Online Travel Tourism Degree Programs

Not everyone can be an Instagram influencer, traveling the globe and sharing photos from a different country every week. However, there is a more practical career choice that will let you discover hidden gems and plan for vast adventures, all without the jet lag and expensive plane tickets.

The tourism industry may be the perfect field in which to craft a career that lets you spend all day focused on your love of travel. Professionals working as travel agents, tourism managers or tour guides get learn about the latest hot spots and uncover all they have to offer.

Before you can land one of these jobs though, you need to have the right education and training. Fortunately, it only takes two years to complete many travel and tourism degree programs. Plus, online travel and tourism degrees can make learning convenient. We've got the top colleges in the field listed below as well as all the other information you may need to know.

Best Colleges for Travel and Tourism Degree Programs 2018-19

If you're looking for a great travel and tourism degree program, it could be as close as your local community college. Two-year schools dominate the list of best colleges for travel and tourism programs. Using a methodology that considered student success measures and program prominence, here are ten top schools to consider.

Download Badge
Methodology
1Schenectady County Community College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
21.16%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
10
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Located in a city of the same name, Schenectady County Community College is part of the State University of New York - or SUNY - system. The school was founded in 1967 and has a mission of providing high-quality programs that meet the needs of the local community.

The college offers a certificate in hospitality and tourism management that can be earned in nine months. There is also a two-year Associate of Applied Science in hospitality and tourism management. Plus, students can go on to earn a bachelor's degree through a partnership between the community college and the State University of New York at Delhi.

Schenectady County Community College ranks first among the best colleges for travel and tourism programs thanks to its strong showing in a number of metrics, including affordable tuition and program prominence.

Additional Info
2Herkimer County Community College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
32.59%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
13
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Known simply as Herkimer College to many, this school is another SUNY institution with a reputation for excellent academic programs. It attracts students from across New York as well as from 30 states and 20 countries.

Students looking for online degrees for travel and tourism may find the Herkimer College associate degree in travel and events management meets their needs. Offered on-campus and online, the program prepares students to not only perform front-office functions within the travel and tourism industry but also plan and execute complex events such as conferences and conventions. An internship built into the program ensures hands-on experience prior to graduation.

Herkimer College earned all-around solid rankings for its travel and tourism degree programs. In particular, it scored well for program prominence and its graduation rate.

Additional Info
3Unilatina International College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
100%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
3
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Unilatina International College is a private institution with a focus on holistic education. In addition to providing academic knowledge, it strives to promote entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence and global competencies. Founded in 2001, the college has incubated hundreds of businesses through the programs offered on its Miramar, Florida campus.

Travel and tourism degree programs figure prominently into the UIC catalog. Students can earn either an associate degree or a bachelor's degree in travel and tourism management from the school. While the associate degree is intended to prepare students for entry-level positions, the bachelor's degree may help graduates start their own business.

UIC has the most prominent travel and tourism program among all the schools surveyed. It also ranks first for its graduation rate.

Additional Info
4Cypress College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
30.38%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
12
At least 1 program offered
Yes

As a premier California community college, Cypress College is located in a city of the same name. It opened its doors in 1966 and strives to provide an accessible education to students in the North Orange County area.

The Aviation & Travel Careers Department has been preparing students for jobs in the field since 1967. Both certificates and degrees are available for those pursuing careers as flight attendants, airline agents and other occupations within the travel and cruise industries. Each program is intended to provide the knowledge and skills needed for graduates to successfully land a job and pass a position's training requirements.

Cypress College landed its spot among the best colleges for travel and tourism programs thanks, in part, to its number one ranking for affordable tuition. It's also notable for its flexible scheduling options.

Additional Info
5Los Medanos College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
38.9%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
37
At least 1 program offered
Yes

As a growing school in Pittsburg, California, Los Medanos College has increased its classroom size by 50 percent since 2006. Approximately 9,000 students study on-campus each year in the new and renovated facilities.

However, you don't have to live near campus to earn the school's online travel and tourism degree. The travel marketing program at LMC is entirely online so you can study at your convenience from wherever you have an internet connection. Students can select from a basic certificate, advanced certificate or associate degree in travel marketing. There are also certificates designed for those wanting to be a home-based travel specialist or a cruise specialist.

Los Medanos College provides a number of student support services. It also ranks fifth out of all surveyed schools for its affordable tuition rate.

Additional Info
6Edmonds Community College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
24.82%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
26
At least 1 program offered
Yes

In Lynnwood, Washington, Edmonds Community College has been educating students since 1967. With 25 areas of study, the school is focused on creating an environment in which people teach and learn as a community.

The hospitality and tourism programs at EDCC include one certificate and five associate degrees. While most of the associate degrees are intended to take graduates directly into the workforce, a transfer degree is also available. Suitable for those planning a career on the management side of the industry, the transfer degree makes use of Edmonds Community College's partnerships with institutions such as Washington State University.

Edmonds Community College is notable for its commitment to student support services. At 14-1, it also has the lowest student-faculty ratio of the schools on this list.

Additional Info
7Jefferson Community College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
30.72%
Number of Degrees Offered
N/A
Number of Degrees Conferred
N/A
At least 1 program offered
N/A

Jefferson Community College is another New York institution worth considering. The two-year school is part of the SUNY system and has its campus in Watertown.

The associate degree in hospitality and tourism at JCC offers three concentrations: culinary arts, hotel/restaurant management and winery management and marketing. Those looking for a more general program or an online travel and tourism degree may be interested in the school's online hospitality and tourism certificate. The certificate is intended to help students enter the field quickly and then serve as a foundation for additional, future training as needed.

