Associate of Travel & Hospitality: Degree Overview

Travel generates billions of dollars in commerce each year. Earning an associate degree in travel and hospitality could provide a gateway into this business.

View 17 Popular Schools »

Associate of Travel and Hospitality

Graduates of travel and hospitality programs are often able to use their business knowledge and customer service skills to start careers in hotel management, event planning or tourism-related endeavors. Because of the global nature of the field, many travel and hospitality programs prepare students to work in settings around the world. Students might spend time learning another language or, in some cases, traveling abroad to experience destination travel. There are few prerequisites to enter a travel and hospitality program; most simply require incoming students to have a high school diploma or GED credential.

Course Topics

Most associate-level programs can be completed in two years of full-time study, although some offer an accelerated schedule. Study done within a travel and hospitality program gives students the chance to take a variety of courses, which might include:

  • Principles of sales
  • Spanish or other world languages
  • Event planning
  • Travel destinations (domestic and worldwide)
  • Computerized reservations
  • Principles of customer service

Popular Career Options

Earning an associate degree in travel and hospitality can lead to many career options in the tourism and hospitality industries. It also might help individuals currently in the field advance to supervisory positions. Some popular career paths in this industry include:

  • Travel agent
  • Resort, hotel or motel clerk
  • Tour guide
  • Hotel manager

Continuing Education Information

Further education for this profession is available in the form of a bachelor's degree program in hospitality or tourism. Master's degree programs are also offered. In addition to or in place of earning a further degree, professionals in the travel and hospitality industries can earn certifications through professional organizations, including the American Hotel & Lodging Association and National Restaurant Association. These groups offer individuals the chance to become certified in a particular niche of the industry; one can become a Certified Guest Service Professional, for example, or even a Certified Hospitality Educator.

Show me popular schools

Related to Associate of Travel & Hospitality: Degree Overview

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Associate of Hospitality & Travel: Degree Overview

Students in hospitality and travel associate degree programs prepare for careers with hotels, resorts and travel...

5 Affordable Ways for Students to Travel the World

Exploring the world is a goal many people want to accomplish in their lifetime. If you're a college student, the time...

Travel the World in the Blogosphere: 10 Top Geography Blogs

In the geographic blogosphere you can virtually visit beautiful locations around the globe, discover strange and...

How to Become a Certified Travel Associate

Learn how to become a certified travel associate. Research the education requirements, training, certification...

Travel Agent Licensing and Credentialing Information

17 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your high school graduation status?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    • Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    Do you prefer online or campus based learning?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    • Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • AS in Business Administration

    Which subject are you interested in?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • AA in Business Admin

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Georgia (1 campus)
    • Texas (1)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Arizona (1 campus)
    • California (5)
    • Colorado (1)
    • Florida (2)
    • Georgia (1)
    • Hawaii (1)
    • Tennessee (1)
    • Texas (1)
    • Utah (1)
    • Virginia (1)
    • Washington (1)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    • Associate
        • AS in Business Administration

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

  • School locations:
    • Online Learning
    • Arizona (3 campuses)
    • California (16)
    • Colorado (3)
    • Florida (6)
    • Georgia (4)
    • Illinois (8)
    • Indiana (2)
    • Kentucky (1)
    • Maryland (1)
    • Michigan (1)
    • Minnesota (1)
    • Missouri (2)
    • North Carolina (2)
    • New Jersey (3)
    • Nevada (1)
    • New York (2)
    • Ohio (4)
    • Oklahoma (1)
    • Oregon (1)
    • Pennsylvania (5)
    • Tennessee (2)
    • Texas (7)
    • Utah (1)
    • Virginia (3)
    • Washington (3)
    • Wisconsin (2)

    Online and Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your classroom preference?

Popular Schools

Avg. Wages For Related Jobs

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics