Ecotourism curriculum includes:
- World Ecotourism Destinations and Cultures
- Interpreting Culture and Nature
- Protected Area Management
- Adventure Education
- Natural Resource Conservation
- Nature Guiding, Fly Fishing, Trail Design, Hunting/Tracking
For full listing of current classes, view the college catalog here.
Experiential Term
Explore how ecotourism promotes local economic development, environmental conservation, and education in a variety of locations including Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ireland, Peru, and others.
Ecotourism Internship
Put ecotourism theories and concepts into practice with hands-on experience under the direction of an ecotourism professional.
What careers are related to ecotourism?
Ecotourism is a career for those who want to protect and promote earth’s diverse natural and cultural resources. The ideal student will be interested in environmental science, conservation, social justice, small business entrepreneurship, and outdoor recreation.
Careers related to communications and marketing include interpretive ranger; interpretive specialist, tour guide, environmental education specialist, ecotourism marketing manager, protected areas communications officer, and travel writer.
Careers related to ecotourism planning include ecotourism project manager, protected area planning consultant, and conservation nonprofit ecotourism development specialist.
Careers related to protected area management include parks and recreation director, park ranger, natural resource manager, conservation scientist, law enforcement ranger, and research station manager.
Careers related to operating ecotourism locations include eco-tour operator, eco-lodge manager, and hunting and fishing guides.
Ecotourism Major
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.
ECOTOURISM SAMPLE COURSES
There are 29 credit hours of courses in ecotourism and recreation. You will take a core of ecotourism courses covering foundations of ecotourism, protected area management, and recreation administration.
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.
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.
ECOTOURISM CAREER OPTIONS
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 that 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.