Best Online Hospitality Management Programs of 2024
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
A hospitality management degree can equip you with the business, leadership, and industry-specific skills you need to excel in this rapidly growing field. As a hospitality leader, you can manage teams of people who serve guests from diverse cultural and geographical backgrounds. Specifically, you can find employment as a lodging manager, event planner, or food service manager.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the hospitality industry accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022, and the sector is recovering fast from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospitality wages can rise well above average. As of April 2024, Payscale reports that people with a hotel management degree earn an average of $69,000 annually. Securing an MBA in hospitality management can set you up to earn even higher wages.
The guide below offers a glimpse into the study and practice of hospitality management, including our data-derived ranking of the best bachelor's degree programs in the subject.
Is a Hospitality Management Degree Right for Me?
-
What the degree is about:
Hospitality management focuses on all the skills needed to work at hotels, restaurants, conference centers, resorts, and other settings. The degree covers business management, food science, hygiene and safety, and more. -
How long it takes:
Typically, a bachelor's degree in hospitality management takes four years to earn. However, those coming in with transfer credits from a community college or AP classes may finish sooner, while part-time students may take longer. -
Career path:
Hospitality is a large field with many career opportunities. Hotel and restaurant management is a popular focus for graduates, as is working in operations, sales, and human resources.
Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $206
Out-of-State | $618
Credits to Graduate: 120
Distance learners can earn Florida International University's online BS in hospitality management through the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Hospitality core courses include advanced food and beverage operations, hospitality analytics, and financial analysis in the hospitality industry. The program requires at least 500 documented hours of hospitality-related work experience plus a 300-hour advanced internship or 500 hours of hospitality/tourism training.
Hospitality management majors can add a minor in a field like beverage management, travel and tourism management, or hotel/lodging management.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $212
Out-of-State | $749
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Central Florida's online hospitality management BS program includes three required internships that provide hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Offered by the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, the program focuses on management and requires classes like lodging operations, restaurant management, and hospitality management and leadership fundamentals.
Students can develop creative decision-making, budgeting, and communication skills and gain a global perspective as they learn about the culture of wine, marketing, and tourism. The fully online program provides flexibility that can make earning the four-year degree accessible for working professionals.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $567
Out-of-State | $633
Credits to Graduate: 120
Washington State University's hospitality business management BA program, offered through the Carson College of Business, was launched in 1932, making it one of the oldest programs of its kind in the U.S. You can choose from three start dates each year and learn the fundamentals of hospitality business management.
You can develop the event planning, leadership, and cost control skills you need to apply for jobs at hotels, tourist destinations, restaurants, and senior living centers. The program's hospitality relations manager helps students connect with internship and job opportunities.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Academic Year:
In-State | $4,073
Out-of-State | $21,193
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students can enroll in East Carolina University's online bachelor's program in hospitality leadership to start their careers in the hospitality and tourism industries. ECU's School of Hospitality Leadership is one of the biggest of its kind in the Southeast.
The hospitality leadership curriculum includes classes like dimensions of tourism, hospitality law, advanced food production and service management, and multicultural hospitality management. The program offers concentrations in convention and special events management, food and beverage management, and lodging management.
ECU also offers an MS in sustainable tourism and hospitality if you want to pursue graduate education in this field.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $385
Credits to Graduate: 120
The University of Alabama's online BS in hospitality management requires a 150-hour internship and can prepare you for leadership roles in the tourism and hospitality industries.
You'll take classes like sustainable tourism, introduction to the sport industry, hotel sales and event services, and hospitality marketing. The program requires enrollees to earn 53 general education credits, 52 hospitality management credits, and 15 elective credits.
All distance learners pay the same flat tuition rate per credit, no matter where they live. The program accepts applications year-round.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375
Credits to Graduate: 180
Oregon State University's online hospitality management bachelor's program offers four start dates per year. Through the College of Business, you'll take classes in lodging management, vacation property management, hospitality law and labor relations, and service management. The program also requires students to complete three internships. Distance learners can specialize in ecotourism and sustainability.
You can develop skills in operations management, sports event management, and accounting and marketing fundamentals. The program boasts relationships with numerous industry partners, including hospitality technology organizations, restaurants, and resorts.
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $475
Out-of-State | $475
Credits to Graduate: 120
West Virginia University's online BSBA in hospitality and tourism management program provides a flexible online learning environment with no set meeting times. You can learn general business, management, and leadership skills that can prepare you for careers in event planning, tourism, and hotel and restaurant operations.
The program, offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, requires students to complete 40 courses that cover topics like tourism management, hotel operations management, and hospitality revenue management. You'll also complete an event planning practicum, a professional field experience, and an independent study.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $184
Out-of-State | $840
Credits to Graduate: 120
UNC Greensboro's hospitality and tourism management BS degree from the Bryan School of Business and Economics can prepare you for careers in the travel, hotel, meeting, and craft beverage management industries. In fact, the program reports that 88% of students found a job within three months of graduating.
You can complete internships and study abroad experiences, plus earn industry accreditations in food service safety, responsible alcohol service, and hotel industry analytics. The program also offers a concentration in esports management that focuses on management careers in the field.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Academic Year:
In-State | $11,352
Out-of-State | $11,352
Credits to Graduate: 120
Northern Arizona University's online interdisciplinary studies hospitality leadership program can help you gain the practical business skills you need for a career in the hospitality industry. The program encourages transfer students to apply and offers a flexible online learning environment combined with a structured, semester-based schedule.
The curriculum covers leadership, strategic management, ethics, and business analytics. You'll learn how to make good business decisions and navigate diverse work environments. Other courses cover service management, hospitality operations, and profitability and cost control.
