Schools Offering the Best Master’s Degree Program in Travel and Tourism
Majors Overview April 30, 2015Get information about high ranked schools that offer the best master’s degree programs in travel and tourism.
Top Schools Offering Travel and Tourism Programs
Graduates from a hospitality and tourism management master’s degree program qualify for administration and management positions in the industry. In this article, we take a look at some of the best master’s degree programs in travel and tourism in the United States.
The location of the two top-ranked schools discussed in this article helps them offer enrolled students a close perspective of the travel and tourism industry. The location of the University of Central Florida is in the center of the tourism community, with numerous travel destinations in the locality, including more than 75 theme parks. The location of George Washington University is in Washington, D.C.’s downtown area, which has numerous international tourism events, firms, and organizations.
University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
The Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research ranked the University of Central Florida (UCF) 10th on its list of the world’s 100 best tourism and hospitality programs. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Hospitality and Tourism Management with non-thesis or thesis alternatives is available through the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Individuals interested in the industry of tourism that plan to continue their education via a doctoral program can choose the thesis option. Choosing more elective courses rather than a research thesis would benefit those seeking leadership roles in the travel and tourism industry. Coursework includes subject areas such as managerial accounting, tourism and travel economics, ethics and law, and tourism information technology.
George Washington University – Washington, D.C.
The quality of the education offered by George Washington University (GWU) through its Master of Tourism Administration program has been recognized by the World Tourism Organization, which was given the TedQual certification. The business school of the university was accorded the 55th rank in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.
A concentration in sustainable tourism destination management is available through the Master of Tourism Administration (M.T.A.). Coursework includes subject areas such as marketing, cultural heritage tourism, ecotourism, and environmental management. An accelerated, distance-learning MTA program is also available at schools for mid-career professionals.
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) is also available at GWU’s School of Business with specializations in sports, event, tourism, and hospitality management. Students enrolled in the program can prepare for management jobs in entrepreneurial or commercial ventures.
Colleges and Universities offering Travel and Tourism Programs
| Name of School | Distinction | Campus Location |
| Arizona State University | Sustainable tourism master’s degree program can be completed by students within a year | Tempe, AZ |
| East Carolina University | This school operates the Center for Sustainable Tourism, which performs community outreach and research | Greenville, NC |
| Florida International University | Students can gain experience through the school’s collaborative program | Miami, FL |
| George Washington University | Sustainable tourism consulting experience can be gained by students through global practicum in areas such as Belize, Peru, and Mexico | Washington, DC |
| New York University | Through the Distinguished Lecture Series, students will be able to interact with industry professionals | New York, NY |
| North Carolina State University – Raleigh | This school features a seven-week semester for their online master’s degree program | Raleigh, NC |
| Purdue University | Department runs a coffee shop, catering business, and two restaurants that allow students to gain hands-on experience within the hospitality industry | West Lafayette, IN |
| Temple University | Students enrolled in graduate programs will participate in consulting projects with hospitality industry professionals before they are able to graduate | Philadelphia, PA |
| Texas A&M University | The school’s extension service includes tourism programs, which provide opportunities to students to gain experience within the hospitality industry | College Station, TX |
| University of North Texas | University of North Texas along with the institution in Costa Rica offers joint master degree programs in sustainable tourism | Denton, TX |
