Online Sustainable Tourism Graduate Certificate

Tourism is an enduringly popular industry. However, its effects on the communities that travelers visit face increased scrutiny. Earning a graduate-level sustainable tourism certificate empowers you to identify, analyze and address issues related to environmental impact and social equality, while keeping economic viability in mind.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 6

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 18

Degree questions, answered.

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Why earn a sustainable tourism certificate?

A sustainable tourism certification affirms your knowledge and capabilities in the travel sector. It shows that you can:

  • Balance the need for profit with the importance of sustainability.
  • Craft equitable, environmentally-conscious responses to issues and opportunities in the travel industry.
  • Take all stakeholders into account when making decisions.

Travelers, communities and businesses are paying more attention to sustainability, as are government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Demand for sustainable tourism will likely continue to increase, leading to growing opportunities for qualified professionals.

Will this program allow me to establish an eco-certified business?

 

Knowledge built through ecotourism programs can support you in opening an eco-certified business. A deep understanding of the many factors at play is especially valuable when working toward a sustainable tourism certification.

However, this educational opportunity is not a sustainable tourism eco-certification program. Those certifications come from organizations that review plans and activities related to sustainability. These groups confirm that a business meets their guidelines before providing certification.

What skills will I earn in this ecotourism program?

 

Key skills earned through the sustainable tourism certificate include:

  • Conducting sustainability audits.
  • Integrating economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism into new and existing ventures.
  • Sustainable planning and management for businesses and destinations.
  • Viewing the tourism experience from a holistic perspective that includes all stakeholders.

Will my sustainable tourism certificate say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Sustainable tourism graduate certificate courses

The curriculum for the sustainable tourism certificate was built from the ground up. That means it only includes classes designed to address key issues in this unique field. Featured courses include:


Core course

Sustainable Thinking in Tourism I


Core course

Sustainable Thinking in Tourism II


Core course

Sustainable Tourism


Core course

Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning and Management I


Core course

Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning and Management II


Elective

Managing the Sustainable Tourism Business


Elective

Sustainable Food Management in Tourism


What can I do with a sustainable tourism certificate?

Many graduates use their sustainable tourism certificate to advance their current path in the travel industry. With the skills learned through this certificate, you can also enter the tourism industry with a focus on sustainability. Career examples include, but are not limited to:

Ecotourism educator

Ecotourism program officer

Industrial ecologist

Marketing associate

Travel guide

Educators committed to a better world

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Researchers for the Center for Sustainable Tourism.
  • Director of Hainan University – Arizona State University International Tourism College
  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Educators committed to a better world

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Researchers for the Center for Sustainable Tourism.
  • Director of Hainan University – Arizona State University International Tourism College
  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

How to apply

Applicants to the graduate certificate program in sustainable tourism must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Application requirements

Additional admission information

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#1


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2


in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Top 10


best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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