The Graduate Certificate in Destination Marketing and Management provides knowledge and information that facilitates the effective marketing and management of tourist destinations. The certificate covers the strategies for creating integrated destination marketing and management systems, critically reviews those issues and techniques of international tourism management with a particular focus on the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourist development at destinations, and analyzes the quantitative impact of tourism as an industry both within and beyond tourist destinations.
Students learn to synthesize theory and application at the graduate level in order to produce the knowledge base necessary to fully utilize available techniques and strategies for the effective marketing and management of tourist destinations. Students successfully completing this certificate may already be in destination marketing or management positions or seeking such roles in this exciting and growing field.
Please note: Destination Marketing and Management Graduate Certificate may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.
UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
9 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- There is no specific course sequence in that a number of sections of each course are available throughout the year with students able to commence in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semester. One course, and sometimes more, are offered each term.
- Complete the following:
- HMG6710 - International Tourism Management (3)
- HMG6566 - Principles of Destination Marketing and Management (3)
- HMG6738 - Tourism Industry Analysis (3)
Grand Total Credits: 9
Application Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered. Admission to this certificate is competitive; applicants meeting the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.
In addition to the above application requirements, all applicants to this certificate program will be required to submit:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Goal statement (this is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally)
- Résumé.
- The GRE/GMAT is not required, however, the Admissions Committee may ask for the GRE/GMAT to strengthen a candidate's application package.
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
These documents must be attached to the application. The goal statement should address the applicant's interest in pursuing the certificate program and fully discuss any experience that he or she has had in the field. A minimum of 2 years of full-time post-undergraduate work experience is required for admission.
Application Deadlines
| Destination Marketing and Management Graduate Certificate | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | | Jul 1 | Dec 1 | Apr 1 |
| International Applicants | | | | |
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
