Program Overview

Master of Tourism Management

The Master of Tourism Management degree prepares future leaders of the outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism industry for roles in destination and recreation management, hotels and resorts, operations, marketing, events, and entrepreneurship. The industry-driven curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary business approaches involving sustainability, strategic analysis, current industry topics, and human well-being. The degree, offered online or in-person, can be completed in two semesters.

Program Overview

The MTM program provides industry connections, experiential learning opportunities, critical skills, and up-to-date content essential to the successful start or advancement of a career in tourism. Uniquely positioned within the Warner College of Natural Resources, this program is offered through The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, which has more than 90 years of experience in the education and involvement of diverse publics in natural resource conservation and nature-based tourism.

Two Ways to Study

• On Campus: Study at a world-class university in a charming city that is consistently recognized as one of the best places to live in America and near premier outdoor tourism destinations. Engage in interactive classroom discussion and experiential learning activities. Cultivate professional relationships through career networking opportunities.
• Online: Obtain a master’s degree over two semesters (one academic year). Engage with interactive, online learning tools. Apply an industry-driven curriculum that blends tourism, business, and sustainability to your career advancement. Experience the same curriculum as the in-person program.

Career Opportunities

• Potential Employers:
  • Recreation and Ski Areas
  • Tourism Agencies
  • State and National Parks
  • Hotel and Resorts
  • Government Agencies
  • Destination Management Organizations
  • Hospitality and Event Industry
• Potential Careers:
  • Business Owner
  • Adventure Guide
  • Outdoor Recreation Director
  • Environmental Educator
  • Sustainable Tourism Consultant
  • Marketing Manager
  • Development Director
  • Event and Conference Coordinator

Curriculum

Classwork features innovative coursework in sustainable tourism practices, strategic management and quantitative analysis, communications and conflict management, eco-tourism, and tourism marketing. Tourism courses are offered through intensive classroom learning experiences that emphasize interactive discussions with classmates, faculty, and industry professionals from around the world.

Meet the Faculty and Staff

The program’s balance of business and hospitality management curriculum, tourism-specific coursework, and industry interaction provides students with an excellent foundation to achieve a successful career in tourism management. Our instructors have both academic knowledge and real-world experience in the tourism industry. In addition to their impeccable academic qualifications, most have direct industry experience.

How to Apply

The MTM degree accepts students for both spring and fall semesters.

• Applications for the spring are accepted until Dec 1st
• Applications for fall are accepted until July 15th We encourage international applicants to begin their application at least 6 months in advance, as immigration policies can take some time.

Affiliate Memberships

The program is affiliated with various research centers and institutes, including the Center for Protected Area Management, the Collective for Nature Immersion Science and Practice (CNISP), and The Animal-Human Policy Center.

Research Areas

The program is part of the Warner College of Natural Resources, which has research emphases in various areas, including:

• Research Emphases
• Monthly Scholarship Reports
• Faculty Research Sites
• Centers
• Pathways Conference
• Pathways Europe Conference

Faculty Research Sites

The program is supported by various faculty research sites, including:

• CSU Conservation Action through Behavioral Science Lab
• Cavaliere Critical Conservation Lab
• Salerno Lab
• U.S.-China Lab for Destination Development
• Biocultural Diversity and Conservation
• America’s Wildlife Values
• Biodiversity Governance Lab
• Feminist Earthways Lab
• Nature and Well-being Research Group

Centers

The program is affiliated with various research centers, including:

• Center for Protected Area Management
• Collective for Nature Immersion Science and Practice (CNISP)
• The Animal-Human Policy Center

News and Events

The program is part of the Warner College of Natural Resources, which has various news and events, including:

• News Headlines
• Announcements and News Briefs
• HDNR Annual Award Winners
• Pathways Conference
• Pathways Europe Conference

Alumni

The program has a strong alumni network, with graduates pursuing various careers in the tourism industry. Explore our Alumni Spotlights page to see the wide range of careers our former students have pursued.

Why Nature-Based Tourism?

The program focuses on nature-based tourism, which is a growing industry that offers many opportunities for career advancement. The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.

Additional Information

For more information about the Master of Tourism Management program, please refer to the program's curriculum page and faculty and staff profiles.