Description

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.

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.