Degree Overview: Associate of Travel and Hospitality
Majors Overview June 15, 2013Each year, travel generates billions of dollars in commerce. Students who want to enter this career field should consider pursuing an associate degree program in hospitality and travel.
Associate of Travel and Hospitality
Hospitality and travel associate degree program graduates will be able to use their customer service skills and business knowledge to start a career in event planning, hotel management, or tourism-related endeavors. Most hospitality and travel programs will prepare students to work in settings worldwide due to the global nature of the field. Students may spend their time learning other languages, or, in some instances, travel abroad to experience destination travel. In order to gain admission into the hospitality and travel program, students are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
The majority of associate degree programs may be completed by students within two years, if they are enrolled full-time, although some could offer an accelerated schedule. Study completed within a hospitality and travel program provides students the chance to take various courses that may include the following:
•Customer service principles
•Computerized reservations
•Travel destinations (worldwide and domestic)
•Event planning
•Spanish or other languages
•Principles of sales
Career Options
Students who have earned their hospitality and travel associate’s degree will have plenty of career options in the hospitality and tourism industries. Additionally, it will help individuals advance to supervisory positions. Individuals can pursue the following career paths:
•Hotel manager
•Tour guide
•Motel, hotel, and resort clerk
•Travel agent
Information on Continuing Education
Those who seek continued education in the profession could choose to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in tourism or hospitality. Some schools also offer master’s degree programs. Professionals in the hospitality and travel industries can enhance their career prospects by opting for voluntary certification offered by professional organizations, such as the National Restaurant Association (www.restaurant.org) and the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA – www.ahla.com). These associations will offer individuals the opportunity to become certified in a specific niche of the industry; for instance, you may become a Certified Hospitality Educator or a Certified Guess Service Professionals.
