US Universities That Offer Sustainable Tourism Degrees

With issues surrounding sustainable tourism increasing worldwide, sustainability degree programs are becoming more and more popular. The field of sustainable tourism is still on the newer side, offering many opportunities for employment around the world. As the problems increase, so does the need for experts in the field. 

If you are interested in sustainability studies and want to move on to a Master’s program where you learn more in-depth about sustainable tourism, we have put together a list of great universities in the United States that offer this. 

Arizona State University – Sustainable Tourism MS

The Master of Sustainable Tourism program at Arizona State University (ASU) is an online degree that offers insight into the importance of sustainability, how to create environmentally friendly responses to issues in the travel industry, and how to balance the needs of various stakeholders. Since the program is entirely online, there are no in-person classes.

You can take courses such as ‘Managing the Sustainable Tourism Business’, ‘Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies’, and ‘Sustainable Food Management in Tourism.’ You will also have the opportunity to complete a capstone project on an issue of your choosing, where you can conduct field research and put together your findings. 

Arizona State University is ranked #2 in the U.S. and #7 globally for hospitality and tourism studies (according to the Center for World University Rankings), making it one of the best schools for this particular degree.  

University of North Texas – International Sustainable Tourism MS

The University of North Texas International Sustainable Tourism Masters of Science is a joint degree program with Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE) in Turrialba, Costa Rica. CATIE is a tropical agricultural research education center in Costa Rica. 

This joint program is the first of its kind in the United States. You will be able to study both in Texas and Costa Rica, receiving a well-rounded and interdisciplinary education on international sustainable tourism.

You will take courses at both institutions, including ‘Hotel and Restaurant Operations: Theory and Analysis’, ‘Environmental Impact Assessment’, ‘Environmental Policies in a Changing World’, and ‘Seminars in Sustainable Tourism: Experiences of Successful Practitioners in Costa Rica’.

East Carolina University – Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality MS

East Carolina University offers a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality. This is an interdisciplinary program where you will learn about both hospitality and environmentally-friendly tourism.

This is a very flexible program that allows you to pursue your own specific interests. It was named by BBC Travel as “one of the five best places in the world” to pursue a degree in sustainable tourism. 

ECU offers courses such as ‘Strategic Management of Lodging Operations’, ‘Principles of Tourism and Sustainability, and ‘Policy and Planning for Sustainable Tourism.’

Go Study Sustainable Tourism Today!

There has been no better time than right now to get a degree in sustainable tourism. The need for experts in this industry is always increasing due to the added pressures of climate change and mass tourism. 

A sustainability degree will open many doors for you job-wise while allowing you to do your responsibility and contribute to helping save the environment. 

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