Find Your Perfect School
Do you like to travel? If so, you should consider pursuing employment as a Travel Agent. What better way to combine your hobby with a career, right? If you are interested, check out our guide below and get started today!
Methodology
If you’re ready… Get ready for take-off… into an exciting new career in travel. These fine schools display the best programs for those interested in the field based on the following:
- Provides a comprehensive program in the field of travel, primarily for those interested in becoming a Travel Agent or would like to focus on Hospitality Management and the like,
- Displays proper accreditation to become a qualified Travel Agent,
- The curriculum ensures that the program covers topics such as travel industry regulations, booking procedures, customer service, sales, and marketing,
- Provides possible internship opportunities that offer internships with travel agencies or other related organizations to give students hands-on experience,
- Provides learning options, such as on-campus and online formats,
- Offers job placement services and networking opportunities.
To learn more, see our Methodology page.
10 BEST SCHOOLS FOR A TRAVEL AGENT DEGREE
Casper College
(Online) Associate in Hospitality And Tourism Management
Casper College’s online associate in hospitality and tourism management degree is a 63-66 credit program that allows students to graduate without visiting the campus. Students who finish the program, taught by faculty members with industry expertise, can exhibit a current understanding of products and services supplied by various tourism/hospitality industry segments.
Students will also learn how to explain tourism/hospitality products and services that are distributed, advertised, and sold, appreciate the value of service in tourism/hospitality, display destination knowledge, and correctly use the specialist vocabulary used by industry professionals.
Students will be asked to contact local and regional business leaders for interviews, visits, evaluations, planning, and analytical-based projects.
Courses relevant to travel careers are:
- Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Hotel Operations Management
- Sales and Customer Relationship Management
- Convention Sales and Management
- Tourism Management
- Legal Environment of Business
The goals of this degree include delivering exceptional client service, managing accommodations, developing novel income streams, and conducting economic analysis, all of which are important in becoming a travel agent.
Check out Casper’s Online Associate In Hospitality And Tourism Management, see if the requirements meet your standards, and start making your dream come true.
Highline College
(On-campus) Associate of Applied Science degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management
An Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Highline College is one of the best degrees to help you become a successful travel agent. Each student is given the option to work with a HOST advisor to create their specific degree plan. Because you will specialize in your chosen job route, you will only attend classes directly related to your path.
A Flight Certificate program, also offered at Highline College, is intended for those who are interested in the aviation industry and its three focus areas:
- Aviation
- Airlines
- Airport operations and management
Individuals who complete this course of study will be adequately schooled in the logistical parts of the three aforementioned focus areas, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the flight business. This course option includes all of the elements required to succeed as a professional in the aviation, airline, or airport industry.
Program courses include:
- Travel Geography
- Customer Service Operations
- Airline and Aviation Operations
- Airport Operations
- Travel Counselor
- Destination Marketing Organization
Highline College’s Flight Certificate is one of the most well-known certificates for those looking for work in a travel agency. This degree and certificate will undoubtedly enhance your resume. Learn about the school’s Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Flight Certificate program.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
(Online) Associate In Marketing Management
Marketing and branding tactics, finding new ways to sell products and services, and remaining competitive are critical components of sustaining a positive client relationship in the travel agency industry. These topics are covered in the Associate in Marketing Management online program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College for aspiring professional travel agents.
The online associate in marketing management degree at GPTC offers several concentration options, including retail management and entrepreneurship. Students acquire hands-on experience by participating in a marketing internship or practicum.
Core courses include:
- Professional selling
- Business regulations and compliance
- Digital technologies in business
Pursuing this marketing degree is one approach to honing your customer service and sales abilities. It provides a curriculum that will assist you in understanding consumer behavior, needs, or desires and developing solutions to address them.
The career center at the college fosters favorable results by assisting students in developing resume writing, interviewing, and job-hunting skills. Go to the Associate In Marketing Management page to learn more if you’re ready to join GPTC’s nearly 100 percent success record after graduation.
Westchester Community College
(On-campus) AS in Marketing
The Associate of Science in Marketing program combines hands-on experience with academics to prepare students for a career in marketing and various industries in the twenty-first century. The program includes hands-on class projects with real-world applications, a core set of general education courses, and specialized marketing courses in consumer behavior, advertising, professional selling, and strategic marketing management.
Students will work in groups to develop new product developments, sales presentations, and advertising media plans, all critical components when selling tickets or vacation packages. The curriculum is intended to prepare students for transfer to SUNY and private four-year institutions.
Students can join the American Marketing Association and the Marketing Club and gain experience in internship positions in manufacturing, consumer goods, services, retailing, distribution, advertising, promotion, direct marketing, e-commerce, international marketing, and many other industries.
