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Why This Matters

Our Research

Our research covers master’s degree programs in hospitality management that prepare students for leadership positions in the service industry. Degrees offered include Master of Science in Hospitality Management, Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Master of Tourism Management, and Master of Hospitality Administration. All of these graduate programs are delivered online.

Accreditation is given to hospitality management programs that successfully prepare graduates for the global workforce. The programs on our list are accredited nationally and regionally by accreditors, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 77 hours to write this article
  • 79 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 173 education programs we compared

The Top 32 Master’s in Hospitality Management Degree Programs

Best Master's in Hospitality Management Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
Oklahoma State University - Spears School of Business
01
Best for Human Ecology
Kansas State University
01
Best for Tourism
Florida Atlantic University
01
Best in the Mid-Atlantic Region
University of Delaware
01
Best for Leadership Education
Michigan State University
01
Best Urban Campus
Roosevelt University
01
Best Career Services
University Of North Texas
01
Best In-State Tuition Rate
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
01
Best Accelerated Program
Boston University
01
Best Hands-On Learning
Temple University
01
Best Alumni Network
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01
Best Capstone Experience
NYU School of Professional Studies
01
Best for International Students
Iowa State University - Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management
01
Best Research Focus
Pennsylvania State University
01
Best Retail Management Focus
Texas Tech University
01
Best Hotel & Restaurant Focus
Auburn University
01
Best on the West Coast
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
01
Best Faculty Mentors
Georgia State University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Lasell University
01
Best Private Institution
Rochester Institute Of Technology
01
Shortest Classes
Stratford University
01
Best for Experiential Learning
University of South Florida
01
Best Faculty
University of South Carolina

Discover More Options

What You Should Know About This Degree

When pursuing a degree in hospitality management, you should also consider a master’s in hotel management. Hotel management programs specialize in tourism industry-related services, while hospitality management programs focus on administrative duties related to hotels, restaurants, clubs, and event spaces. If you’re interested in managing the day-to-day operations of hotel properties, you might want to pursue a graduate degree in hotel management. If you’re interested in a comprehensive curriculum that deals with operations, finance, marketing, and human resources, consider a graduate program in hospitality management.

Certifications can give graduates a competitive edge when pursuing senior-level positions in hospitality. The service and tourism industry is continually evolving, and certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you are up-to-date with recent changes and digital advancements within the industry. Graduates should consider pursuing certifications such as the Cvent Supplier Professional Certification, Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP), Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), and Digital Event Strategist (DES).

While the demand for hotel managers is expected to decline due to the rise of short-term rentals, the demand for skilled event planners is projected to grow faster than that of all other occupations. The need for food and beverage service managers will also continue to grow by 1%, much slower than the national average.

What’s Next?

Ask yourself these questions when researching master’s in hospitality management programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Students from all educational backgrounds who hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent can pursue a graduate degree in hospitality management. Certain programs might require a minimum GPA and previous coursework in relevant subjects such as accounting and statistics.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s in hospitality management programs take two years of full-time study to complete. The programs on our list require students to complete between 30 and 36 credits to graduate.

Find out application deadlines and entry requirements for the programs to which you plan to apply. Detailed information is usually posted on the school website, or contact the school’s admissions department.

Graduate programs require financial investment, and you should consider how you’ll cover the costs associated with your study. If you have a job, your employer might pay all or part of your tuition fees. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal student aid.