About

Are you looking for a way to differentiate yourself and make a difference? Did you know that sustainability is important in almost all business activities today, especially in the world largest industry, tourism?

The sustainable tourism and hospitality program draws upon emerging sustainability sciences ranging from the physical to the social to address complex sustainable tourism issues. Science and education are critical partners in the sustainable, long-term management of tourism, and this program provides the foundation for this new approach to sustainable management.

The program is anchored on study in four core sustainability and tourism areas: introductory, science, business, and planning and policy. Further study is chosen to fit the career aspirations of the student and reflect the "triple bottom line" of sustainable tourism: economic, environmental, and sociocultural viability. Students can also opt for independent study and/or internship experience. In addition, we have several study abroad opportunities during the summer. Given the unique and interdisciplinary nature of the degree, we have accepted students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds.

Students will have the opportunity work with faculty who are experts in their field. There are many opportunities to work with clients or community partners on sustainability projects. Most students can qualify for a graduate assistantship and there are other funding opportunities as well.

ECU Advantage

East Carolina University offers the nation's first interdisciplinary master of science in sustainable tourism and hospitality degree. The degree was recognized as “one of the 5 best places in the world to pursue a degree in sustainable tourism” by BBC–Travel. This unique degree program allows students to customize their graduate school experience through course flexibility, internship opportunities and hands on experience in sustainability.

We have had good luck placing our students after graduation. We have students working in state tourism agencies, hotels/resorts as managers (including sustainability coordinators), NASCAR®, and in their own businesses. Many students have also gone on to pursue a PhD in top programs across the country. Students will have a support group that will do their best to help them find a job or a doctoral program after graduation.

As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Bob O'Halloran (3417 Bate Building; 252-737-1604; ohalloranr@ecu.edu)

The Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality, MS program is designed for individuals interested in the tourism and hospitality profession with a focus on sustainability as it applies to economic success, social and cultural vitality, environmental conservation, and long term health. The program prepares students for managerial or regulatory positions in the profession and for relevant PhD programs. 

The degree requires 30 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 24 s.h.
  • HMGT 6310 - Strategic Management of Conventions and Special Events
  • HMGT 6400 - Critical Analysis of Food Service and Beverage Management Systems
  • HMGT 6410 - Strategic Management of Lodging Operations
  • HMGT 6420 - Current Issues and Strategies in Hospitality Management
  • SUTO 6000 - Principles of Tourism and Sustainability
  • SUTO 6100 - Environmental Systems and Sustainability
  • SUTO 6200 - Development and Management of Sustainable Tourism
  • SUTO 6300 - Policy and Planning for Sustainable Tourism
2. Elective - 6 s.h.

Electives must be approved by the program coordinator. 

    Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

    All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment. The assessment for this program includes HMGT 6420 and SUTO 6300. These courses are considered capstones for the program.

      For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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