Everglades University
Boca Raton, FL - 2 years
- Online
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $9,984
Out-of-State | $9,984
Credits to Graduate: 123
Everglades University's online BS in hospitality management program takes 41 months to complete. You'll get a solid understanding of many facets of the service and hospitality management industry, including finance, marketing, and management.
The program also aims to help students develop critical thinking, analytical, communication, and technical skills that can help them thrive as supervisors, managers, or assistant managers. Required courses include effective customer service, convention and exhibition management, and global strategy and policy. Learners must also complete a hospitality management capstone experience.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Should I Get an Online Hospitality Management Degree?
If you're interested in working with people and combining business, math, and science with creativity and creature comforts, you might be a good fit for a career in hospitality management. While many people begin their careers in this field with an entry-level job, getting your bachelor's in hospitality management can give you a leg up and allow you to apply for higher-level or corporate-side roles directly after graduation.
When you study hospitality management online, you'll be able to learn from anywhere, allowing you to study while you hold a job or internship to get valuable real-world experience. Some programs offer flexible class times to suit your schedule, and you can save on relocation costs if you attend a school online.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management
- Learn industry-specific skills, including finance and supply chain literacy and food science.
- Gain experience through practical lessons and internship placements, depending on the program.
- Kick off your hospitality management career with the qualifications to apply for mid-level positions.
- Gain transferable skills applicable to various jobs in the hospitality sector.
Reasons to Get Your Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Online
- You can study from home without the costs of relocation.
- Many online programs offer night and weekend classes, so you can work while you study.
- Online programs can be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, and many offer scholarships.
How Much Does a Hospitality Management Degree Cost?
A bachelor's in hospitality management can be expensive. The average bachelor's degree at a public college or university was $12,394 annually as of 2020-2021, per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Students studying at a private institution paid an average of $26,621 yearly. The good news is scholarships and grants can help cover some of these costs.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Institution
$26,621
How Long Does an Online Hospitality Management Degree Take?
While most full-time bachelor's programs in hospitality management last four years, the timeline can vary. Whether you're coming in with transfer credits and whether you choose to study full or part time can significantly impact the length of your program.
Average Length of Time
4 years*
Required Course Credits
120+ credits*
What Are the Admission Requirements for Hospitality Management Programs?
When you submit your application to an online hospitality management program, you'll likely also need to have:
-
A GPA that falls within your program's preferred range on a 4-point scale or higher -
Transcripts from high school and any other college classes you've taken -
Letters of recommendation from past teachers, coaches, and others who know you well -
Scores from either the SAT or ACT within your program's preferred range or higher -
An application fee or an approved fee waiver -
An application form listing previous schools, extracurriculars, job and internship experience, etc.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Hospitality Management Degree?
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), your pay and job outlook in hospitality management depends on your specific position — wages and growth vary widely between roles. Some hospitality-related field, like event planning, are growing faster than the average occupation. The BLS projects jobs for event planners will increase by 8% in the next decade. Some positions can earn well above the average wage; HR managers, for example, earned an average of $136,350 per year in 2023.
One thing all hospitality roles have in common is that they call for a mix of hard skills like finance and accounting and soft skills, such as the ability to work well with customers and coworkers.
Job Title | 2023 Median Pay |
---|---|
Food Service Manager | $63,060 |
Lodging Manager | $65,360 |
Event Planner | $56,920 |
Human Resources Manager | $136,350 |
Logistician | $79,400 |
Is a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Worth It?
Featured Online Hospitality Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Master's Programs to Consider
Master of Science (MS) in Hospitality Management at Auburn University
Auburn University offers a full-time, two-year MSc program in hospitality management, available on campus or online. Students in the campus program are able to design an original research project and present it as a final thesis.
Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) at Cornell University
The Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University offers a unique one-year master's program in management with a hospitality focus. This program is offered in partnership with the business school and strongly focuses on the business administration side of hospitality.
Master of Hospitality Administration (MHA) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is home to a world-leading hospitality school that offers an online master's program. This is a flexible postgraduate study option for those looking to further an administrative career in the hospitality field. The flexible, online-only program is geared toward working professionals and takes two years to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Hospitality Management Programs
Can you make money with a hospitality degree?
As of 2023, the BLS reports that food services managers earn a median annual salary of $63,060, lodging managers earn $65,360, and meeting and event planners earn $56,920. Payscale reports that employees in the casino and resort industry earn an average of $68,000 per year as of April 2024. Executive chefs, travel managers, and food service directors at top-billed hotels, resorts, or cruise lines may earn more.
Does hospitality management require math?
Hospitality management only requires a little math. As an undergraduate student, you likely need to take a course in either foundations of math or algebra as part of your core curriculum. In addition, you may be required to take finance, financial accounting, quantitative analysis, and managerial accounting as part of your major.
What can I expect from a hospitality management course?
Hospitality management courses cover many topics, such as accounting, law, tourism, restaurant operations, and hotel management.
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management includes major courses, a liberal arts core, and a selection of electives. Graduate degree programs are more focused and can concentrate on sustainable tourism, international hospitality, or another related subfield.
What is the most important aspect of hospitality management?
The customer experience is the most critical element of professional hospitality. Consequently,
hospitality management professionals must have strong problem-solving and team leadership skills.
They should be able to meet guest expectations, pay attention to details, be flexible, create an appropriate atmosphere, manage a budget, and understand why events matter.
Which subject is best for hospitality management?
You can major in business, finance, home economics, food science, or nutrition and build a successful career in hospitality management. Graduate degrees often result in higher wages. In April 2024, for example, Payscale reported that an MBA in hospitality management earned an average salary of $74,00 annually.