UCC: University Consortium Certificate in Sustainable Tourism

Consortium Members

The University Consortium Certificate (UCC) in Sustainable Tourism fosters a holistic understanding of ecotourism and sustainable tourism through multi-disciplinary education. The UCC certificate provides a solid educational foundation with a combination experiential learning industry-based opportunities.

The UCC Program offers the opportunities to:

The UCC Study Plan incorporates:

• At least one international course provided through a UCC member.
• At least one web-based or onsite seminar or workshop through TIES.
• An internship focused on elements of ecotourism consisting of 400 hours.

How To Participate

Students: The UCC Program is for students who have completed their Freshman and Sophomore year and hold the equivalent Junior or Senior standing. Please contact the Academic Consortium Advisors at UCC member universities directly (see the list below) to discuss your application. If you are not enrolled in one of the member universities, but are currently enrolled full time in a university in the United States or Canada, please contact: ucc[at]ecotourism.org for further enrollment instructions.

Universities: The UCC program assists member universities in the provision of a concentration of study in ecotourism and sustainable tourism within a wide range of disciplines including architecture, business, environmental studies, geography, hospitality, law, public administration and recreation. Please contact: ucc[at]ecotourism.org to learn more about the application process and to set up meetings with UCC advisers.

Download Student Brochure

Download University Brochure

Benefits for Students

• Industry-wide and academically recognized endorsement.
• TIES Professional membership (2 years).
• Access to potential employers and research projects.
• Practical hands-on experiences, projects, and skill development.
• Experiential education focus appropriate to a range of professions.
• Opportunities in relevant study abroad programs and coursework.
• Professional employment opportunities through direct field contacts.

Benefits for UCC University Members

• The opportunity to offer unique experiential learning options.
• TIES College & University Premium Plus membership.
• Enhanced recruitment opportunities for the University and department.
• Increased program offerings without increasing faculty teaching loads.
• Increased industry and professional contacts.

Current UCC Members

North Carolina State University
Stacy R. Tomas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Tourism Extension Specialist
Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Mgmt
Email: stacy_tomas[at]ncsu.edu

California Polytechnic State University
Jerusha Greenwood, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Recreation, Parks & Tourism Administration Natural Resources Management
Email: jbgreenw[at]calpoly.edu

University of Utah
Kelly S. Bricker, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Email: kelly.bricker[at]health.utah.edu

West Virginia University
Dave Smaldone, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Recreation, Parks & Tourism Resources
Division of Forestry & Natural Resources
Email: David.Smaldone[at]mail.wvu.edu

University of Minnesota
Ingrid E. Schneider, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Forest Resources & Tourism Center
Email: ingridss[at]umn.edu