The Best Travel and Tourism Degree Programs

It can be challenging to pin down your major for your undergraduate degree. You have a ton of options, ranging from criminal justice to liberal arts. For something more unique, earning a travel and tourism degree can be a lucrative option.

If you consider yourself business-minded and like helping people connect with what they love, and if you are a person that has a perpetual case of wanderlust, then a travel and tourism degree is the perfect option for you.

Where to Earn a Travel and Tourism Degree

Arizona State University

Here, students will be able to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Development and Management at the W.P. Carey School of Business. This program has a diverse mixture of business practices, tourism planning, hospitality and event management, and international business. 

This undergraduate degree emphasizes work experience by having you complete an in-depth internship program. This aims to put you into the heart of the tourism, hospitality, and event fields. 

Drexel University

Nestled in West Philadelphia, Drexel has a rich history of expertise in many fields. Students will be able to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management with a concentration in travel and tourism. They will be studying this at the Goodwin College School of Technology and Professional Studies.

The school’s diverse student body reflects its strong commitment to international business and tourism outside of the United States. Students will study four fundamentals of business management: 

• Customer service
• Innovative management
• Technology
• International operations

Students are well acquainted with management skills by the end of the undergraduate degree. They will also have a firm grasp of hospitality law and international tourism. They even dabble in commercial food production and safety measures.

Purdue University

Purdue offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management. This 120-credit hour tourism degree program will equip students to transition seamlessly into the varied tourism sector. By the end of the undergraduate degree, students will be able to join cruise lines, theme parks, and become hotel managers. 

Purdue also includes an intensive paid internship program. It requires its students to complete over 400 hours of fieldwork to finish their bachelor’s degree. By the end of the bachelor’s degree, graduates will have a well-rounded education geared toward the tourism sector.

What Can I Do with a Travel and Tourism Degree? 

Hotel or Lodging Manager

These individuals ensure that guests staying at their hotel or lodging have had a pleasant experience. This is ideal for those who have thrived in customer service. They also make sure the entire operation is running smoothly and efficiently. This is where keen business management skills come into play.

A manager trains staff members, sets budgets, and ensures the satisfaction of guests. It also helps to be well-versed in social media to promote your business or place of employment further.

Becoming a hotel and lodging manager is not a career path for the faint of heart. But if you are hardworking by nature and like a challenge, a hotel manager can be your thing.

Event Manager

Event managers are masters in planning and hosting a wide array of events. These could range from trade shows, conventions, and more. Event managers use their marketing skills to promote an event, making sure clients’ have a fantastic stay. They also ensure that a client’s brand is recognizable and accessible.

Their list of responsibilities is long, but if you have a knack for business management, becoming an event planner is perfect.

Travel Agent

This seems like an obvious career choice when considering a travel and tourism degree. Travel agents help those who have found themselves bitten by the travel bug find their ideal destination. Travel agents use international tourism knowledge to pinpoint the best parts of a specific city or country. They help clients find the best restaurants, theme parks, and landmarks to visit.

Travel agents don’t usually need a bachelor’s degree. A high school diploma or equivalent can generally get you the job. These jobs can either be in an office or done entirely remotely. This is a reliable option for those who haven’t obtained their undergraduate degree.

Conclusion

It almost seems too good to be true that you can make travel your life’s work. A common thread in tourism degrees is internships. They are intensive and committed to putting students into the tourism sector as soon as possible. 

The United States, France, or Malaysia, location doesn’t matter. Tourism degrees allow you to harness your knowledge of tourism and hospitality management. You can then craft a more comprehensive and satisfying experience for travelers all over the world.