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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Program?

Online master’s in hospitality management programs offer the same academic quality as on-campus programs, allowing you to learn about budgeting, sales, guest service, and human resources in a more convenient format. Indeed, online programs are ideal for students who already work in the hospitality industry, as this field’s irregular hours may make attending classes in person a challenge. Remember that no two online master’s in hospitality management programs are identical, so you should carefully review each option to find the best match for your needs and goals.

Available concentrations

If you already know what job you want in the hospitality management industry, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on this specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in hospitality management include:

  • Resort Management: Dive into the day-to-day operations of running a hotel, including financial management and employee relations.
  • Spa Resort Management: Learn about health department regulations, guest safety protocol, and general business and finance concepts.
  • Restaurant Management: Explore topics related to running a restaurant, including business management, basic culinary techniques, and responsible alcohol service.
  • Casino Management: Examine specific regulations of the casino industry as well as best practices for serving guests and managing employees.
  • Human Resources: Review employment laws for the hospitality industry at the state and federal levels.
  • Revenue Management and Hotel Finance: Specialize in the financial operations of hotels, including pricing structures, revenue maximization, financial planning, and revenue forecasting.

Common degree curriculum

Courses for a master’s in hospitality management program typically include leadership, marketing, accounting, human resources, guest service, and employee relations. Legal aspects of hospitality management are also covered, including state regulations, guest safety, and property liability. Some programs may require practical applications like work experience or an internship.

The exact curriculum will depend on your school and whether you select a concentration. Specific courses that may be available in your program include:

  • Economics of Travel and Tourism: Covers tax policy, asset theory, and cost-benefit analysis for the tourism industry.
  • Advanced Hospitality Accounting and Finance Systems: Learn how to construct a budget and forecast revenue and expenses. Other topics covered include incentive systems, asset management, and performance evaluations.
  • Advanced Personnel Systems in Restaurants and Hotels: Explore advanced techniques for employee management and how to organize employee structures in various settings, including restaurants, hotels, resorts, and other venues.
  • Marketing: Examine how to design marketing plans, conduct sales calls, and sell properties. Competitive analysis and customer evaluation are also covered, as are strategic pricing and ROI for marketing initiatives.
  • Hospitality Law: Property law and legal obligations for hoteliers are addressed, and how to avoid liability issues with guests and employees.

Certification and license preparation

In addition to your master’s degree, you should consider pursuing professional certifications to further bolster your resume and advance your career. The credentialing programs offered by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, such as Certified Hospitality Administrator and Certified Hospitality Educator, are especially well-respected in the industry:

Program accreditation

Only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization. Otherwise, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed. In addition to institutional accreditation, the best options for earning a master’s in hospitality management also have programmatic accreditation from industry groups such as the Accrediting Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration or the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business.

Program completion timeframe

Online master’s in hospitality management programs typically require 30 to 40 credit hours of coursework, which takes most full-time students about two years to complete. Part-time students may need up to five years. Extra requirements such as a thesis or internship will increase the time it takes to earn your degree.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Hospitality Management Graduates

The total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade. Lodging manager jobs are expected to grow at a much faster rate, while food service manager jobs are expected to grow at a slower rate — if you prioritize job security, a career in lodging would be better than food service.

Most jobs in this field don’t require a graduate degree, but earning a master’s still offers career benefits. Workers with a master’s degree make an average salary of $1,661 per week, while those with only a bachelor’s earn $1,432. That’s a difference of nearly $12,000 annually, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars in extra earnings throughout your career.

Of course, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, lodging managers make an average salary of $94,750 in New York but just $46,330 in Arkansas.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
Lodging Manager Lodging managers are responsible for guest services and the fiscal performance of hotels, resorts, and other venues. They often work closely with their area’s convention and visitors bureau and other tourism agencies. This position usually involves irregular schedules, as lodging is a 24-hour business. $61,910 7%
Food Service Manager Food service managers oversee restaurants and bars, room service, and catering departments. They may also help develop budgets and set pricing for group meetings and events. $61,310 0%

Professional organizations

In addition to looking good on your resume, joining a professional organization will allow you to access valuable educational and networking opportunities. The top organizations for hospitality management professionals include:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Degree

Online programs tend to be less expensive than traditional on-campus programs, but you may still need help paying for your degree. The first step to seeking assistance is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for federally funded grants and loans. Private scholarships are also available for hospitality management professionals, and many larger hotel companies offer tuition reimbursement programs.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

With all the different financing options available, each with its own eligibility requirements and application deadlines, it can be challenging to determine what you should do after submitting your FAFSA. The following resources will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.

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Interested in a degree?

Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.