School and Ranking Information
Three schools offer training in tourism and travel services management within 50 miles of Atlanta; one is a state college, and two are public technical colleges. We picked one of the technical schools as the top college in the area due to number of programs it offers, its tuition costs and real-world applicability.
- Winner: Gwinnett Technical College is located in Lawrenceville, about 28 miles northeast of Atlanta, GA. It offers several programs for those interested in tourism and travel services management training, including a diploma, associate's degree and certificate program.
School Info Chart
| Category | Gwinnett Technical College |
|---|---|
| Location | Lawrenceville, GA |
| School Type | 2-year; public |
| Tuition & Fees (2014-2015) | Undergrad: $2,700 (in-state); $4,740 (out-of-state)* |
| Hospitality Administration and Tourism Degrees Offered | Diploma; Certificate; Associate's |
| Hospitality Administration and Tourism Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2013 | 86* |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2010 Entering Class | 18%* |
| Noteworthy | The job placement rate for diploma recipients was reported to be 63% in 2013** |
Sources: *NCES College Navigator, **Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College
- Graduates from the certificate program should be qualified for jobs as flight attendants, travel agents and tour managers
- Students can participate in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Travel Club, wherein students travel around the country and the world to participate in tourism opportunities
Founded in 1984, Gwinnett Technical College offers more than 50 programs, along with quarterly continuing-education classes and workshops. In total enrollment, it is Georgia's third largest technical college. For students interested in studying tourism and travel services management, the college offers a diploma and an associate's degree program in hotel, restaurant and tourism management, along with a certificate program in travel agency operations.
With the goal of preparing students for careers in hospitality, the Diploma in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program discusses food and beverage management, operations, event planning and marketing. All participants must complete an internship.
Covering the same courses as the diploma program, the hotel, restaurant and tourism management associate's curriculum also includes general education courses. An internship is required.
Providing basic training for those interested in the travel and tourism professions, the certificate program in travel agency operations lasts two semesters. A travel industry and geography course is required, as is English. In addition, there is an in-depth course on tour and cruise management.
