Hospitality and Tourism Management Pathways

The Hospitality and Tourism (HOST) field is the world’s largest business. This field has the highest percentage of entrepreneurs of any segment of global business and is integral to the Pacific Northwest’s economy and communities. HOSTers learn transferrable management skills and apply this learning to exciting industries based on their interests in areas like lodging, airlines/airports, food & beverage, cruise lines, casinos, sustainable recreation and parks (e.g. ecotourism), event planning, and more.

HOST offers numerous certificates and degrees. HOST's AAS degree is transferrable to many bachelor degree programs, including BAS programs at Highline College and CWU-Des Moines as well as prestigious schools globally. There are seven short-term certificates in HOST. Most AAS and One-Year Certificate students earn a minimum of three short-term certificates while enrolled in HOST. Anyone in our community can earn a short-term certificate without pursuing an AAS Degree or One-Year Certificate.

Hospitality and Tourism Degree Options

Hospitality & Tourism Management Associate of Applied Science AAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs per year: $4,914 tuition and fees
Program Map: Hospitality & Tourism Management, AAS
Catalog: Hospitality and Tourism Management, AAS

Catalog: Hospitality and Tourism Management, AAS

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Career

All business managers require core competencies in sales and marketing, human resources, revenue management, technology, and legal frameworks. The Hospitality and Tourism (HOST) program delivers these skills through applied, data-driven coursework in global business environments. Students develop measurable competencies with an emphasis on sustainability, cross-cultural understanding, and real-world application.

HOST graduates enter high-demand industries including airports, global hotel brands, cruise lines, recreation, and food and beverage. Career pathways include event planning, park and recreation management, sales and marketing, and operations leadership.

The program offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality and Tourism Management (92 credits), typically completed in six quarters. Completion includes a high school diploma, the C52 Certificate, and multiple short-term certificates, providing stackable, workforce-aligned credentials.

The AAS transfers to leading programs such as UNLV, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Grand Canyon University, and Central Washington University. Students may also continue on campus through HOST’s BAS in Managerial Leadership.

HOST faculty hold active global industry roles, ensuring curriculum relevance. The program is ranked #2 nationally based on U.S. Department of Education data (Hospitality-Colleges.com). International students benefit from CPT, OPT, and on-campus employment opportunities.

Certificates of Achievement (45 credits and above)

Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate C

Short Term Certificate of Achievement (19 Credits or Less)

Hospitality & Tourism Management, Housing Shelter Facility Operations Certificate C

Catalog: Housing Shelter Facility Operations, Certificate

Hospitality & Tourism Management, Taking Flight (Airline & Airport) Certificate C

Catalog: Taking Flight (Airline & Airport), Certificate

Hospitality & Tourism Management, Hospitality and Tourism Specialist Certificate C

Catalog: Hospitality and Tourism Specialist, Certificate

Hospitality & Tourism Management, Non-Profit Management Certificate C

Catalog: Non-Profit Management, Certificate

After Highline College

The AAS degree is uniquely designed for students to enter the workforce or transfer to a bachelor's degree due to our innovative articulation agreements.

Top Transfer-To Institutions