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Sustainable Tourism (Graduate Certificate)

Sustainable Tourism (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Sustainable Tourism (Graduate Certificate)

Ecotourism, Global, Heritage Tourism, International, Travel, marketing

As one of the largest industries in the world, tourism has a huge impact on not only the economy but also the environment. You can transform the business of tourism and help it meet the needs of the future.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Sustainable Tourism (certificate)

The graduate certificate in sustainable tourism is intended for professionals who work in or desire to work in the tourism industry.

Students in this program explore the practices of managing and developing sustainable tourism businesses and destinations. They learn numerous strategies and tools for identifying and building innovative tourism products and experiences, as well as minimizing adverse impacts so that these attractions remain viable and sustainable for their host communities.

Students who complete the certificate have acquired knowledge in topics such as the integration of economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability as it relates to tourism; conducting sustainability audits for destinations and businesses; community impacts of tourism; and sustainable destination and business planning and management.

At a glance
Degree requirements

18 credit hours

Required Core (15 credit hours)
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 570 Sustainable Tourism (3)

Electives (3 credit hours)
TDM 540 Sustainable Food Management in Tourism (3) or
TDM 550 Managing the Sustainable Tourism Business (3)

Admission requirements

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 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 applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. resume
  4. 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.

International applicants are also required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores and a financial guarantee statement.

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.
Attend online
ASU Online

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.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 02/01Final
Session BOnline 10/01Final
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:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the dominant concepts and practices in sustainable tourism.
  • Analyze existing examples of sustainable tourism by offering suggestions and solutions through research-backed support.
Career opportunities

This certificate is beneficial to students or professionals who are interested in advancing their profiles in the tourism field and to those who are seeking a career change.

The certificate allows graduates enhanced recognition and credentials in an area experiencing a great deal of interest and growth. They can further their careers even more by obtaining an advanced degree specific to sustainability practices in tourism.

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 WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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