Community Resources and Development (Tourism), MS
Business, Global, Hospitality, Hotels, Management, Parks, Sustainability, Tourism, Travel
Interested in shaping the future of tourism? Explore the connections among policy, sustainability and community development while gaining the skills to design responsible tourism strategies that benefit destinations and improve quality of life.
Students in the Master of Science program in community resources and development with a concentration in tourism examine how tourism influences communities and contributes to sustainable development. Students explore critical topics in tourism management, recreation and community planning while analyzing the economic, social and environmental factors that shape destinations.
The program blends theory and practice through research, policy evaluation and community engagement. Faculty mentors guide students in developing solutions that balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Students complete either a thesis or an applied project, gaining the analytical and leadership skills to manage tourism initiatives in local, national and global contexts.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, ASU at Hainan
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
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.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
36 credit hours including the required applied project course (CRD 593)
Required Core (15 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Electives (3 or 9 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The thesis option is a research-oriented program and is recommended for students who plan to continue graduate studies beyond the master's degree. These students complete an advanced inquiry course and three credit hours of elective coursework. The thesis must be defended in an oral examination before a supervisory committee of at least three faculty members, one of whom resides in another department. The applied project is intended for students who are seeking additional knowledge and expertise relevant to their professional career development. These students complete CRD 530 as part of their core coursework as well as nine credit hours of electives.
CRD 500 Research Methods (3)
CRD 502 Statistical and Data Analysis (3)
CRD 530 Community Services Management (3) or advanced inquiry course (3)
CRD 552 Critical Issues (3)
CRD 555 Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development (3)
CRD 569 Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies (3)
TDM 570 Sustainable Tourism (3)
CRD 593 Applied Project (6) or
CRD 599 Thesis (6)
Students may select a thesis or applied project. All students receive advising and direction from an assigned faculty member.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of professional and academic goals
- three letters of recommendation
- current resume
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Only complete application files are reviewed. Applicants who have not completed undergraduate work in a related discipline must take six credit hours of coursework in addition to the master's degree requirements; this additional work may be taken in conjunction with master's-level courses.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Conduct research in tourism while analyzing critical topics and issues pertinent to tourism development and management.
- Relate their individual strengths to demonstrate knowledge of research methods and data analysis within the context of tourism sectors.
- Apply the principles and practices of community development to address the social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges of diverse communities.
Graduates pursue leadership and management roles in the tourism, recreation and hospitality sectors. They may work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations or private enterprises focused on destination management, sustainable development and community engagement.
Typical positions include tourism development coordinator, community services officer, recreation and events manager, and program director within tourism and leisure organizations. Graduates are also well suited for consulting and policy analysis roles in international, national and regional tourism agencies.
School of Community Resources and Development
|
UCENT 550
scrd@asu.edu
602-496-0550
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. 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.
