is
BIG
BUSINESS.
How big?
Bigger than
the oil industry.
Recreation, sport and tourism comprise a larger portion of the American GDP than the oil industry. Even during the latest recession, tourism continued to grow.
In fact, as reported by Forbes magazine, "Jobs across all sports-related industries are up 12.6% since 2010 — more than double the growth in the national job market, according to a report released today by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists. Average earnings across these occupations — $78,455 — also top the national average of $57,947. "
What sets our program apart?
We take an integrated approach.
Illinois demonstrates how recreation, sport and tourism are all interconnected. Sporting events are tourism opportunities, recreation creates a base for future sport participants and fans, and so on. We show how each part gains strength from, as well as creates strength for, each of the other components.
Our program has an international focus.
We participate in the University's international exchange programs, of which there are over 300. We are establishing a research laboratory at a world heritage site in China. And we run our own programs. For example, we have a 4 week intensive program in New Zealand at the beginning of the summer on management and marketing of adventure sport, and we run a 2 week wintermester (January) intensive program in Fiji on tourism for economic development. We also cooperate with Political Science in a domestic summer study program on the politics of national parks, which is run primarily in Yellowstone. These give our students a unique opportunity to study internationally, and in the field.
We participate in
Sport for Development and Peace
The United Nations hails the power of sport to bring communities and peoples together.
Among the top 5 majors for getting good jobs.
The University has a very active Alumni association, providing a national and international network.
For more information, contact Ryan Gower, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
College of Applied Health Sciences
Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
104 Huff Hall
1206 South Fourth St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 333-4410
FAX: (217) 244-1935