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Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism) ,BS

Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism)

Business, Ecotourism, Global, Hospitality, Hotel, International, Travel, natural, sustainability

Are you driven to understand how travel and tourism shape communities and the environment long-term? Enhance your ability to make a lasting impact in the tourism industry through adept management. Learn to navigate the complexities of promoting and protecting the natural environments and communities that tourism impacts.

Program description

The Bachelor of Science program in tourism development and management with a concentration in sustainable tourism equips students with the theoretical knowledge to navigate one of the world's largest industries.

Students explore resilience and sustainability, learning how to apply these concepts to tourism destinations. They gain a deep understanding of sustainability science, including the theories and language that underpin it. They develop essential skills to measure, create and implement sustainability policies throughout all stages of tourism development.

This program offers courses from the School of Sustainability and the School of Community Resources and Development, providing a robust foundation in sustainability while applying these skills to tourism. Comprehensive coursework, career exposure opportunities, study abroad options, and a culminating internship prepare students for management and leadership roles in the field.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change to this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Incorporate multiple perspectives when proposing creative solutions to complex tourism issues.
  • Integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines to develop comprehensive strategies that address the complex challenges faced by tourism organizations.
  • Able to demonstrate proficiency in written communications with diverse audiences (e.g., clients, interdisciplinary team members, community members).
Global opportunities
Global experience

Future tourism professionals need to develop an understanding of how and why people travel to destinations around the world and of how to share the local environment with visitors. Through study abroad programs, students gain valuable experience in the global travel context by learning sustainable tourism policies in destinations all around the world, including in Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa.

Career opportunities

Sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important, and many tourism businesses are hiring sustainability coordinators. These businesses include hotels, airlines, museums, convention and visitor bureaus, and large attractions. Travel agencies and tour companies, such as those that implement ecotourism and volunteer tourism experiences, are especially interested in employees with a strong sustainable tourism background. Numerous sustainable tourism nonprofit organizations have emerged in recent years, and many government-related tourism organizations also hire those with a strong sustainability focus. Consulting opportunities are available to assist tourism businesses in developing sustainable practices as well.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.3%
$128,620
7.5%
$52,560
6.7%
$61,910
4.2%
$98,100
1.9%
$127,830
0.5%
$61,310
6.7%
$85,320
8.1%
$34,440
3.5%
$46,400
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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