Learn how to choose a good school for tourism and travel degree programs. Compare three of the best schools in the country, the degrees each offers as well as other program opportunities for learning. Review a list of ten additional schools that offer degrees in tourism and travel.
What Should I Look for in a School for Tourism and Travel?
When researching schools, you’ll probably want to look for those that offer career-enhancing internship opportunities, possibly including international options. You also might look for colleges and universities with related research institutes in hospitality and tourism. Another consideration may be whether a school offers a particular specialization, like sustainable tourism or event management.
What Are Two Top Schools for Tourism and Travel?
New York University (NYU) in New York, NY
In 2019, NYU was U.S. News & World Report’s 30th-ranked national university. The Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers bachelor’s, master’s and certificate programs in hotel and tourism management.
As a hotel and tourism major, you could take advantage of experiential learning opportunities at any of four teaching hotels in NYC, including the Waldorf-Astoria and the Marriott Marquis. You also could spend a semester abroad at one of NYU’s academic centers in Europe, Africa, South America or China. Additionally, your experience could be enhanced by taking part in the annual International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference sponsored by the Tisch Center. Tourism and travel programs available at NYU include the following:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Hotel and Tourism Management
- Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Industry Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Tourism Management
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Hospitality Industry Studies
- M.S. in Tourism Management
University of Hawaii (UH) in Manoa
UH’s School of Travel Industry Management (TIM) offers programs leading to an online certificate, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.
As an undergraduate, you could select an emphasis in hotel and resort management or tourism and transportation management. In the graduate program, you might explore interests in areas like sustainable tourism, Asia-Pacific tourism or electronic commerce. You could also take advantage of the resources of the Center for Tourism Policy Studies. Available programs include:
- Certificate in Travel Industry Management
- B.S. in Travel Industry Management
- M.S. in Travel Industry Management
10 More Schools with Tourism and Hospitality Management Programs
| College/University | Institution Type | Location | Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts Amherst | 4-year, Public | Amherst, MA | $16,000 |
| Michigan State University | 4-year, Public | East Lansing, MI | $18,000 |
| Appalachian State University | 4-year, Public | Boone, NC | $8,000 |
| Madonna University | 4-year, Private | Livonia, MI | $15,000 |
| University of Central Missouri | 4-year, Public | Warrensburg, MO | $8,000 |
| Iowa State University | 4-year, Public | Ames, IA | $10,500 |
| Kansas State University | 4-year, Public | Manhattan, KS | $11,000 |
| Oklahoma State University- Main Campus | 4-year, Public | Stillwater, OK | $8,000 |
| University of South Carolina – Columbia | 4-year, Public | Columbia, SC | $14,000 |
| Ferris State University | 4-year, Public | Big Rapids, MI | $7,000 |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education