Best Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs of 2024

Students who graduate with a degree in hospitality management can pursue careers in areas such as guest relations, food and beverage management, tourism, event planning, and entertainment and leisure. They can find employment as managers at hotels and restaurants, event planners, travel agents, catering assistants, marketing and public relations specialists, conference organizers, and more. A hospitality management degree can be earned at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median pay for hotel managers in 2021 was $59,430, while travel agents made an average of $43,810. Food service managers had an average annual salary of $59,440. For bachelor’s degrees, the cost of a hospitality management degree ranges from an average of $7,869 at public institutions to an average of $37,095 at private institutions. Meanwhile, average tuition for master’s degrees ranges from  $12,394 at public universities to $26,621 at private schools.

It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree and two years to complete an associate’s or master’s degree.

Choose your area of study

Since a hospitality management degree can lead to many different types of employment, those planning to pursue this degree should consider their career goals when choosing an area of study and look for programs that offer concentrations that align with those goals.

For example, various programs offer concentrations in food and beverage management, event management, hotel management, travel and tourism, restaurant and club management, hospitality leadership, sport tourism management, and more. Not all schools offer the same concentrations. The student’s degree level will also inform the programs and schools they explore, as not all schools offer hospitality management degrees at all levels.

Research schools and programs

After determining your area of study, thoroughly research various schools and their hospitality programs. Most universities have websites dedicated to each degree program they offer, and you can often find detailed information about the curriculum, learning format, admissions requirements, credit transfer policy, and more. Other universities provide few details online, and you’ll need to request more information by filling out an online form or contacting the admissions office directly.

When doing your research, focus on programs with concentrations that coincide with your desired career and gather as much information as possible. Some programs offer internships, and if that’s something you’d like to do, find out if there are opportunities available locally.

As you’re researching the academic aspects of the programs, take note of these factors as well:

• Is the school accredited? This is one of the first things you should look at. A properly accredited school will meet the educational standards of recognized agencies in the field. Make sure the accrediting agency is approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Proper accreditation also affects your eligibility for financial aid as well as what postsecondary programs you can apply to in the future; students moving from an associate’s to a bachelor’s degree or from a bachelor’s to a master’s will most likely need a degree from an accredited institution. Finally, a degree from an accredited school is an advantage when seeking employment after graduation.
• What is the cost of the program? If the tuition is more than you’re planning to spend, the school is probably not going to be a good fit. There’s no reason to spend a lot of your time researching a program that’s not in your budget. At the same time, though, you will want to weigh all of the factors of a program. The cheapest program isn’t necessarily the best, so don’t choose a program just because it’s the least expensive one.
• What is the learning format? Online programs are delivered in three different formats — asynchronous, synchronous, and a combination of the two. Students who need complete control over their schedules or plan to study in the evenings and on weekends should choose an asynchronous format. Some students, however, prefer synchronous learning, where the instruction is live and they must be online at specific times. A synchronous format helps them stick to a schedule and facilitates closer collaboration with fellow students and instructors. Some programs combine both formats, requiring that students be online for certain live classes and lectures. Decide which format is best for your learning style and personal responsibilities.
• Where is the school located? Even if students are enrolled in an online program, they may still have access to on-campus services, events, and amenities, including fitness centers, libraries, student clubs, job fairs, sporting events, and more. Living near your school can make it easier to take advantage of these perks. Additionally, some online programs are offered in a hybrid format, where students either have the option or are required to attend some classes in person. For these reasons, the school’s location may be important when choosing a program.

Prepare for tests and applications

Admissions requirements will vary depending on the degree you’re planning to earn. For associate and bachelor’s programs, you’ll likely need a high school diploma or GED, letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores. Be prepared to submit official high school transcripts or proof of your GED. Most institutions have a minimum GPA requirement, but it varies from school to school.

Graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university along with transcripts, a resume, one or more letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or essay. GMAT or GRE scores may also be needed, and applicants may be required to have previous professional experience in the field.

Some schools offer rolling admissions, while others have specific deadlines. Be sure to check these dates and submit your application along with supporting documents on time.

Select your program

If you haven’t yet decided on which type of hospitality management degree program you want, now is a good time to make that decision. Bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management include a Bachelor of Science (BS), a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and a Bachelor of Hospitality Management (BHM).

If you’re pursuing a master’s degree, options include a Master of Science (MS) in Hospitality Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in hospitality management, or a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH), which is a three-semester program that focuses exclusively on hospitality management.

After researching various programs and schools, take a closer look at each option and list them in order of preference. You should apply to all the options on your list since you don’t know which schools will accept your application. When all have replied, look at your acceptance letters and choose the one that ranks highest on your list.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

To determine eligibility for federal student loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many institutions use the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships. Students should also explore other avenues for scholarships, including community and religious organizations, nonprofits, and businesses.

Many schools offer payment plans that allow students to spread tuition payments out over the course of the term, as well as military discounts for veterans and active-duty service members. Enrolling in a flexible online program can make it easier for students to work full- or part-time, which can help subsidize education costs. In many cases, employers may offer tuition assistance benefits to help students pay for school.