Bachelor of Science in Education
School of Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies
College of Education and Human Development
The Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning (TLEP) major in the School of Human Movement, Sport, and Leisure Studies is an undergraduate major that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree. The Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning major focuses on the study of administration in the tourism and event planning industries, which encompasses components of travel, lodging, attractions, events, festivals, and conventions. Increased leisure time, a focus on quality living, the realization of tourism’s impact on the economy, and advanced technologies have all contributed to the continued growth of the tourism and event planning industry. The School’s major in Tourism , Leisure, and Event Planning prepare professionals for numerous roles in this expanding area. Students learn about destination management, planning and development of destinations and facilities, special event and program planning, marketing and promotion strategies, service management and leadership skills, personnel management, cultures and diversity, evaluation and legal liability.
Tourism is a multidisciplinary field. Therefore, the coursework is tailored to prepare students for a variety of occupational settings and clientele.
The Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning curriculum is based on the five skill areas (general skills, business skills, tourism knowledge, practical skills and interdisciplinary perspectives) identified by the World Tourism Organization and scholars as key to a successful career in the tourism industry.
The major is composed of four parts: the BG Perspective requirements, the professional core, the interdisciplinary core and option-of-study electives. The purpose of the BG Perspective requirement is to develop a broad knowledge-base on which to build the specialized courses and also to provide a liberal arts base that helps students think creatively and obtain a perspective of other disciplines. The purpose of the professional core is to help students acquire competencies and skills unique to the profession of tourism and event planning services. The third and fourth components, the interdisciplinary core and option-of-study electives, are designed to allow students flexibility to choose career areas appropriate for their employment objectives.
As one of the largest industries in the world, tourism provides diverse employment possibilities consisting of private (for-profit) organizations, public entities and nonprofit organizations. Event planning is one of the fastest growing professions today, with a range of full time opportunities. US News and World Report ranked event planning in their top 50 careers across all professions.
These settings include destination management and marketing organizations such as convention and visitors bureaus, special event and festival organizations, wedding planning, performance venues, meeting-planning organizations (association, corporate and independent), resorts, cruise lines, tour wholesalers, incentive travel firms, attraction industry (theme, amusement, location-based), cultural attractions (museums, arts and historic areas), transportation organizations (airlines, railroads, highway visitor services), corporate travel management, tourism research firms, regional tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, business improvement districts, economic development organizations, and convention and conference facilities. The wide variety of settings gives students multiple options from which to choose.
Because the Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning major is a structured program, students should apply to the major early in their college career. The Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning major provides the opportunity to complete three field experiences including two practicum and an internship. The 15-credit-hour internship is the capstone experience of the program. Under the supervision of a Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning faculty adviser, students select an internship site where they receive hands-on experience and are supervised by tourism, leisure, and event planning professionals.
International education opportunities are available through the Education Abroad Office (website: www.bgsu.edu/educationabroad/).
Students are encouraged to join student sections of professional tourism, leisure, and event planning organizations. Many professional organizations sponsor awards and scholarships specifically for tourism students. Students are encouraged to apply for these opportunities.
The Gertrude M. Eppler Complex features classrooms, gymnasiums, and teaching and research laboratories that optimize and individualize student learning.
The College of Education and Human Development’s Technology and Resource Center offers audio-visual equipment, networked computers, laser printing, scanners and a wide variety of application and educational software.
High school graduation requirements are necessary for admission to BGSU, but only finishing the minimum coursework will leave you unprepared for college. Consider taking four years of mathematics instead of the three that are required. Two, three or even four years of the same foreign language will be excellent preparation for college as well as employment opportunities across the nation. You will also benefit from competency in computer use. Courses that provide exposure to or training in the visual and performing arts are excellent choices.
BGSU's website for future students contains University highlights, admissions procedures, financial aid information and many department profiles. It can be accessed at www.bgsu.edu.
Bowling Green State University is a vibrant university that engages, challenges and prepares students for meaningful futures. At BGSU, students enjoy an education that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A mid-size residential university, BGSU has an enrollment of approximately 20,000 and a full-time faculty of more than 900 on its main campus. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered as well as master's and doctoral level programs.
NOTE: Information in this guide is subject to change without notice. To learn more about the official program of study for Tourism, Leisure, and Event Planning, please check the undergraduate catalog online at www.bgsu.edu/catalog/EDHD/EDHD63.html.
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