Best HBCU Hospitality Management Programs
Writer
Editor & Writer
Writer
Editor & Writer
Hospitality management is a booming industry. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, many Americans are eager to return to travel and leisure. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S. economy will add 8.3 million jobs between 2021 and 2023, 23% of which are in the hospitality sector.
If you're interested in filling this growing demand, you can attend one of the many hospitality and tourism management programs at schools and business programs nationwide. Here, we look at the best hospitality management programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management provides you with interdisciplinary training in economics, organizational development, human resources, and leadership. If you enjoy creating experiences geared towards enjoyment and connection, hospitality management programs may be a great fit for you.
There are a variety of careers that you can start with a degree in hospitality management, including:
- Food and beverage director
- Housekeeping manager
- Head of maintenance
- Revenue manager
Choosing an HBCU for Hospitality Management
Historically Black colleges and universities have a long-standing tradition of promoting diversity and inclusivity. HBCU hospitality management programs prioritize professional development and career placement for their graduates.
The Harvard Business Review highlights that incidents of racism, discrimination, and subpar service towards Black people and people of color are all too common in hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.
HBCU hospitality management programs place a strong emphasis on culturally competent and inclusive service. North Carolina Central University, Grambling State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore are just a few of the many HBCUs that have produced successful alums who work in managerial and leadership positions within the hospitality industry.
Despite these efforts, racial discrimination still exists in the hospitality industry. The International Journal of Hospitality Management reports that Black people and people of color who work in the hospitality industry often face discriminatory practices as well. By providing an inclusive learning environment for emerging hospitality professionals of all backgrounds, HBCUs bring much-needed diversity and cultural competence to the hospitality industry.
Best HBCU Hospitality Management Programs
How We Rank Schools
At Best Colleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
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
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
NCCU, located in Durham, North Carolina, was the first public liberal arts institution for Black and African American students. The school offers many flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing, and the arts, including a BS in hospitality and tourism administration.
In the program, you'll prepare for an administrative career in the lodging, event management, hotel, and airline industries. NCCU has the only hospitality curriculum in North Carolina accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). Additionally, students have the option to minor in hospitality or enroll in the online MBA program to continue their studies.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Established in 1873, the UAPB is the second oldest public university in Arkansas. The Department of Human Sciences, which houses the hospitality and tourism management program, is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.
With a focus on dynamic and interdisciplinary learning, the BS in hospitality and tourism management program prepares students for high-level management positions within the hospitality industry. The program covers various subjects, including chemistry, social development, and human resources. You'll also gain hands-on experience through internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Grambling State University's College of Business offers hospitality and tourism management as a concentration or a minor. Previously housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the program moved to the College of Business in 2009 to meet industry workforce needs.
The college aims to prepare graduates to become effective hospitality managers. GSU has an articulation agreement that allows you to complete an associate degree in hospitality management at Southern University at Shreveport and matriculate to Grambling for your last two years to receive a bachelor's degree.
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Maryland's largest HBCU, MSU houses its hospitality management program in the Department of Business Administration. The program offers both a bachelor of science and a master of science in hospitality management, focusing on hands-on learning through internships in the hospitality industry.
Classes in this program are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). After graduating, you'll be well-prepared to assume leadership roles in the hospitality management field.
Delaware State University
Dover, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
DSU's College of Business offers a BS in hospitality and tourism management, with the option to specialize in casino management. DSU prioritizes industry experiences and requires students complete two internships for a total of 600 total hours to complete the program.
DSU's hospitality and tourism program provides students with a broad curriculum, including organizational behavior, economics, and food production. It is also the only HBCU whose hospitality and tourism management program is accredited by both ACPHA and AACSB.
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
TU is a private HBCU in Alabama. The School of Management offers an undergraduate concentration in hospitality management. The program prepares students for careers in various areas of the hospitality industry, such as hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and entrepreneurship.
