Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management, B.S.

Powering the careers of tomorrow’s leaders in hospitality and tourism with a focus on sustainability and socially-responsible practices.

Through the integration of core business courses; industry-specific courses in hospitality and tourism management; soft skills development; and an extensive range of elite hands-on learning experiences, the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program will deliver the depth and breadth for unlimited success throughout your career.

Empowering You to Excel in Your Chosen Profession

The program’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on sustainable practices in the hospitality and tourism sectors will uniquely prepare you to be a leader who drives positive change and contributes to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of communities worldwide.

By integrating comprehensive business education with specialized training in sustainability, our program offers a more comprehensive level of preparation that takes our graduates to careers in leading hotels, restaurants, event planning, travel agencies, and destination marketing organizations, including:

  • Alvarado Street Brewing
  • Bernardus Lodge & Spa
  • California Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Folktale Winery & Vineyards
  • Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
  • Hilton Hotels & Resorts
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Monterey Peninsula Country Club
  • Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
  • Pebble Beach Resorts
  • Portola Hotel & Spa
  • Quail Lodge & Golf Club
  • Sacramento River Cats
  • See Monterey (Destination Marketing Organization for Monterey County)
  • SoFi Stadium
  • Spa Adeline
  • Streamlinevents, Inc.
  • The Walt Disney Company
  • WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
  • Wedgewood Weddings & Events

The Sustainable Hospitality and Management program equips students with skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. Students benefit from hands-on learning experiences, industry partnerships, and a strong focus on community engagement, enabling them to become leaders in promoting responsible tourism and sustainable business practices. To learn about more opportunities, please contact the program.

Aerial Image of Campus

Public University Price, Private University Experience

A Lifetime of Value

Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism, B.S.

At the heart of the program’s mission is the integration of sustainability, social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and economic viability, along with world-class hands-on learning experiences and industry connections that result in an unparalleled degree and experience.

 

Educational Objectives

Our superior industry connections with world-class hospitality and tourism organizations and outlets will provide you with exceptional opportunities for internships, networking, and professional connections that will take your career to impressive heights.

Our focus on sustainability will equip you with a distinctive perspective and mindset in the industry, setting you apart and readying you for a more powerful career today’s world where travelers actively seek out more sustainable travel and vacation options.

Our comprehensive curriculum blends core business courses in marketing, finance, and management; industry-specific courses on hotel and restaurant operations, event management, tourism marketing, and destination management; practical, hands-on learning experiences; and the development of “soft” skills like customer service, communication, and leadership.

Our distinctive Pebble Beach Scholars Program delivers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your knowledge, develop your skills, and gain the distinctive industry perspectives to move ahead in your career with the highest possible standards for contemporary guest experiences.

Located in the world-class travel destination of Monterey County, the program will put you at the forefront of stunning coastlines, world-class attractions, and elite resort destinations. This setting serves as a perfect living laboratory where students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, enriching their educational experience. 

The program’s Sustainability Spotlight Series leverages the coastal environment of Monterey County to enrich your understanding of sustainable practices in hospitality and tourism. One notable field experience involves partnering with Monterey Bay Ecotours, a local women-owned business. During this experience, you’ll embark on an educational journey aboard the El Cat, an innovative electric catamaran designed and built in Moss Landing. This immersive experience not only highlights the ecological significance of coastal wetlands but also demonstrates sustainable tourism practices that prioritize conservation and environmental stewardship.

The program integrates service learning initiatives that are integral to the development of students in a Tourism and Hospitality Management program. These hands-on experiences enhance practical skills and foster a sense of social responsibility and community engagement.

Some of these experiences include beach cleaning in the Monterey Bay area, volunteering at nonprofit fundraising dinners, participating in sustainable tourism projects and activities, assisting with local food banks and shelters, and supporting local tourism initiatives.

Faculty & Staff

Our faculty work individually with students as mentors offering guidance on professional development and connecting them with industry partners.

Paige Viren

Paige Viren

Executive Director of Sustainable Hospitality Management Program

Angel González

Angel González

Associate Professor

Alexis Lee

Alexis Lee

Special Consultant

Alexis Lee

Alexis Lee

Assistant Professor

Natalia Hurley

Natalia Hurley

Lecturer

Gretchen Melvin

Gretchen Melvin

Lecturer

Maj-Britt Kimm

Maj-Britt Kimm

Lecturer

Maj-Britt Kimm

Maj-Britt Kimm

Faculty Additional Employment

A headshot photo of Pebble Beach employee Kiana Krentz

Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you have about the Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism program.

Our experienced and supportive admissions staff is here to provide all the individualized guidance you need.

Study Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism in an inspiring coastal environment where we are truly committed to mentorship and an engaging student experience.