College of Education and Professional Studies
Sustainable Tourism
Minor
Minor in Sustainable Tourism
In the Sustainable Tourism Minor, we invite you to explore the dynamic world of tourism through a lens of environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation, and social responsibility.
You will learn about sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impacts, ways to support local communities, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Together, we will discover innovative ways to create a more sustainable and inclusive future for the tourism industry.
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Carla Jellum
Do Something Great
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management
Courses
- ENST 201 - Earth as an Ecosystem
- ENST 202 - Environment and Society
- HTE 330 - Sustainable Resources for Tourism
- HTE 355 - Sustainable Tourism
- HTE 371 - Tourism Essentials
- HTE 386 - International Travel
Choose two from the following:
- ENST 303 - Environmental Resource Management
- ENST 310 - Energy and Society
- ENST 330 - Environmental Leadership and Advocacy
- HTE 331 - Sustainable Events: Best Practices
- HTE 337 - Tour and Interpretive Program Development
- SUST 301 - Introduction to Sustainability
- SUST 309 - Sustainability Civic Engagement Experience
- UNIV 304 - International Sustainable Development
Rising Industry Demand
As sustainable tourism continues to grow, this minor positions you to meet industry demands by focusing on environmental stewardship and responsible travel practices.
Unique Experiences
Engage in study abroad opportunities and eco-tourism projects that give you first-hand experience in sustainable tourism initiatives around the world.
Balanced Growth
Learn how to balance economic growth in tourism with the need for environmental conservation, making you a valuable asset to organizations looking to promote responsible tourism.
Diverse Careers
This minor opens doors to careers in eco-tourism, park management, sustainable hospitality, and destination marketing, giving you flexibility in your professional path.
Apply
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Financial Aid
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Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Why Study Sustainable Tourism at Central?
- Learn how to implement tourism strategies that not only attract visitors but also preserve natural resources and support local communities, contributing to global sustainability efforts.
- Participate in field trips, case studies, and projects that allow you to apply sustainability practices in real-world tourism settings, both locally and internationally.
- Our minor combines principles from tourism, environmental science, and economics, offering a well-rounded perspective on how sustainability can be achieved in the tourism industry.
Complementary Degrees
🌿 Environmental Studies explores the connection between tourism, conservation, and sustainable resource use, preparing students to balance visitor impact with environmental preservation.
🏛️ Public Policy prepares students to shape tourism development through sustainable planning, community engagement, and responsible regulation.
🍷 Wine Studies connects sustainability with agritourism, food systems, and regional economic growth and is ideal for those interested in eco-conscious travel and local culture.
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- HTE 309 Facility Planning, Maintenance and Safety
- HTE 371 Tourism Essentials
- HTE 330 Sustainable Resources for Tourism
- HTE 331 Sustainable Events: Best Practices
- HTE 355 Sustainable Tourism
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.