MSU launches tourism management degree

Missouri State University has launched the first four-year tourism management degree of any public higher education institution in Missouri, officials say.

Starting this spring semester, students can pursue a bachelor’s in tourism management through the School of Hospitality and Agricultural Leadership at the Darr College of Agriculture.

“Tourism is a major driver of economic development worldwide, and it affects not only businesses but also communities, cultures and the environment,” said MSU professor Tina Liang, who has a background in recreation, sport, and park and tourism management, in a news release.

The program is offered in collaboration with the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability at the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

According to the university, the program is open to new, transfer and international students who are interested in travel, culture or community development and who want to explore how tourism connects to these fields.

“Our goal is to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to tourism development that benefits both destinations and the people who live there,” Liang said in the release.

The program features core tourism coursework, internship and study abroad options, a capstone project focused on problem-solving and certificates in specialized and integrated tourism areas.

“This program responds to the growing demand for professionals who can manage tourism as an interconnected system by integrating geography, management, agriculture and sustainability,” Liang said in the release. “It also emphasizes community engagement and destination management.”