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The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education
Patton Hall
100 East Union St.
Athens, OH 45701-2979

Ecotourism Certificate

 

Costa Rica
Ecotourism Destinations: Costa Rica

Program Code: CTECTO

The Ecotourism certificate program is an interdisciplinary program focused on promoting sustainable tourism development through a balance of environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of nature-based tourism. Open to all Ohio University students, the certificate is intended to complement other areas of study at the university and is especially relevant to students majoring in outdoor recreation and education; restaurant, hotel, and tourism; recreation management; global studies; environmental studies; and, entrepreneurship and other business related disciplines.

Opportunities Upon Graduation

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and encompasses a variety of sectors of the global economy. These include commercial services, such as travel services, transportation services, and personal-cultural recreation services.

The ecotourism certificate program is appropriate for anyone interested in working within the travel and tourism industry generally. It is especially appropriate for those interested in working to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of tourism destinations around the globe through the promotion of principles and practices of sustainable tourism development.

Examples of specific career opportunities related to ecotourism include eco-lodge and resort management; parks and protected areas management; environmental planning, policy and advocacy; and ecotourism and adventure travel operations and guide services.

Courses are available in topic areas Sociocultural Development, Economic Development, Environmental Sustainability,

Courses Include:

  • Principles of Tourism 
  • Principles of Ecotourism 
  • Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • The Politics of Sustainability
  • Natural Resource Economics
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Parks & Protected Areas Management

Capstone Options:

  • Ecotourism Destinations 
  • Practicum in Recreation and Leisure 
  • Hospitality Practicum 

Program Requirements

View the Course Catalog entry to see detailed requirements and curriculum.