Economic Development & Tourism Management

Contact

Department of Administrative Sciences
808 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-3016
adminsc@bu.edu

The economic development & tourism management concentration provides an in-depth examination of the economics, infrastructure, logistical, security, and research issues involved with regional, national, and international economic development and tourism. Students are exposed to the interplay of private, public, and government organizations as they relate to the design of a comprehensive economic development and tourism plan. The combination of theory and practice prepares students to analyze tourism markets; assess area, regional, and national weaknesses and strengths; and understand infrastructure needs and the costs associated with development. The program emphasizes sustainable economic development via the commodification of cultural and nature tourism assets.

Internationally renowned for its quality curriculum, teaching, and faculty, the administrative sciences department has been recognized by the world’s leading accrediting bodies for its excellence in management education. The department’s programs are accredited by AACSB International—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and its master of science programs in administrative studies (Boston) and management (online) are accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Program Accreditation System (EPAS). In addition, the master of science programs in project management and administrative studies are accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).

Prerequisites

All students must demonstrate proficiency in mathematical skills for management by taking MET AD 510 Mathematics for Management.

International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English skills. International students must take MET AD 501 Business Communications for International Students unless waived by the department.

Department courses to satisfy the prerequisites are:

  • MET AD 501 Business Communications for International Students (4 cr)
  • MET AD 510 Mathematics for Management (2 cr)

Waiver Policy

A waiver exam is available for AD 510 Mathematics for Management. Students must take this waiver exam prior to the start of classes or must sign up for AD 510 in the first semester.

Degree Core Courses

(five courses/20 credits)

  • MET AD 632 Financial Concepts
  • MET AD 642 Project Management
  • MET AD 648 Introduction to Electronic Commerce, Systems, and Web Design
  • MET AD 655 International Business, Economics, and Cultures
  • MET AD 741 The Innovation Process: Developing New Products and Services

Concentration Requirements

(four courses/16 credits)

  • MET AD 600 Economic Development and Tourism Management
  • MET AD 603 Evaluating and Developing Markets for Cultural Tourism
  • MET AD 747 Service: Quality, Delivery, and Productivity
  • MET AD 758 Eco-Tourism

Concentration Electives

(select two courses/8 credits)

  • MET AD 610 Introduction to Business Continuity, Security, and Risk Management
  • MET AD 650 Economic Development via Tourism in the Developing World
  • MET AD 657 Economic Sustainability, Development, and Competitiveness of a Tourist Destination
  • MET AD 683 Infrastructure and Logistical Planning for Tourism Development
  • MET AD 715 Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
  • MET AD 725 Negotiations and Organizational Conflict Resolution
  • MET AD 728 Understanding and Managing Heritage Tourism
  • MET AD 737 Innovative Marketing Techniques
  • MET AD 740 Planning and Operating New Ventures
  • MET AD 745 Competitive Strategies for Dynamic Environments
  • MET AD 746 Business Law and Regulation in a Global Environment
  • MET AD 749 International Economics
  • MET AD 764 Multinational Tactics, Strategies, and Positioning
  • MET AD 767 Culture and Development
  • MET AD 769 Cultural Tourism and the Art and Festival Industries
  • MET AD 856 Market and Economic Research and Analysis
  • MET AD 857 Marketing Strategies
  • MET AD 860 International Advertising

Free Elective

(select one graduate-level course/4 credits)

Students are encouraged to use their graduate-level free elective to broaden their understanding of numerous topics that make up the field of economic and development tourism. This coursework can be selected from other administrative sciences department offerings or Metropolitan College departments as well as from Boston University’s other schools and colleges.