A master’s in hospitality management program will teach students to demonstrate advanced skills in presentation, communication, customer service, and organization. The breadth of study encompasses several types of lodging spaces and recreation, such as hotels, restaurants, casinos, resorts, theme parks, travel companies, and spas.
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lodging managers is $65,360. Jobs in this field are expected to grow by 7% through 2032.
An online master’s in hospitality management typically requires a total of 30-40 credits, which can be completed with 1-2 years of full-time study. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate school tuition is $12,596 per year at public universities and $28,017 per year at private schools.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Hospitality Management degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 18 Best Online Master's in Hospitality Management Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 99.23In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
$818
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 98.24In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $327
Out-of-State: $1,152
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
Johnson & Wales University
Intelligent Score: 96.53In-state: $34,376
Out-of-state: $34,376
In-state: $14,148
Out-of-state: $14,148
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$842
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
30-33
University of North Texas
Intelligent Score: 96.20In-state: $8,295
Out-of-state: $18,111
In-state: $6,350
Out-of-state: $6,350
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-27
In-State: $353
Out-of-State: $570
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
Purdue University
Intelligent Score: 95.59In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $28,010
In-state: $9,208
Out-of-state: $9,208
SAT: 1170-1420
ACT: 25-33
In-State: $766
Out-of-State: $844
Online
Higher Learning Commission
30
University of Alabama
Intelligent Score: 94.98In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $30,250
In-state: $10,780
Out-of-state: $10,780
SAT: 1070-1330
ACT: 23-31
$440
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Houston
Intelligent Score: 94.62In-state: $8,449
Out-of-state: $20,665
In-state: $8,539
Out-of-state: $8,539
SAT: 1120-1310
ACT: 22-28
Resident: $565
Non-Resident: $1,075
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
Auburn University
Intelligent Score: 94.45In-state: $10,080
Out-of-state: $30,240
In-state: $10,080
Out-of-state: $10,080
SAT: 1160-1320
ACT: 25-31
Resident: $612
Non-Resident: $1,836
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
San Diego State University
Intelligent Score: 92.99In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 22-29
$956
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
30
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 91.73In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
Resident: $351
Non-Resident: $761
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
33
New York University
Intelligent Score: 90.80In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$2,575
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
36
University of New Orleans
Intelligent Score: 90.77In-state: $6,090
Out-of-state: $10,926
In-state: $6,090
Out-of-state: $6,090
SAT: 1000-1270
ACT: 18-24
$962
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of South Carolina
Intelligent Score: 86.65In-state: $12,288
Out-of-state: $33,528
In-state: $13,737
Out-of-state: $13,737
SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-31
$572
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Mississippi
Intelligent Score: 86.12In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $24,990
In-state: $8,718
Out-of-state: $8,718
SAT: 1010-1230
ACT: 22-30
$514
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
East Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 84.66In-state: $4,452
Out-of-state: $20,729
In-state: $4,749
Out-of-state: $4,749
SAT: 1020-1170
ACT: 19-24
Resident: $449
Non-Resident: $1,180
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
30
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 81.75In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,354
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
24
Roosevelt University
Intelligent Score: 80.19In-state: $31,493
Out-of-state: $31,493
In-state: $21,275
Out-of-state: $21,275
SAT: 900-1130
ACT: 18-26
$1,027
Online, Hybrid
Higher Learning Commission
30
Everglades University
Intelligent Score: 80.05In-state: $17,520
Out-of-state: $17,520
In-state: $19,200
Out-of-state: $19,200
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$925
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
36
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Program
Choose your area of study
Early in the research process, students should define their goals and consider the area of hospitality management that interests them most. Many programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as:
- Hotel and motel management
- Meeting and event planning
- Food and beverage service management
- Tourism management
- Recreation and leisure management
- Gaming management
- Human resources management
- Country club management
- Ecotourism management
Having a clear idea of the type of job you want to pursue post-graduation will allow you to seek out programs that provide the training and knowledge you need for your career. Students should also consider the type of master’s degree they want. A Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in hospitality management are the two most common options.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in hospitality management program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for hospitality management education.
Beyond accreditation, you should also find answers to the following questions:
- Do students need a bachelor’s degree or work experience in hospitality management to be eligible?
- Does the program require experiential learning, such as a practicum or internship?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
- How do online students interact with classmates and instructors?
- What services are available to online students, such as academic advising or tutoring, mentorships, and career services?
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
The eligibility requirements and application processes for an online master’s in hospitality management will vary by school and program. It’s a good idea to confirm these requirements with an admissions counselor before starting an application. Some schools may want applicants who have a minimum undergraduate GPA, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, or relevant work experience.
