Online Travel Tourism Degree Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10^th for program prominence. It also ranks high for student support services which include academic counseling and career placement assistance.

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.

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.

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.