Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)
Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix campus)

411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States Arizona, Phoenix, USA Visit web page

Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism), BS

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism), BS PPTDMSBS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Additional information

Program description

The BS program in tourism development and management provides students with the theoretical understanding they need in order to maneuver the complexities of one of the world's largest industries. A concentration in sustainable tourism allows students to hone their understanding of the key concepts of resilience and sustainability, as well as how these concepts can be applied to tourism destinations and development.

Students learn the dominant theories and language that make up sustainability science and the skills necessary to measure, create and implement sustainability policies in tourism destinations, from the planning to management stages of development.

Students take courses offered by the School of Sustainability in addition to courses in the School of Community Resources and Development, guaranteeing a strong foundation in the basic theories of the growing field of sustainability while applying these newfound skills to tourism development and management.

The comprehensive coursework in tourism and sustainability science, career exposure opportunities, study abroad options and culminating internship experiences of this program prepare students for management and leadership.

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. 

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:

  • Community Resources and Development (Sustainable Communities), MS
  • Community Resources and Development (Tourism), MS
  • Community Resources and Development, MS
  • Sustainable Tourism, MST

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.

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.