Academic Catalogs

Spa Management, Associate in Science Degree

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://catalog.cccd.edu.

Banner Code: 1_AS_HMSM

Control Number: 17649

Financial Aid Eligible


The popularity of spas in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past few years and shows no signs of slowing. According to a recent international Spa Association study, the spa industry generated over $12.7 billion in revenue in 2015. Each year, more spas are being opened across the country creating new jobs for spa professionals.

Orange Coast College is one of the first community college’s to offer Spa Management certification. The greater Orange County area is thriving with spas and our program is in a unique position to provide students access to numerous world-class resorts and spas – right in our own back yard.

Coursework in the program provides comprehensive business education and industry input to create a well-rounded educational experience for career success in the Spa market. You will acquire business and management strategies, desirable skills for successful day-to-day operations, combined with long-range strategies necessary for growth and profitability.

With increasing integration of spas in the hotel, resort, medical, healthcare, and tourism industries, spa management professionals are in demand. Our graduates will have the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in the spa industry.

Complete the Spa Management Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog.

Program Outcome

The outcome of this certificate of achievement is to prepare students for employment as a supervisor, manager, director or owner in the spa industry.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
  4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course Title Units
HTT A105Passport to Success3
HTT A130Cultural Tourism3
HTT A138Sharing the Travel Experience3
HTT A160Introduction to Spa and Hospitality Operations1.5
HTT A165Spa Industry Services and Treatments1.5
HTT A170Spa Industry Finance1.5
HTT A175Spa Marketing and Retail Management1.5
HTT A180Enhancing Guest Service3
HTT A185Interviewing and Professional Development3
HTT A240Hospitality and Toursim Marketing3
HTT A279Spa Internship4
HTT A284Leadership and Strategic Management3
HTT A285Hospitality Operations3
Total Units34
 
Requirement Units
Program Major Units 34
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60
Spa Management Suggested Electives:
 
CMST A100 Interpersonal Communication
HTT A199 Current Issues in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
SPAN A180 Elementary Spanish 1

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
HTT A130 Cultural Tourism 3
HTT A160 Introduction to Spa and Hospitality Operations 1.5
HTT A165 Spa Industry Services and Treatments 1.5
HTT A180 Enhancing Guest Service 3
HTT A284 Leadership and Strategic Management 3
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units15
Semester 2
HTT A105 Passport to Success 3
HTT A170 Spa Industry Finance 1.5
HTT A175 Spa Marketing and Retail Management 1.5
HTT A185 Interviewing and Professional Development 3
HTT A285 Hospitality Operations 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
Intermediate Algebra 1
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
 Units15-16
Year 2
Semester 1
HTT A138 Sharing the Travel Experience 3
HTT A240 Hospitality and Toursim Marketing 3
HTT A279 Spa Internship 4
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units16
Semester 2
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 5
 Units14-16
 Total Units60-63