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Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership) ,BS

Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership)

Business, Ecotourism, Global, Hospitality, International, Recreation, Restaurant, Travel, accommodation, sustainability

Do you love the travel experience, have a knack for hospitality and possess a keen business sense? A degree program that prepares you for leadership in the resort and hotel industry can tie these passions together. We provide the instruction and practical experiences to help you succeed as a tourism professional.

Program description

The BS program in tourism development and management with a concentration in resort and hotel leadership attracts students and professionals who have interests in the diverse areas of knowledge needed within the accommodations sector. These include the ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability practices in the industry; hospitality management and leadership; and the interrelated functions within departments of the lodging, food and beverage industries and other stakeholders such as recreation organizations and heritage institutions.

The program provides students an academic option to study the resort and accommodations system in depth and gain knowledge of the importance of the business relationships between suppliers, intermediaries and vendors, guests, and the public and private sectors.

The comprehensive coursework, which integrates resilient and sustainable practices, career exposure opportunities, study abroad options and internship experiences, prepares students for a management and leadership position in the world's largest service industry. It also prepares them to serve their communities with the skills, knowledge, techniques and capabilities needed for addressing major issues related to resorts and other tourism accommodations.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: Downtown Phoenix campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change into this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Incorporate multiple perspectives when proposing creative solutions to complex tourism issues.
  • Integrate knowledge from diverse disciplines to develop comprehensive strategies that address the complex challenges faced by tourism organizations.
  • Able to demonstrate proficiency in written communications with diverse audiences (e.g., clients, interdisciplinary team members, community members).
Global opportunities
Global experience

Future tourism professionals need to develop an understanding of how and why people travel to destinations around the world, and they need to know how to share the local environment with visitors. When studying abroad, students gain valuable field experience and immersion in various destinations around the world. Internships for credit in resort and hotel leadership are available in countries in Europe, Oceania, Latin America and elsewhere.

Career opportunities

A variety of job opportunities are available for resort or hotel professionals, including entry-level management trainee, assistant manager or manager in various departments, such as:

  • catering and banquet
  • convention sales
  • front desk
  • guest services
  • rooms division
  • sales and marketing

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.2%
$56,290
2.6%
$80,710
3.3%
$128,620
7.5%
$52,560
6.7%
$61,910
3.3%
$128,620
0.5%
$61,310
4.6%
$99,030
3.3%
$128,620
8.1%
$34,440
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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