ODU TO OFFER ONLINE MASTER'S IN RECREATION AND TOURISM THIS FALL

With tourism generating $706 million in state taxes and providing more than 208,000 Virginia jobs, Old Dominion University is launching an online master's degree program in recreation and tourism studies this fall.

In an effort to meet the needs of working recreation and tourism professionals around the state and beyond, the program curriculum will be flexible without compromising the integrity of the educational process, according to Edward Hill, assistant professor and graduate program coordinator in the Darden College of Education at ODU. It will use tools such as Blackboard, iTunes University and LEO Online, in addition to basic computer programs such as PowerPoint.

The program will combine social and management sciences, concepts and theory with applied-problem solving techniques to prepare students interested in pursuing or continuing a career in recreation or travel-related services, Hill said.

"Tourism is one of Virginia's largest industries and recreation plays a major role in that as well as adds to the quality of life for all Virginians," Hill noted. "This graduate program targets both of these areas and is designed to prepare students and practitioners for advanced study in the research, management and administration of recreation and tourism services."

For more information, contact Dr. Edward Hill at 757-683-4881 or visit the Web site education.odu.edu/esper/.