Department of Agriculture and Tourism
Agriculture programs of study are as follows:
- A four-year curriculum in Agriculture Business, with animal science, horticulture, and pre-veterinary medicine options, leading to a bachelor of science degree.
- Pre-Veterinary Medicine - Through proper advising and taking courses in proper sequence, students can meet the minimum course requirements for entrance into Louisiana State University, University of Missouri, Oklahoma State University, Tuskegee Institute, and other institutions offering the D.V.M degree in two years.
- Agricultural Education - Students interested in teaching agriculture in secondary schools should follow the curriculum set forth in this catalog under the agricultural education for teacher licensure curricula in the College of Education.
- Minor in Agriculture
The objectives of the department are to:
- Provide a balanced educational program with relatively broad interdisciplinary training as opposed to narrow specialization, thus preparing the student for success in his/her chosen field and in his/her citizenship responsibilities.
- Serve and assist the student in educational and personal problems through active faculty counseling.
- Assist the student in development and improvement of leadership abilities through encouragement of active participation in activities of the Ag Ambassadors, Agri Club, Collegiate FFA, FFA Day and Pre-Veterinary Club and other extracurricular activities.
Trends in occupations related to agriculture are shifting from production to agri-business services such as management, processing, distribution, and marketing. This creates a need for personnel with a broad background in these areas of training. Our systems concept is geared to integration of disciplines to better prepare graduates for present day needs.
Attractive career opportunities exist in agricultural business firms, banks and other financial agencies, marketing, food processing, extension, soil conservation, forestry, farm and agri-business management, and sales and distribution firms.
The curricula that follow represent the program of study for the four-year degree in agri-business, including the animal science, feed mill management, horticulture, public relations, and pre-veterinary medicine options. Students enrolled in programs other than agri-business may want to tailor their curriculum to best meet their individual needs.
Hospitality Administration Programs
Major Options
The Hospitality Administration degree program is designed to prepare students for management positions within the hospitality industry such as lodging, resorts, conference, convention and visitor centers, restaurants, contract services, theme parks and travel and tourism related operations.
The course work concentrates on general business, management, finance, marketing, accounting, law, computer science, and specific courses related to hospitality management. The entire curriculum features numerous opportunities for the practical application of problem-solving skills and creativity. The Hospitality Administration Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.
Vision Statement
The program will develop leaders in the Hospitality profession.
Core Values
- Community Service
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Embrace diversity
- Lifelong learning
- Work hard/Play hard
- Communication
- Harmony
Mission Statement
The mission of the Hospitality Administration Program is to provide quality education in hospitality administration, build a foundation for professional growth and development and encourage lifelong learning.
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Recreation and Park Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration offers four emphases of professional preparation:
This program is designed to prepare students for management careers in private and public recreation agencies or park systems. A broad background in the behavioral and natural sciences is required with major emphasis on resource management and the delivery of leisure services to diverse populations. Specialized course work in biological sciences and business management aid in natural resource decision making. This provides a base for professional courses in planning, design, and operation of park and recreation facilities. A career in recreation sport management, park administration, therapeutic recreation, or interpretation requires a basic understanding of human behavior and the challenges of contemporary society. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the career field, a student is required to choose courses from several related fields, based on professional interest. A comprehensive general education is complemented with a core of professional courses.
The Recreation and Park Administration major provides specialized education that prepares students for supervisory and administrative positions in federal, state, and local recreation and park agencies as well as commercial recreation and tourism organizations. This program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COAPRT), sponsored by the National Recreation and Park Association.
Vision Statement
The program will produce leaders in Recreation and Park Administration.
Core Values
The Recreation and Park Administration Program is committed to:
- Lifelong learning
- Service to community
- Personal and professional development
- Diversity of experience
- Environmental stewardship
- Interpersonal communication
- Healthy lifestyles
Mission Statement
The mission of the Recreation and Park Administration Program is to educate Recreation and Park professionals for self, community and society.
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Contact Information
Dr. Marshall Swafford, Head
Williamson Hall, Suite 113
(479) 968-0378
mswafford@atu.edu
Professors
William Hoefler, Jr., Seung Suk Lee, Cathi McMahan
Associate Professors
Michael Bradley, Molly Brant, Justin Killingsworth, Dong-Soo Lee, Susan West
Assistant Professor
Syed Imran Ali Meerza, Jay Post, Bryan Rank, Tatum Simms, Matthew Wilson
Instructor