Overall, Jefferson Community College ranks 10th for program prominence. It also ranks high for student support services which include academic counseling and career placement assistance.

Additional Info
8City College of San Francisco+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
37.66%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
9
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Featuring a diverse student body in California, City College of San Francisco is one of the largest public colleges in the nation. The school was founded in 1935 and is typically called City College by those studying in its 50 academic programs.

The travel program at CCSF is designed to provide students with practical knowledge they can use in the workplace. There are four different certificates available, including one dedicated to the growing field of green and sustainable travel. Students can also earn an associate degree in travel and tourism from City College. This two year program can be customized to emphasize studies in marketing, management or destination development.

In addition to being one of the all-around best colleges for travel and tourism programs, City College of San Francisco ranks eighth for affordable tuition.

Additional Info
9Concord University+
Admission Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
37.9%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
21
At least 1 program offered
Yes

With a campus in Athens, West Virginia, Concord University is the most selective of the top schools for travel and tourism degree programs. It is also the only four-year school on the list.

The university's recreation and tourism management program offers both degree and certificate options. For those who want to enter the workforce quickly, a tourism management certificate is available. Meanwhile, those looking for more in-depth knowledge of the field can earn a bachelor's degree in recreation and tourism management. Within this program, majors can select from one of four emphases: hospitality management, park and recreation management, sports management and tourism planning and promotion.

Concord University has the sixth most prominent program overall and is also notable for its commitment to helping students succeed.

Additional Info
10Minneapolis Business College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
83.53%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
3
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Minneapolis Business College can trace its roots to 1874. That makes it the oldest and smallest accredited business school in the state of Minnesota. With a campus in Roseville, the college focuses on accelerated programs that quickly prepare students for a career.

At Minneapolis Business College, students can earn a travel, hospitality and event planning diploma in ten months. Or, if they want to study for 16 months, they can earn an associate degree in travel, hospitality and event planning. Both programs feature small class sizes and personalized instruction. An externship opportunity is offered to provide real-world experience prior to graduation.

The school earns its spot among the best colleges for travel and tourism programs by ranking second for program prominence and second for its graduation rate.

Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Travel and Tourism Degree Programs and Common Career Paths

With certificate, associate degree and bachelor's degree programs available, you may be wondering which option is right for you. While certificates can be sufficient for some entry level positions, an associate degree seems to be the standard for education in the industry.

Associate Degree Programs in Travel and Tourism
After two years of study, you should feel proficient to perform the tasks associated with travel and tourism jobs. Depending on the emphasis of your particular program, that may mean you're able to plan a complex travel itinerary, execute a major event such as convention or manage a tourist spot such a lodge or resort. Upon graduation, you may be ready to step into one of these roles.
Travel Agent
Travel agents may work for themselves or be part of a larger office. They are responsible for making recommendations to meet their clients' needs, booking travel and resolving any conflicts, such as flight delays, that may occur.
Tour Manager
These professionals oversee operations of tour companies or specific tour packages. They may set an itinerary, make travel arrangements and supervise other workers involved in providing the tour.
Resort Manager
Also known as lodging managers, these individuals make sure a facility is running smoothly. They assist guests, supervise workers and address issues as they arise.

Career Outlook for Travel and Tourism Majors

With the advent of online travel booking, demand for travel and tourism professionals has shifted in recent years. Not every profession in the field will see significant growth, but workers will always be needed in certain occupations. Here's a closer look at the career outlook for travel and tourism jobs.

JOB TITLE
AVERAGE SALARY($)
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECTED JOB GROWTH(%)
Tour and Travel Guides$30,67048,7106.8%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$44,390123,6603%
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Travel and Tourism

Financial aid for travel and tourism degree programs is available from several sources. The most prominent dedicated source of travel scholarships may be Tourism Cares. This group, supported by industry associations, awards up to 29 merit-based scholarships each year, totaling up to $62,000. Other assistance may be available directly from schools offering on-campus and online degrees for travel and tourism.

Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Fund
Applicants must be women of any age pursuing a business or business-related program who demonstrate outstanding potential. Applicants must also have an outstanding academic record in their college career, and they must show intent to complete a business program.  More

AWARD AMOUNT

$7,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

1-Jul

A.M. Hargis Scholarship
Applicant must be a graduating senior, nontraditional student or returning adult from Adams, Blaine, Boone, Buffalo, Clay, Custer, Dawson, Franklin, Furnas, Garfield, Gosper, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Howard, Kearney, Loup, Merrick, Nance, Nuckolls, Phelps, Platte, Polk, Sherman, Valley, Webster or Wheeler County, NE who will pursue a certificate, diploma or associate degree in business, health, travel or tourism. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$3,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

18-Feb

Costa Rican Vacations Scholarship Program
Applicant must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at a US-based college or university, majoring in a field of tourism, sustainable development, or sustainable tourism. Minimum 2.8 GPA required. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$1,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

15-Feb

Ted Bridges Hospitality Scholarship
Applicant must be a resident of Vermont who will pursue education or training related to hospitality or tourism at an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding. Financial need and academic achievement must be demonstrated. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$1,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

3-Mar

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2024 by CollegeXpress.
Scholarship Database

Professional Organizations

As the world's largest association of travel professionals, ASTA advocates for the travel industry as well as provides education and professional development services to its members.
The NTA is the leading organization for tour operators and travel planners working to arrange travel to, from or within North America.
This group, known as IATAN, has been providing services to the U.S. travel and tourism industry for more than 20 years. Its members may have access to discounted travel from some airlines.
View Sources
Our Partner Listings
X