Online Master of Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism centers around identifying and mitigating the potentially negative results of travel on local communities and the natural environment. In Arizona State University’s online Master of Sustainable Tourism, you’ll learn about the environmental, social and economic aspects of traveling. After completing this program, you’ll be prepared to build sustainable solutions for the various challenges facing tourism today.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 31
The skills you’ll gain in this master’s program
In this program, you’ll cover the foundational concepts of sustainability, including social equity, protection of the environment and economic viability. You’ll also learn how to:
- Analyze data in order to identify trends, opportunities and threats to proactively prevent damage.
- Build cultural awareness and sensitivity necessary for respecting diverse cultures, traditions and perspectives of different communities.
- Design effective strategies to lessen or eliminate the impact of travel on local communities.
- Utilize problem-solving skills to develop solutions for complex issues related to environmental, social and economic sustainability in diverse areas.
Along with specialized knowledge, you’ll develop transferable skills, such as critical thinking and effective communication, which can be valuable in various tourism industry roles for working with stakeholders.
What can you do with a sustainable tourism master’s?
A master’s degree in sustainable tourism 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, businesses, government agencies and organizations are moving towards a future of sustainability. As this interest continues to rise, so will the demand for qualified professionals in the field. After completing this program, you’ll be able to advance in your current professional path or pursue roles across the tourism or sustainability sector. Diverse opportunities you’ll be prepared for include; ecotourism educator, sustainability marketing associate, travel guide and more.
Will my diploma 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.”
Sustainable tourism courses
Alongside core concepts, the curriculum for this degree focuses on specialized issues within sustainable tourism. For the program’s capstone you’ll prepare a project that combines both theory and practice.
The jobs this program prepares you for
After earning a Master of Sustainable Tourism, you’ll be able to pursue a variety of career options within both the sustainability and tourism sectors. Some students use their degree to advance in their existing professional path, while others turn to new opportunities. Career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Educators emphasizing a sustainable future
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
Educators emphasizing a sustainable future
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- 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 Master of Sustainable Tourism program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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 programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
#2
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.
