Bachelor of Arts in Tourism and Travel

The Tourism and Travel major is designed for students planning to pursue careers in the tourism industry. The major is composed of required core courses; at least three elective courses; and one of the following: a professional internship, a research experience, independent study, or a study abroad experience. 

Stats Grid

32

credit hours needed to complete the program

—2026-2027 WMU Catalog

90%

of School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability graduates are working or continuing their education

—2024-2025 Career Outcomes Report

80%

of students in the School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability applied their coursework to experiential learning outside the classroom

—2024-2025 Career Outcomes Report

Pursue a B.A. in tourism and travel

Need 4-6 sentences providing an in-depth overview of this degree program. Clearly highlight learning outcomes and goals.  Focus on what students will be able to do with this degree upon graduation; this provides a good opportunity to speak to any experiential learning opportunities available. Focus on qualities of the program's academics but show prospective students how this educational experience will positively impact their future.

Tourism includes a wide range of businesses and career opportunities. No single program can prepare you for everything you will ever need to know in a tourism career because it is such a huge industry and because it can change very quickly. But, this is also what makes a tourism career exciting and dynamic.

What you'll learn

Western Michigan University offers a tourism and travel major designed for students planning to pursue career in the tourism industry. While the program is more comprehensive than many, you will still need to complement your studies by choosing a minor in one of the following areas: a foreign language, Spanish, communication, journalism, English (practical writing), geography, history, public history or international studies. You will also supplement your coursework with an internship, research or study abroad experience.

As a tourism and travel student at WMU, you will be required to complete one of the following:

  • Professional internship
  • Research under the guidance of a tourism faculty member
  • Study abroad experience

You will also have the opportunity to join the Geography Club and Gamma Theta Upsilon or Students for a Sustainable Earth.

Student Quote

“I have had great experiences with several of the professors in the School! The enthusiasm they have for the subjects they teach is contagious!”
— Anne White

Where you'll be after graduation

 Recent WMU graduates with degrees in tourism and travel are working as:

  • Travel agents
  • Geographic area specialists
  • Regional planners
  • Map curators

Among the organizations they work for are:

  • Airlines
  • Travel agencies
  • Government agencies

What others have achieved

What others have achieved

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Making the most of your learning experience

In 3-4 sentences, speak to experiential learning opportunities offered within this degree program. Briefly show prospective students how these opportunities can set them up for future success. Also highlight academic support resources.

From Academic Undergraduate Programs Page:  As a tourism and travel student at WMU, you will be required to complete one of the following:

  • Professional internship
  • Research under the guidance of a tourism faculty member
  • Study abroad experience

You will also have the opportunity to join the Geography Club and Gamma Theta Upsilon or Students for a Sustainable Earth.

What scholarships are available for a tourism and travel degree?

Introduce WMU's institutional scholarships and grants. Relay the message that this education is affordable. 

Frequently asked questions

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Example: Graduates with a XXX degree from WMU pursue careers in fields such as A, B, and C. The program prepares students with skills in X, Y, and Z, which are in demand across industries including . . . 

1-3 sentences answering question.  Copy should be keyword-rich and directly answer the question. Include in-text links as needed for more information.

1-3 sentences answering question.  Copy should be keyword-rich and directly answer the question. Include in-text links as needed for more information.

1-3 sentences answering question.  Copy should be keyword-rich and directly answer the question. Include in-text links as needed for more information.

Other degrees of interest

B.A. in Communication Studies

U.S. Passport over a map.

B.A. in Global and International Studies

B.S. in Community and Regional Planning