Program

Associate of Applied Science in Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

Ecotourism has been the fastest growing niche travel market for the last several years. Ecotourism, by definition, is travel that focuses on being environmentally and culturally responsible while appreciating nature and promoting conservation. You will study nature and ecological sciences, interpretive/tour guide services, wilderness skills, hospitality tourism, and the lodging business. Experience some of the most unique training opportunities in the United States by obtaining skills that focus on travel that is environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically sustainable. In addition, each term offers a specialized focus to add to your education. Students build their skills and knowledge in:

• Basic biological sciences
• Environmental issues
• Outdoor leadership skills
• Wilderness travel skills
• Natural history and cultural interpretation
• Resource and business management
• Assessment of ecotour-related ventures
• Sustainable resource management

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Ecotourism and Adventure Travel:

• Assess and evaluate tourist-based activities as they relate to sustainable development;
• Plan, develop, and execute guided and self-guided interpretation programs that focus on natural and cultural history of a given area;
• Inventory, develop, and implement resource management plans for natural areas and ecotourist sites;
• Initiate and implement, through networking with community action groups, regional ecotourism activities;
• Assess, develop plans for, and identify steps of implementation for the transformation of a traditional hospitality operation to an environmentally sound operation;
• Demonstrate competency in the safe operation and care of watercraft;
• Effectively operate front desk and minor operation of an ecotourism facility;
• Assess and evaluate a wilderness area for qualities that will make it an appropriate site for adventure leadership training;
• Plan, develop, and execute a trip that focuses on developing wilderness skills and leadership;
• Evaluate all types of equipment pertaining to outdoor travel, as to their appropriateness and effectiveness in a variety of situations;
• List many sources for outdoor gear;
• Analyze, minimize, and communicate the environmental impact of different outdoor activities and procedures on specific environments; and,
• Safely lead inexperienced participants into a remote wilderness setting.

Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Program are employed in private and public ecotourism sites including positions in national parks, environmental and community education centers (zoos, museums, aquariums, nature centers), resort and lodge operations, adventure camps, adventure leadership schools, adventure therapy programs, outdoor education schools, and the tourism industry.