Prepare to become a tourism professional. The comprehensive coursework, career exposure opportunities, study abroad options and culminating internship experiences of this program prepare you for management and leadership opportunities. By understanding how the bigger pieces of tourism fit together, you will affect change and improve tourism for communities, economies and the environment.
Through the BS program in tourism development and management, students acquire the planning and management skills related to the growth and development of tourism throughout the world. The curriculum prepares students for employment across a wide variety of occupations in the rapidly expanding travel and tourism industry while taking full advantage of its strong connections with the professional tourism community in Phoenix.
The required internship component of the program allows students to gain practical experiences leading to professional positions in various travel, tourism and related fields. Exposure to the practices of heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, resort management, and meeting and convention planning prepares students for successful careers in the travel and tourism industry. While pursuing the bachelor's degree in tourism development and management, a student may also choose to complete a certificate in convention sales and meeting planning. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program.
This degree program offers the following concentrations:
Prepare to become a tourism professional. The comprehensive coursework, career exposure opportunities, study abroad options and culminating internship experiences of this program prepare you for management and leadership opportunities. By understanding how the bigger pieces of tourism fit together, you affect change and improve tourism for communities, economies and the environment.
Through the BS program in tourism development and management, students acquire the planning and management skills related to the growth and development of tourism throughout the world. The curriculum prepares students for employment across a wide variety of occupations in the rapidly expanding travel and tourism industry while taking full advantage of its strong connections with the professional tourism community in Phoenix.
The required internship component of the program allows students to gain practical experiences leading to professional positions in various travel, tourism and related fields. Exposure to the practices of heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, resort management, and meeting and convention planning prepares students for successful careers in the travel and tourism industry. While pursuing the bachelor's degree in tourism development and management, a student may also choose to complete a certificate in convention sales and meeting planning. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program
At A Glance
Tourism Development and Management, BS
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The travel and tourism industry is the largest employer in the world and the second largest in Arizona. Based upon interests, graduates can seek work in the public, nonprofit or private and commercial sectors. Graduates find employment in such diverse settings as resorts, meeting planning, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operations and commercial recreation businesses. In such settings, graduates design, develop and manage services that address the needs of a particular clientele. The metropolitan Phoenix area is a major hub of tourism in the southwestern U.S. and has experienced rapid growth in:
- air transportation
- business and corporate travel
- gaming and casinos
- meetings and conventions
- resorts and hotels
- sports tourism
- state and national parks
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | -3.9% | $183,270 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 10.9% | $48,290 |
| Lodging Managers | 4% | $51,800 |
| General and Operations Managers | 9.1% | $100,410 |
| Administrative Services Managers | ||
| Public Relations Managers | ||
| Food Service Managers | 9% | $52,030 |
| Travel Agents | -11.7% | $36,990 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 12.8% | $71,490 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.