Program electives include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Professional Selling
- Digital Marketing
- Market Research
- Market Internship
An aspirant travel agent with a marketing degree may work with a tour company, cruise line, or resort. Visit Westchester Community College and begin your career with one of the best AS in Marketing programs available.
Seminole State College of Florida
(On-campus, hybrid, and online) AA in Advertising/Public Relations
Advertising and public relations are critical in generating more revenue for any travel company. Travel agencies require public relations to help them gain recognition and establish a brand for themselves. This AA degree teaches you marketing communications, how to deal with various types of customers, and how to defend your company’s reputation.
Professors who are specialists in their fields will also teach you how to create, develop, and launch campaigns. You’ll get hands-on experience with television and digital design projects here. This AA in Advertising/Public Relations is a great place to start a variety of vocations.
Available courses include:
- Principles of Public Relations
- Research Methods for Communication
- Digital Editing
- Advertising
- Interpersonal Communication
- Principles of Marketing
- Client Engagement
With 60 credit hours to complete, you will gain competencies needed in real-life circumstances, prepare to communicate the right message to clients to build long-term connections and discover how to develop travel promotion plans.
Students must collaborate with Student Affairs advisors, counselors, or specialists to ensure that required courses are taken and entry requirements for their desired college/university program are met.
Get a strong start as a travel agent at Seminole State College of Florida.
Community College of Baltimore Country
(Online) Travel Agent Training Certificate
Community College of Baltimore Country has designed the Online Travel Training Certificate for students seeking a career in this rapidly growing industry. The program constitutes airline, ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises and tours, international and domestic travel, reservations and pricing, specialty travel, and other topics.
This certificate leads to a Travel Agent Proficiency qualification, recognized internationally by the travel industry, and ranges from entry-level travel agent knowledge to senior management for agencies or tour operations.
This online curriculum is divided into two modules, with students having up to six months to complete the course material. The first lesson is intended to teach students how to begin a travel career and the basic and destination geography that a travel agent is most likely to recommend and sell to their clients. Introduction to the travel industry, basic geography, professional skills, and destination geography are among the topics to be covered.
The second lesson will teach you how to establish a travel job and domestic and worldwide travel locations. The travel business will be discussed, including airlines, ground transportation, hotels and resorts, cruises, excursions, specialized travel, and more.
Jumpstart your travel career with a Travel Agent Training Certificate and be competitive in the industry.
LeTourneau University
(On-campus or online) AS in Airport Management
The airport management associate degree program prepares students for careers in airports and related client businesses and industries. Students are immersed in real-world learning environments. Furthermore, LeTourneau University’s Associate of Science in Aviation Management degree blends the finest of LETU’s nationally known aviation program with excellent business training, resulting in a program poised to drive you into leadership positions in the aviation sector.
The associate degree in airport management program was created with a strong career focus in mind, giving graduates the knowledge and skills needed to enter the profession in entry-level employment. Many graduates of the associate degree in airport management program have gone on to work in airport management at surrounding airports, start their travel agency, work in national organizations, and even travel internationally.
As an airport manager and analyst student with a special focus on airport operations, you will gain extensive experience. This degree major will further provide you with the knowledge needed to handle the many areas of airport operation. Your courses will teach you how over 40,000 airports and airfields worldwide make daily and anticipated business choices.
Classes include:
- Aviation Management
- Flight Science
- Aviation Safety Factors
Check out the AS in Airport Management and get ready to build a strong foundation in various functional areas of aviation.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
(Online and on-campus) BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
UMass offers one of the best Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and has been a doorway to student achievement for over 75 years!
Through coursework, industry leaders, hands-on experience, and international travel, you will discover how to be a great leader. The curriculum covers managerial areas such as lodging, food and beverage, customer experience, events, clubs, and revenue and data analytics. Take advantage of experiential learning opportunities by attending HTM Career Day and Marriott Meals, among other similar events.
The HTM major includes upper-level elective courses that allow you to tailor your academic curriculum to your own goals, interests, and needs. Among the HTM electives are:
- Convention Sales
- Club Management
- Beverage Management
- Special Event Management
Another advantage is that UMass offers this curriculum both on-campus and online. UMass Amherst grads are in high demand for careers! Ninety-five percent of alumni get employed by top firms such as Hillstone Restaurant Group, Encore Boston Harbor, Marriott International, and even Expedia and Twitter shortly after graduation!
Get your hospitality degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and open the door to a rewarding career in travel agencies.
