Hospitality & Tourism Management

M.S. in International Sustainable Tourism (MIST)

Apply for MIST Scholarship
Meet the Graduate Coordinator
Marketable Skills for MS in International Sustainable Tourism
Forms:
Degree Planning Sheet - M.S. in International Sustainable Tourism (MIST)
Degree Plan 
Degree Modification Form

Interested in saving the planet through preserving tourism destinations? Well, this degree is for you! Sustainable tourism strives to meet the needs of the present tourist market without compromising the resources of future generations. This leading-edge tourism specialty balances environmental, economic, and socio-cultural benefits and concerns.

This program is a joint Master of Science degree in International Sustainable Tourism (MIST) between UNT and CATIE (The Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

CATIE combines scientific research, graduate education and technical cooperation to create equilibrium between conservation and sustainable production. It has strategic alliances with public and private universities, research centers, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and government entities around the globe.

The UNT-CATIE joint master’s degree is the first of its kind in the U.S. In this two-year program, you will spend the first two semesters at UNT and the last two semesters at CATIE in Turrialba, Costa Rica. All courses are taught in English.

Our MIST program provides you with unique opportunities such as:

• Analysis of sustainable tourism in the USA and Costa Rica
• Hospitality applications of sustainable tourism
• Operational and policy perspectives of sustainable tourism
• International instruction from industry experts and experienced researchers

The course work will prepare you for management and leadership positions in the international sustainable tourism industry or advancement toward a doctoral degree. You will gain insight and experience from policy and operational perspectives, including comprehensive knowledge of hospitality management.

According to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, travel and tourism is the nation’s second-largest services export industry and one of America’s largest employers. Furthermore, Costa Rica enjoys more than 2 million visitors per year, generating more than $2.2 billion in revenues. Therefore, it is vital for successful tourism development professionals to understand the interdependencies of economic benefits, environmental impacts, and social and cultural resources.

Costa Rica, a pioneer in environmental conservation, has excellent infrastructure and services. The country’s network of national parks and conservation areas, biodiversity, innovative policies and exceptional geographical location make it ideal for scholars and institutions devoted to uses relating to natural resources.

Program Learning Objectives

Upon graduating with a Master of Science in International Sustainable Tourism, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate, apply, and assess knowledge of theoretical constructs pertaining to international sustainable tourism.
• Demonstrate the principles of critical thinking and decision-making when evaluating complex issues within international sustainable tourism.
• Identify operational and policy aspects of international sustainable tourism.
• Apply the processes involved in international sustainable tourism research.
• Demonstrate professionalism, communication, and leadership skills needed for (1) operations or policy positions in international sustainable tourism, and/or (2) advancement toward a terminal degree.