In general, students can expect to need the following materials for an application to a hospitality management master’s program:
- Completed application and fee
- Official transcripts from undergraduate institution
- Letters of recommendation from a human resources manager, work supervisor, or professor
- Essay or personal statement detailing professional experience and reasons for seeking a master’s in this field
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant hospitality management work experience
- GRE or GMAT scores
Select your program
As you gather information, some schools may stand out as more aligned with your interests, needs, and budget. At this point, you can eliminate any schools that don’t sufficiently meet your needs and focus on applying to the ones that do. Some students may only apply to one or two programs, while others submit several applications to increase the odds of acceptance. Students applying to multiple programs should remember that most schools charge application fees and budget accordingly.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
During the research process, speak to a financial aid counselor to clarify the program’s total cost (including fees) and what financial aid options are available to online master’s students.
It’s a good idea to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools will use to determine eligibility for federal student loans and grants, need-based institutional aid such as scholarships, and other sources of funding. Many schools also offer merit-based scholarships to students with strong academic and professional backgrounds. Students can seek out scholarships and grants from external sources like professional development organizations, non-profits, or community and religious groups as well.
Students who plan on working while enrolled in an online master’s in hospitality management program should find out if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits to help cover the cost of college. Veterans or active military service members can also inquire about tuition discounts for military members and GI Bill benefits.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Program?
The core curriculum for this degree will usually include courses in hospitality law, marketing and sales, organizational behavior, leadership skills, accounting, and revenue management. As students move through the program, they may be able to pursue more in-depth study in relevant areas such as food service management, marketing and communication, event planning, or international tourism.
Many programs include an experiential learning component, such as an internship or practicum. Students who work in the hospitality management field can find out if their current position will fulfill this requirement. Depending on the program, students may also have to complete a thesis or capstone project to demonstrate their research and knowledge in the hospitality management field.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in hospitality management degree program
- Global Issues in Hospitality Management. Students will learn how to deal with trending issues that affect the hospitality industry.
- Human Resources. This course covers the hiring process, dealing with workplace conflicts, and other HR issues.
- Hospitality and Tourism Marketing. Students learn how to market their facilities using social media as well as various other platforms.
- Hospitality Business Law. Students examine laws and regulations affecting hospitality businesses.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management?
Career outlook
Those who pursue a master’s in hospitality management degree are able to choose from a variety of job roles. If you prefer to interact directly with desks, a role as a travel consultant or cruise ship director may be a good fit. Those who prefer to stay behind the scenes may enjoy operations-based jobs, such as a lodging manager or casino manager.
Here are some potential hospitality career paths to explore:
- Lodging manager — Train staff and oversee operations at hotels, motels, and other facilities that house guests.
- Median annual salary: $65,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 7%
- New job openings projected: 5,400 annually
- Food service manager — Manage food preparation, customer service, and financial activities for restaurants and other establishments that serve food.
- Median annual salary: $63,060
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 0%
- New job openings projected: 39,600 annually
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
Online Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in hospitality management degree program?
The first step is to confirm all the application requirements and deadlines with an admissions counselor. Students applying to multiple schools may find it helpful to create a spreadsheet or checklist to track all the materials they need to submit and the dates by which they need to submit them.
Most schools accept applications and supporting materials online, although some may still want hard copies of official transcripts and test scores.
Depending on the school, there may be a hard-and-fast deadline to submit an application, while other schools accept applications and enroll new students on a rolling basis.
How much does an online master’s in hospitality management degree cost?
The specific cost of an online master’s in hospitality management degree will vary based on the type of school a student selects (public universities tend to cost less than private institutions), the additional fees a school charges, and the amount of financial aid a student receives.
For reference, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of graduate school tuition is $12,596 per year at public universities and $28,017 per year at private schools.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in hospitality management degree?
Most students generally take two years to complete a master’s in hospitality management degree. The length of time to earn a degree can vary depending on various factors:
- The number of credits required to earn a degree varies from program to program. Some require learners to complete as little as 30 credits, while others may demand students to complete 40 credits.
- A student’s rate of progress may also affect the length of time to finish a degree. Students with a full course load of 12 to 15 credits every semester can usually complete a program in two years. However, those enrolled with a lighter class load or who take time off from school could take longer to complete their degree.
- Assorted programs might require students to complete an internship or other experiential learning experience. This could add time to degree completion, as students would need to find an internship to fit their schedule and academic requirements.
Is an online master’s in hospitality management worth it?
An online master’s in hospitality management prepares you for upper-level management positions and high-responsibility roles, such as overseeing large resorts or multiple properties.
This degree helps you hone your skills and develop an advanced understanding of what it takes to run a successful hospitality business. Courses focus on business operations, managing staff, budgeting, inventory management, and customer service. You’ll have the opportunity to work on projects, complete internships, and network with other students and faculty, which can give you a valuable leg up when it’s time to apply for a job.
Completing a remote degree program also makes it easier to advance your education and prepare to take the next step in your career without having to sacrifice current work or family responsibilities.