Graduates with an online degree in hospitality management can manage the finances, facilities, and operations for restaurants, hotels, and events and attractions. They can also apply their business training to leadership positions in other industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the creation of 900,000 new management positions 2020-30. This promising sector includes lodging, facilities, and food service management positions. Here, we explore the hospitality management degree and rank the best available programs in the field.
Top 5 online schools for hospitality management
The best online bachelor’s in hospitality management degrees
To produce the rankings below, we pull and curate data from reputable publicly available sources and lean on the insight from field experts. ZDNet’s ranking methodology also includes a proprietary algorithm that weighs multiple factors when listing schools and programs. Miami, FL Application fee: $30 Boca Raton, FL Application fee: $30 Greenville, NC Application fee: $75 Flagstaff, AZ Application fee: $25 Delhi, NY Application fee: $50 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
What to expect in an online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree program
Most hospitality management degrees require students to complete approximately 120 credits and four years of training. The programs often combine general education with core business and hospitality-focused courses.
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $7,296Time to completion: Three to four (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: 540-650Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 63%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $10,186Time to completion: Three to four yearsSAT range: 530-630Minimum GPA: 2.5 in pre-business coursesEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 79%Graduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $15,844Time to completion: Three to four yearsSAT range: 520-600Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 85%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $12,915Time to completion: Four yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 72%Graduation rate: 51%Avg. annual net price: $14,867Time to completion: Four years (part-time and accelerated schedules are available)SAT range: 460-570Minimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 91%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $15,839Time to completion: Three to four years (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly available Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 88%Graduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $16,725Time to completion: Three to four yearsSAT range: 520-620Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: Three to sixCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 91%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $12,053Time to completion: Four years (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.25Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 35%Avg. annual net price: $9,159Time to completion: Four yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 68%Graduation rate: 46%Avg. annual net price: $14,732Time to completion: Four yearsSAT range: 440-530Minimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $17,574Time to completion: Four years (part-time and accelerated schedules may be available)SAT range: 460-580Minimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 52%Avg. annual net price: $30,841Time to completion: 41 monthsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online, synchronous and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 50%Graduation rate: 39%Avg. annual net price: $17,804Time to completion: 17-24 monthsSAT range: 500-620Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: Three+Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 78%Graduation rate: 53%Avg. annual net price: $20,687Time to completion: Four yearsSAT range: 445-530Minimum GPA: 2.0Enrollment periods per year: TwoCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous and synchronous
Acceptance rate: 41%Graduation rate: 36%Avg. annual net price: $18,499Time to completion: Four yearsSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.5Enrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Learners develop core skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, plus specialized skills in finance, marketing, customer service, and health and safety. Like business tracks, hospitality management programs feature substantial practical training. Students demonstrate their capabilities via group assignments, presentations, internships, and capstone projects. In some hospitality and management programs, students can specialize in an industry of their choice, such as lodging, food service, and event management.
Bachelor’s in hospitality management courses
Hospitality management programs prepare learners to lead within the service industry. In addition to picking up widely applicable business skills, students learn to manage the communications, operations, and finances of tourism and hospitality organizations. Many programs provide key management courses for hospitality sectors including food preparation, lodging, and event and tourism services. Some programs aim to develop well-rounded hospitality professionals, whereas others allow learners to specialize. The following are common courses in these programs. Food safety and sanitation This course teaches students restaurant and food service industry hygiene standards. Students learn about food-borne illnesses, food handling techniques, and rules and regulations. Tourism information management In this course, students learn about and practice using technology systems used in the tourism industry. Hotel operations This course teaches students how to oversee hotels, including the front desk, food and beverage departments, housekeeping, and human resources. Service management systems Students in this course learn to manage customer relationships, file complaints, evaluate customer satisfaction, and implement improvement measures from within the service industry.
Hospitality management degree levels
The hospitality management field welcomes learners from various degree levels. In general, undergraduate programs help learners pursue entry-level careers, while graduate degrees lead to more advanced business administration and academic positions. Prospective students should choose the degree and career that best aligns with their interests.
Certificate in hospitality management
Length: 2-12 months Cost: $100-$10,000 Post-grad careers: Customer service representative, chef or cook, and waiter or waitress A certificate in hospitality management can provide specialized, non-degree training. Aspiring professionals can develop entry-level skills and experienced professionals can update or add to their existing skill sets. These programs usually feature condensed, practical training. They may provide introductory courses, specialized material, or graduate-level training. Certificates may complement or replace a degree.
Associate in hospitality management
Length: One to two years Cost: $11,389/year in 2018-19 Post-grad careers: Food service manager, lodging manager, and gambling services worker An associate hospitality management degree prepares learners for entry-level careers in the service and hospitality industry. These programs provide students with business fundamentals in a hospitality industry context. Students typically receive a combination of theoretical and practical training. While they cannot usually specialize, they may create an informal concentration with their electives. Learners develop communication and service skills, along with a knowledge of hospitality standards and practices.
Bachelor’s in hospitality management
Length: Three to four years Cost: $28,123/year in 2018-19 Post-grad careers: Facilities manager, event planner, and travel agent A bachelor’s in hospitality management comprises comprehensive training in business and the hospitality industry. Students master lodging, food service, events, and travel management. Learners typically complete an internship and may, in many cases, specialize in a field of their choice. Graduates can qualify for many business and hospitality professions, including entry-level, administrator, and management careers.
Master’s in hospitality management
Length: One to two years Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20 Post-grad careers: Marketing manager, human resources manager, and financial manager A hospitality management master’s program expands on the training from undergraduate degrees. Master’s-level programs blend theoretical and practical training, and students often complete internships and hands-on assignments during their studies. Students develop advanced research and leadership skills, qualifying them for management positions in both business and hospitality industries. They learn to oversee operations, improve performances, and manage the day-to-day activities for various organizations.
Doctorate in hospitality management
Length: Three to six years Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20 Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, top executive, and operations research analyst A doctorate in hospitality management prepares graduates for postsecondary teaching and research roles. They can also pursue positions that impact travel and tourism policy and regulations, along with management positions in most hospitality-related organizations. Students develop a specialization through their research, such as sustainability, global tourism, and food safety. They also learn to optimize and analyze hospitality policies, practices, and operations.
In conclusion
For aspiring hospitality management professionals, the degrees listed above provide some of the best training and employment prospects available. Degree-seekers looking to enter this rewarding sector through one of these top-ranked hospitality management degrees can get more information by contacting schools and program departments.
