities through research that has an impact, educational programs that address both theory and practice, and outreach activities that make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Significance of the Industry

Faculty and staff of the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism (RST) at the University of Illinois work to advance knowledge about the choices that people make for their discretionary time throughout the lifespan, including outcomes of those choices at personal, family, community, and institutional levels. RST faculty and staff apply their expertise to enhance the delivery of leisure services, recognizing that recreation, sport and tourism are synergistic elements of a unique and multifaceted industry. RST appreciates the significance of play, the contribution of arts, and the value of diversity. The research and engagement of RST foster healthy lifestyles, environmental stewardship, effective management and marketing of organizations, and social and economic development of communities.

What Will I do?

A degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism will transform you into a leader in the unique and multifaceted leisure services industry. Our graduates are regularly placed in highly selective and desirable internships and careers across the field and throughout the globe, and enjoy one of the industry’s most extensive and impressive alumni networks for the remainder of their professional lives.

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism Graduate Program

5-Year BS/MS Option

The Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism (RST) offers an integrated and accelerated program for outstanding students that combines a bachelor’s and master’s degree, referred to as the 5-year BS/MS option. This option can be completed in less time than is required for the two degrees separately. The 5-year BS/MS option is designed to provide students with the academic and professional skills needed to succeed in the recreation, sport and tourism industry.

RST majors with a GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply at the beginning of their junior year. Accepted students will then work on both degrees simultaneously and will receive both degrees at the same time, once all requirements for each have been completed. Although their degrees will not officially be awarded, students may participate in the bachelor’s graduation ceremonies once they have completed the 120 credit-hour requirement for that degree.

For more information, contact Dr. Toni Liechty.

Take a look at where our alumni are working:

  • American Airlines

  • Arista Records

  • Boise Park System

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America

  • Charlotte Hornets

  • Chicago Blackhawks

  • Darden Restaurants

  • Denver Sports Commission

  • Environmental Protection Agency

  • Hilton Hotels Corporation

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

  • John Elway Corporation

  • Lake County Forest Preserve District

  • Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority

  • Los Angeles Zoo

  • McCormick Place

  • Meadows Country Club

  • Motorola

  • National Park Service

  • New England Patriots

  • Norwegian Cruise Lines

  • National Collegiate Athletic Association

  • NFL Network

  • Pac 12 Sports Network

  • PGA

  • Proctor & Gamble

  • SmithBucklin

  • St. Louis Cardinals

  • Ticketmaster

  • United Way

  • United States Olympic Committee

  • Vail Recreation District

  • Youth for Understanding

EVENTS

The Sapora Symposium is an applied learning series hosted by the University of Illinois' Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, designed to enhance skills and foster collaboration for future industry change makers.

In spring 2025, the symposium will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Huff Hall by honoring the life and impact of the legendary coach and visionary administrator George Huff. The Illini athletic director’s influence on the campus and pioneering role in RST-related fields has inspired generations of students, faculty and practitioners.

The symposium will kick off with an evening featuring Illini basketball legends Dee Brown and James Augustine at the annual RST Winter Social at Hubbard Inn in Chicago on Jan. 23. Curriculum for the spring semester will continue with a weekly Zoom discussion with top practitioners and culminate with a March 28, on-campus event featuring notable guests addressing contemporary industry topics.

See the full schedule for Sapora 2025 here.

The spring 2025 series is presented by The Specialized Marketing Group Inc., a global sports, promotional and experiential marketing company.

“Not only is this an incredible opportunity for students to learn from and connect with some of the most influential, successful people in Recreation, Sports and Tourism, it gives those of us who are already in the industry the opportunity to speak directly to the youth that will shape the future of our business,”  TSMGI Founder and CEO Jordan S. Bressler said. “We are thrilled to be a part of something that allows students the unique opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and perspective as they determine what route they may wish to take.”

“The relationship with TSMGI will contribute to a transformative learning experience and build a critical bridge to fields where the next generation is seeking career opportunities,” RST Department Head Carla Santos said. “RST is honored to recognize the legacy of George Huff, thrilled to collaborate with Jordan and his team, and grateful for their support of University of Illinois students.”

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