Tourism & Coastal Community Development
What is Tourism and Coastal Community Development?
Tourism and coastal community development is a multidisciplinary field focused on fostering sustainable tourism practices while supporting coastal communities' economic, social, and environmental well-being. It involves planning, managing, and promoting tourism activities in coastal areas while considering the needs and aspirations of residents, preserving cultural heritage, and safeguarding natural resources.
Tourism and coastal community development play a crucial role in promoting sustainable economic growth, empowering communities, conserving natural and cultural resources, and enhancing coastal areas' overall resilience and well-being. By adopting holistic and participatory approaches, stakeholders can work together to maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts on coastal communities and ecosystems.
About Tourism and Coastal Community Development
The Bachelor of Science in University Studies, Tourism and Coastal Community Development Concentration equips you with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development in coastal communities dominated by the tourism industry. You will explore a range of fields including tourism marketing and management, public policy, environmental activism, sociology, ecotourism and research and analysis . The program will provides international exposure to the tourism industry through integrated education abroad curriculum and robust local internship opportunities though regional employers.
Program Highlights
Specialized Curriculum
Specialized interdisciplinary curriculum that combines tourism management and a focus on sustainable coastal community development.
Hands-On Learning
Unique hands-on learning opportunities and daily applied learning through our location in a vibrant, urban coastal community.
Personalized Mentorship
Personalized guidance and mentorship by internationally renowned faculty with industry expertise.
Strong Networking Opportunities
Strong industry and agency connections to provide broad networking opportunities.
About University Studies
The University Studies degree programs offers the flexibility to combine areas of study across both campuses to create a personalized degree plan.
A University Studies degree differs from a traditional major in that it consists of a concentration and two minors of 15-18 hours each. The University Studies degree format was created to provide students the flexibility to combine areas of study that are of special interest.
What You'll Experience
- Flexible Degree Options: As a University Studies major, you'll be free to choose concentrations and minors that align with your passions and career aspirations, allowing you to craft a unique degree.
- Tailored Coursework: Dive deep into your chosen areas of study with specific courses designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your field of interest.
Career Options
- Ecotourism
- Coastal community planning and development
- Environmental policy and legislative affairs
- Sports tourism
- Convention and tourism offices
- Hospitality industry liaison
- Tourism sociological impact researcher
- Ecological economics
- NGOs and international social justice
- Congressional and legislative assistant