The Benefits of an Associate Degree in Hospitality

If you want a rewarding and challenging career that involves a lot of personal interaction, consider earning an associate degree in hospitality, travel and tourism. With current growth trends projecting a 10 percent growth of the hospitality industry in the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for those with an Associate of Arts (AA) in hospitality, travel and tourism is expected to grow in the coming years.
 
Whether you want to be a front-desk manager at a high-end hotel, work for an airline or become an event coordinator for a large corporation, an Associate of Arts in hospitality, travel and tourism will put you in the right direction.
 

How to Earn an Associate Degree in Hospitality

To earn an associate degree in hospitality or a related field, you will have to enroll in a college or university that offers a hospitality program. You may be able to earn an online degree in the hospitality and travel education fields or take classes at your local community college. Many colleges offer focused hospitality programs that allow students to concentrate on either travel, tourism or hospitality.
 
While associate degrees typically take about two years to complete, you may be able to earn your degree sooner if you have already completed some general education classes.

Coursework

Some of the courses you might take in a hospitality, travel and tourism program include:
  • Accounting
  • Business Administration
  • Customer Service
  • Employee Management
  • Event Planning
  • Food and Beverage Service
  • Hospitality Computer Operations
  • Hotel / Facilities Management
  • Hotel Security Management
  • Housekeeping and Maintenance
  • Legal Aspects of Hospitality
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Tourism and the Hospitality Industry.

Cost of a Degree in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

The cost of your tuition and books will vary depending on the program you choose. The cost, as well as how soon you will finish, will also vary depending onwhether youenroll in a part-time or full-time program.
 
If you are presently employed, check with your employer to see if your company offers tuition reimbursement. Also, enquire with your school’s student financial aid office to see if you qualify for:
  • customized payment plan through the school
  • grants
  • federal student loans
  • private student loans
  • scholarships.
Each of the above options can help you pay for your education.

Hospitality Jobs for Degree Holders

With an Associate of Arts in hospitality, travel and tourism or a degree in a related field, many exciting, new career opportunities are within your reach. You will be able to applyfor jobs in all aspects of the following industries:
  • casino and gaming operations
  • convention and event planning
  • cruise ship operations
  • food and beverage management
  • hotel management
  • international travel tours (This includes being a travel agent who books and plans trips for clients.)
  • sports team travel planning
  • tourism education.
Keep in mind that managerial positions, including jobs in hospitality management, generally require applicants to have their Bachelor's or Master's degrees in hospitality. If you aspire to one day be a hospitality manager, consider continuing your education after earning your associate's degree.
 
Resources
 
Degree Directory (2008). Travel and Hospitality Management Associate's Degree. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the DegreeDirectory.org Web site: http://degreedirectory.org/articles/Travel_and_Hospitality_
Management_Associate's_Degree.html.
 
Diablo Valley College (2007). Hotel and restaurant management. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the DVC.edu Web site: http://www.dvc.edu/catalog/02_03/ii/hotel.htm.
 
World Wide Learn (2007). Associate Degree in Hospitality Management. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the WorldWideLearn.com Web site: ttp://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-associate/
hospitality-management.htm.