Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
Take charge of your passions and learn how tourism businesses can contribute to global sustainability while being successful in the long run through the certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
Inclement Weather Alert 2/6/2025 & 2/7/2025
Forecasts of additional snowfall tonight and tomorrow morning have prompted the cancellation of all SOU classes, events and activities beginning at 5 p.m. today, and throughout the day on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hawk Dining Commons will operate as normal.
Business – Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Program
Certificate in Sustainable Tourism (CST)
Offered as an Academic Certification
The certificate in Sustainable Tourism is an undergraduate interdisciplinary program designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in tourism organizations looking to commit to sustainable practices. The program will provide learners with an understanding of corporate sustainability and sustainable practices in tourism development. More specifically, learners will study tourism community impacts, sustainable destination planning and management, and managing a sustainable tourism business while addressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, globalization/localization, and environmental degradation.
The objectives of the program are to prepare learners to be leaders in sustainable tourism through:
- Understanding the role of sustainability in tourism business today, as it relates to corporate strategy, business operations, financial objectives, and social responsibility.
- Learning how to analyze relevant economic, social, and environmental data as applied to a wide range of corporate sustainability case studies from the travel industry.
- Examining strategies, policies and principles for sustainability in various tourism businesses (hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, events, natural areas, parks, etc.).
- Identifying and applying intervention strategies to mediate tourism development impacts.
- Analyzing plans, policies, and approaches being currently used to guide sustainable tourism development within multiple contexts.
- Identifying challenges, weaknesses, and strengths of the tourism industry within different geo-cultural contexts.
- Recognizing socio-cultural, environmental and economic impacts of travel and tourism at the individual, community, and greater society levels.
- Learning and applying the principles of sustainable development in case study contexts.
Degree Fit
Program Preparation
This certificate program is open to undergraduates, graduates, and post-baccalaureate students.
Degree Roadmap
Students must complete the program requirements (30-31 credits) and the SOU requirements for a BA or BS degree or the transfer equivalent. A majority of the credits must be taken at SOU.
Capstone
Whether working in the tourism field or other business industry, sustainability is an integral part of the business of the future. A Certificate in Sustainable Tourism will enhance a learner’s resume by adding tangible business skills about integrating sustainability into an organization’s operations, making them more knowledgeable, conversational, and competitive on the job market.
Guided Pathways
Contact: Erik Palmer –Ìý541.552.6880 –Ìýpalmere@sou.edu
Associate Degree Paths
Rogue Community College:
Klamath Community College:
Umpqua Community College:
Similar Majors
Similar Minors & Certificates
Tourism Management, Minor – Sustainability, Minor – Outdoor Adventure Leadership, Minor – Certificate in Sustainability Leadership
Similar Micro-Credentials
Sample Graduate Degrees
Master of Business Administration, SOU – Master in Management, SOU – – –
Credit for Prior Learning – Learn More
Career Opportunities & Outlook
Contact the Business Program
SOU School of Business
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6484
business@sou.edu
– Questions About Business? –
Nationally Accredited Business Program
by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)