Boston University
(On-campus) BS in Hospitality Administration
This degree is for students who enjoy traveling and learning about various cultures. Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration program requires overseas travel, which is advantageous for aspiring travel agents. You will firsthand experience what it is like to travel, and you will have a better understanding of the do’s and don’ts, which you can subsequently share with your clients.
You can specialize in either hospitality marketing, event management, hospitality real estate development, or revenue management. You will complete a blend of fundamental courses and SHA core and optional courses, including Hospitality Sales Management and Private Club Management, as part of this 128-credit hour program.
Hospitality Concentrations helpful in being a travel agent include:
- Hospitality Marketing
- Event Management
- Revenue Management & Analytics
- Hospitality Accounting & Finance
- Hospitality Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality Retailing
You will engage in the study abroad program in addition to two 400-hour work experiences – a fantastic opportunity! You can finish the dual degree, include hospitality management as a minor, or even take advantage of the 4+1 option, which allows you to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years.
Visit BUS’s BS in Hospitality Administration and learn more about the program along with their admission requirements.
Arizona State University
(On-campus) BS in Tourism Development and Management
The Bachelor of Tourist Development and Management degree program at the W.P. Carey School of Business teaches students the marketing tactics and sound business foundations required for success in the tourism sector and allied professions. It covers core courses in tourism planning, convention sales and management, tourism and recreation policy, tourism marketing, and community development.
Students must take an honors thesis course and complete one- to twelve credits of internship work in the tourist industry to complete the program. Graduates can find a job in resorts, commercial recreation firms, tourism development corporations, and travel agencies.
This degree program offers the following concentrations:
- Tourism Development and Management (Meetings and Events)
- Tourism Development and Management (Resort and Hotel Leadership)
- Tourism Development and Management (Sustainable Tourism)
Visit ASU’s BS in Tourism Development and Management, learn more about this degree, and see if it fits your standards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do people hire a Travel Agent to plan a trip?
Aren’t vacations supposed to be fun and relaxing? Planning a trip can be stressful. You must secure a plane ticket, get a hotel reservation, plan activities, and everything in between. Most people let Travel Agents handle the arrangements to avoid stress.
What kind of jobs are available in the travel industry?
What a fun industry to consider if you like to travel… or help others enjoy their vacations! There are many travel industry jobs to consider, such as:
- Travel Agent
- Director of Tourism
- Event & Meeting Planner
- Tour Guide
- Concierge
- Spa Manager
- Cruise Ship Director
- Amusement Park Worker
- Casino Worker
- Recreation Director
- Flight Attendant
- Customer Service Agent
- Hotel Manager
- Sommelier
What does a Travel Agent do?
Travel Agents wear many hats. They help their clients plan trips for business or pleasure. They offer valuable advice about travel destinations, as well as the best attractions and hotels.
Travel Agents also assist with:
- Setting a travel budget
- Getting the best deals
- Planning excursions
- Book reservations
- Provide proper documentation requirements, such as health, passport, or security details
- Researches group rates and travel package deals
Will I get to travel myself?
As a Travel Agent, you very well may get to visit the destinations in which you are trying to market to others. As you experience destinations yourself, you will know what to recommend based on what you see.
What types of Travel Agent jobs are there?
Generally, travel can be categorized into two categories, such as:
- Corporate – Focuses on making travel arrangements for employees who need to go on business trips. They arrange for travel and hotel accommodations while business is being conducted.
- Fun & Leisure – Focuses on making dream vacations coming true for individuals or families. They book air flights, rental cars, hotel accommodations, day excursions, amusement park attractions, and much more!
How do I become a Travel Agent?
To enter into a career as a Travel Agent, you will need a high school or equivalent education. In some instances, employers may require a certificate from a technical training program in the field. Often, you can locate a program at your local community college or online.
If you would like, you can also earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism.
How much money can I earn as a Travel Agent?
According to the BLS, Travel Agents earned $46,400 per year, as of May 2022. The highest 10% earned upwards of $64,100 annually.
Is there a job demand for Travel Agents?
Between 2022 and 2032, the BLS estimates a job growth rate of 3%, adding 8,600 new options over the next decade.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on the travel agency, things are on the upswing… which is contributing to the increased job growth rate.
Do Travel Agents need to be licensed or have certifications?
While licensure is not required, earning certifications will help you exhibit your skills and knowledge. There are a couple to consider, such as:
What qualities will make me a good Travel Agent?
Perhaps first and foremost, you must like to travel yourself. That’s the fun part, right? However, while working with clients you will need to excel in communication, organization, and sales skills. You also need to be detail-oriented, personable and have excellent customer service skills.
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