Online BA in Global Sustainable Tourism
Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-08-07 | - |
2024-08-26 | - |
Program Overview
This fully-online program in Sustainable Tourism Management equips students with the knowledge and tools to become leaders in the management of sustainable tourism standards, protecting natural and cultural resources. The program features a blended curriculum, a diverse faculty with strong academic and industry experience, and career paths in sustainability coordination, ecotourism, and environmental consulting. Partnerships with major hospitality and tourism corporations provide funding opportunities, employment experiences, and resources to enhance the program and benefit students.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program focuses on the urgent need for sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. It recognizes the increasing scrutiny of tourism's environmental impacts and the demand for solutions. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools to become leaders in the management of sustainable tourism standards, protecting natural and cultural resources for future generations.
Objectives:
- To provide sustainability-oriented managers for the global hospitality and tourism industry.
- To balance travelers' desires for memorable experiences with the protection of nature, culture, communities, and the planet.
- To promote transitions to sustainability in tourism for businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations worldwide.
Program Description:
The program is a unique, fully-online, interdisciplinary collaboration between the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Department of Earth and Environment. It features a blended curriculum composed of existing courses from each department and new courses specifically designed for the degree.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program boasts a diverse faculty with strong academic credentials, excellent teaching skills, and extensive industry experience.
- Faculty Examples:
- Dr. Elizabeth Anderson: Freshwater conservation ecologist with expertise in the effects of tourism on ecosystems.
- Dr. David Bray: Anthropologist with global experience in environmental sustainability, specializing in community forest management.
- Dr. John D. Buschman: Industry veteran with experience in global hospitality and tourism, focusing on food waste reduction and recovery.
- Dr. Stephen Leatherman: "Dr. Beach," renowned expert on beaches, beach quality, and the environmental factors that affect them.
- Dr. Carolin Lusby: Fulbright Specialist and certified auditor in sustainability in tourism, with a focus on community-based tourism.
- Hitesh Mehta: Award-winning sustainable tourism and ecotourism consultant with extensive global experience.
- Teaching Approach: The faculty serves as mentors and models, challenging and inspiring students while preparing them with sound approaches to encourage opportunities and innovation.
Careers:
- Job Outlook: The hospitality and tourism industry is increasingly employing sustainability coordinators.
- Potential Career Paths:
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Sustainability Manager
- Ecotourism Specialist
- Destination Management Professional
- Environmental Consultant
- Salary: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports annual salaries for sustainability professionals averaged $71,360 per year in 2019, with a projected growth of 8% for specialists.
Other:
- Partnerships: The Chaplin School has strong relationships with major global hospitality and tourism corporations, including Hilton, Carnival, Marriott International, and others. These partnerships provide funding opportunities, employment experiences, and resources to enhance the program and benefit students.
- Industry Alignment: Major hospitality and tourism corporations have aligned their sustainability programs with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making commitments to reduce their environmental footprints and setting social-impact goals.
- Program Highlights:
- Fully online degree
- Every online student is paired with a success coach
- Program starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Access to Career Engage and associated scholarships
Florida International University
Overview:
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.
Services Offered:
FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.Student Life:
Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.Campus Resources:
Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.Technology:
Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:
Student Involvement:
Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.Campus Highlights:
Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.Arts & Culture:
Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.Recreation & the Outdoors:
Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.Research Excellence:
FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.Global Focus:
FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.Diverse Student Body:
FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.Campus Amenities:
FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.Academic Programs:
FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Design
Business and Economics
Education
Hospitality Management
Humanities and Culture
Medicine and Health
Public Policy
Sciences and Engineering
Technology
Other:
FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.
Entry Requirements:
- Freshman Students:
- Online application
- $30 application fee
- Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores
- Official high school transcripts
- Transfer Students:
- Online application
- $30 application fee
- Official college transcripts
- If less than 60 transferable college credits, official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores must also be submitted
- International Students:
- In addition to the above requirements:
- Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
- If less than 60 transferable college credits, official high school transcripts with translation
- Minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 550, an internet-based (ibT) score of 80 or a minimum IELTS of 6.50 overall is required
- Program Admission Requirements:
- Must be eligible for admission to the University before being accepted to the School
- Students who have completed two years of college (60 transferable semester hours) may apply for admission as a transfer student to the upper division program
- Minimum 2.00 GPA is required for transfer student
- Admissions will review official transcripts for transfer credits upon submission of the application
- Domestic students may enroll on either a full-time or a part-time basis; International students must enroll full-time (at least 12 credits per semester)
- Students with less than 60 transfer credits are subject to freshman admission criteria
- All students are required to meet the university’s core curriculum requirements prior to graduation
- A maximum of 60 lower division undergraduate semester credits may be transferred from a junior or community college program. More credits may be transferred from a related upper-division program at a four-year institution
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International students must submit official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS)
- A minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 550, an internet-based (ibT) score of 80 or a minimum IELTS of 6.50 overall is required for international applicants.