Travel and Tourism

Do you want to see the world – or more of it? Would you enjoy helping others live their travel dreams? A career as a travel agent who helps others book memorable trips can help make it possible. As a perk you may earn free trips, discounts and other perks to help you explore global destinations. Being an independent travel agent also gives you the freedom to set your work hours and location. OCC Career Advantage provides travel agent training – we offer a certificate and an associate degree – that prepares you to work in a variety of settings. Travel agents in California earn a median annual income of $38,979. If you picture yourself traveling the world and using your experiences to help others create the vacation of a lifetime, read on to learn more about your program options.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Cultural Tourism
Cruising & Vacation Packages
Computer Reservation Systems – SABRE

Hospitality and Tourism Marketing
Tour Escorting and Group Travel
Destination the Americas

see course catalog

Male travel specialist sits at desk holding a travel brochure and smiling at camera

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Did you know?

Opportunities will continue to expand rapidly for interpreters and translators who work in this sector organizing and guiding travel, tours and events, according to the Association for Career and Technical Education.

Program Details

Complete our certificate program, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in travel, or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

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In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Travel Specialist

Prepare for a position as a travel specialist with a retail or home-based agency, independent contractor, tour operator, cruise line, adventure company, receptive operator or tourism/convention bureau. Learn the essentials you need to sell, operate, supervise and manage within a travel agency or as an independent contractor of travel or a home-based agent. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Travel Specialist

Complete the Travel Specialist Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. This program will prepare you for a position as a travel specialist with a retail or home-based agency, independent contractor, tour operator, cruise line, adventure company, receptive operator or tourism/convention bureau. Learn the essentials you need to sell, operate, supervise and manage within a travel agency or as an independent contractor of travel or a home-based agent. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers online, evening and weekend courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.