I. Introduction

As part of the university’s transformation into a comprehensive institution, the Department of Social Sciences Education was restructured in 1995 into the Department of Administrative Management and the Department of Culture and Natural Resources. In the 97th academic year, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of the Master's Program in Cultural and Natural Resources, initially with an enrollment capacity of nine students. In the 106th academic year, this program was renamed the Master’s Program in Cultural Tourism Resources and integrated with the Taiwan Culture Institute, forming the Taiwan Culture Master's Program and the In-Service Master's Program in Taiwan Culture to enhance its specialized focus.

II. Educational Goals

The program aims to cultivate expertise in history, geography, anthropology, and related disciplines, enabling students to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of cultural and natural resource research.
• Independently conducted local cultural and regional environmental studies.
• Apply their knowledge to cultural tourism development and management.

III. Program Features

1. Comprehensive Curriculum Structure

The curriculum integrates fundamental theories and methodologies with practical applications, bridging academic expertise and societal needs.

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Institutional Partnerships

The program fosters academic cooperation through faculty exchanges and joint research initiatives with institutions such as the Taiwan Institute of Culture, the Institute of Ecotourism, the Department of English and American Literature, and the Department of Chinese Language and Literature.

IV. Core Competencies of the Master's Program in Cultural Tourism Resources

Graduates will develop:

1. The ability to analyze local cultural history, regional environments, and related resource issues.
2. Expertise in planning and conducting fieldwork.
3. Practical skills for cultural tourism development and application.
4. The capacity to conduct independent research and produce academic publications.

V. Career Pathways for Graduates

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in various sectors, including:

1.Education and Research

• Social Sciences Teacher (Primary and Secondary Schools)
• Local Cultural and Historical Researcher

2.Cultural and Tourism Industry

• Community Development Planner
• Cultural Tourism Professional (Tourism Bureau, Tour Guide, Landscape Management Office)
• Cultural Event Project Planner

3. Public and Nonprofit Sector

• Cultural and Social Education Institutions (Cultural Bureau, Cultural Development Association, Cultural Centers, Museums, Art Museums, Social Education Centers)
• Environmental and Ecological Conservation Initiatives
• Environmental and Energy Education Programs

4. Media and Publishing

• Publishing Industry (Publishing Houses, Print Media - Newspapers, Magazines)
• Broadcast and Digital Media (Television Stations, Radio Stations)