Sustainable Tourism, MST
Conservation, Ecotourism, Environment, Global, Hospitality, International, Leisure, Management, Planning, sustainability, urban
Ready to help shape the future of global tourism? In this program that combines sustainability and tourism management, you'll be prepared to design experiences and strategies that protect natural and cultural resources while supporting community well-being and economic growth.
Students in the Master of Sustainable Tourism program develop a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic and social dimensions of tourism. The curriculum integrates the three pillars of sustainability into established tourism concepts and practices to create a holistic, applied learning experience.
Students explore innovative approaches to sustainable development within the tourism sector and analyze challenges facing destinations and communities worldwide. Coursework emphasizes how to design tourism products and experiences that minimize environmental impacts while enhancing cultural and economic vitality.
Through a community-centered framework, students learn to ensure that resources and opportunities remain viable for host communities, fostering long-term benefits and responsible global engagement.
- College/school:
Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
- Location: Online
- 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.
31 credit hours including the required applied project course (TDM 593)
Required Core (24 credit hours) Electives or Research (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (4 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students complete an applied project that may consist of a sustainable tourism development plan for a community, a thorough sustainability audit of a tourism business, or another project approved by the faculty advisor.
CRD 569 Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies (3)
TDM 520 Sustainable Thinking in Tourism I (3)
TDM 521 Sustainable Thinking in Tourism II (3)
TDM 530 Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning and Management I (3)
TDM 531 Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning and Management II (3)
TDM 540 Sustainable Food Management in Tourism (3)
TDM 550 Managing the Sustainable Tourism Business (3)
TDM 570 Sustainable Tourism (3)
TDM 593 Applied Project (4)
One elective or research course is selected from an approved list for three credit hours. Students should contact the academic unit for a list of possible courses. Other courses may be used with approval from the academic unit.
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 are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field such as tourism, recreation, hospitality, business, geography or planning from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 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
- professional statement
- resume
- three letters of recommendation
- 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.
In addition to submitting TOEFL iBT® or IELTS scores, international applicants are also required to provide a financial guarantee statement.
Letters of recommendation should be from current or former employers, current or former faculty members, or others who are familiar with the applicant's scholarly and professional abilities and characteristics. Applicants must provide recommenders' names, email addresses, titles and organizations.
A written professional statement describing the applicant's purpose in pursuing the master's degree is submitted online. In addition, a current resume that outlines the applicant's previous professional activities is required.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | Rolling |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 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:
- Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to be able to take into account the complexities of sustainable tourism issues.
- Analyze existing examples of sustainable tourism by offering suggestions and solutions through research-backed support.
- Develop the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders for positive impact in sustainable tourism.
The program is designed for industry professionals who are seeking to advance their careers, as well as individuals interested in transitioning into tourism or sustainability-related fields. Graduates are prepared to meet the growing demand for professionals who can apply sustainability principles in tourism planning, management and operations.
Career examples include:
- destination planner and manager
- recreation manager
- sustainable food systems manager
- tourism planner
School of Community Resources and Development
|
UCENT 550
idpadvising@asu.edu
602-496-0915
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.
