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Bachelor's Degree

Ecotourism Minor

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Why Study Ecotourism at Ferrum College?

Ferrum College’s ecotourism major stamps your passport as a leader of journeys that respect the earth and its diverse and beautiful cultures. The ecotourism major combines knowledge and skills related to ecotourism, protected area management, outdoor recreation, environmental science, and business administration.

aaron conover talking to students on bicycles next to fitness center - cropped
students at outside classroom near franklin hall sitting on benches and holding sticks

Ecotourism Sample Courses

You will take a core of ecotourism courses covering foundations of ecotourism, protected area management, and recreation administration.

APPLIED INTERPRETATION

Students will apply interpretive communications theory and processes toward the conservation and promotion of their cultural and natural heritage. The class will feature planning for interpretive trails, exhibits, and electronic media.

RECREATION ADMINISTRATION

Reviews the nature and meaning of recreation administration, particularly as it relates to public recreation agencies. Areas of concentration include management, organization, personnel practices, and office management.

FOUNDATIONS OF ECOTOURISM

As an overview of general principles and theory of the hospitality and tourism industry with a focus on ecotourism, this class is a critical stepping stone of knowledge preparing students for a career in ecotourism.

Careers in Ecotourism

Tour Guide

Tourism professional who plans and leads tours for customers. A tour guide typically guides groups through natural areas and educates them about the history and the environmental issues the region might experience.

Reservation Agent

A tourism professional who assists customers in booking travel accommodations or activities. Their duties typically include processing payments, offering advice, checking availability, adjusting reservations to adhere to customer requests, and answering questions.

Park Ranger

Researches, develops, and implements educational programs and media for park visitors in the areas of resource and historical interpretation; provides information to visitors concerning parks, park resources, and programs; coordinates park activities and projects.

Wildlife Specialist

Responsible for ensuring proper treatment of plant and animal life in a particular area. They may study local species, monitor pollution, and define the environmental impacts of new construction projects.

Ferrum College Catalog

View the catalog for all program courses and degree requirements.

Meet the Faculty

Aaron Conover

Director of Norton Outdoor Adventures and Instructor of Ecotourism and Recreation Leadership