Tuskegee's dynamic curriculum gives students the necessary tools to lead and manage different aspects of the hospitality and tourism sector. Graduates of TU's AACSB-accredited program will be well-prepared to assume leadership positions in the field.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UMES, one of Maryland's smaller HBCUs, offers a BS in hospitality and tourism management that prepares you for this booming industry. The program emphasizes professional development and job placement, with graduates finding employment at major companies such as Marriott Hotels and Red Lobster Restaurants.
UMES offers various concentrations and minors, including culinary arts, restaurant management, hotel administration, and travel and tourism. Applicants are assessed based on class rank and previous coursework. Submitting test scores and letters of recommendation is optional.
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney, PA - 4 years
- Campus
Cheyney University's hotel, restaurant, and tourism management program offers an experiential education to prepare you for success in entry-level management positions within the rapidly-growing hospitality industry. The program is accredited by ACPHA.
The program offers a variety of electives, including cruise industry operations, eco-tourism, weddings, spa management, and even a chocolate and patisserie course. In 2021, 100% of program graduates secured employment in the hospitality sector within 90 days of graduation. You can enroll in this program as a major or a minor.
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Virginia State University, the nation's first state-supported four-year HBCU, offers an ACPHA-accredited hospitality management program in their College of Agriculture. This program provides you with the leadership and managerial training you'll need to become a manager and leader in the hospitality industry.
VSU's curriculum prepares you for operations management and executive management careers by emphasizing real-world hospitality educational experiences. The program also strives to increase diversity in the hospitality industry by providing access to a diverse talent acquisition pipeline. Upon completing the program, you'll have gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and core competencies to succeed in the global hospitality industry.
Livingstone College
Salisbury, NC - 4 years
- Campus
Livingstone College is a private Christian HBCU in Salisbury, North Carolina. It is home to the only hospitality management department in the state to offer both a BS in hospitality management and an associate of science in culinary arts.
The hospitality management program equips you with a thorough understanding of organizational management principles. It also helps you develop leadership and management skills and provides practical experience opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about HBCU Hospitality Management Programs
A degree in hospitality management can open up a world of professional and academic opportunities. Below are a few questions to consider as you prepare to apply to HBCU hospitality management programs.
What types of classes can I expect to take in an HBCU hospitality management program?
HBCU hospitality management programs are interdisciplinary. Students can expect to take classes in economics, business, organizational development, and human resources. Curricula prepare students for the diverse hospitality industry, whether managing a hotel, running a restaurant, or organizing events.
While enrolled, you may complete hands-on experience to build practical skills such as budgeting, staff management, and problem-solving. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to enter managerial positions in hospitality with confidence.
What factors should I consider when choosing an HBCU for a hospitality management program?
There are many factors to consider when choosing an HBCU hospitality management program. You should consider the school's location, the faculty and their areas of research, and program concentration options. It's also important to consider financial aid and scholarship opportunities. You should also research the various professional development and internship opportunities that each school offers.
Though most HBCU hospitality management programs provide many course options, you may find it helpful to compare each program's curriculum. That way, you can choose the school that best aligns with your passions and interests.
Friendships and community are a big part of what makes college a fun experience. Don't forget to take time to review each college's extracurricular activity options, too!
How do HBCU hospitality management programs prepare students for the job market?
HBCU hospitality management programs provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the practical skills and experience needed to succeed in a highly competitive job market. Many HBCU hospitality management programs require you to complete 1-2 internships, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Many HBCUs have established partnerships with industry leaders who regularly recruit students and graduates for internships and job opportunities. By providing you with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience, HBCU hospitality management programs prepare you to enter high-level management positions in the hospitality industry after graduating.
What skills are required for success in the hospitality industry?
The hospitality industry requires versatile skills in business management, communications, organizational leadership, and event planning. Working in the hospitality industry also requires a strong set of interpersonal skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and collegiality.
Working in hospitality, you'll not only have to create positive guest experiences, but you must also foster a positive and productive environment for staff and employees. To hone your hospitality skills, you can pursue a bachelor's or associate degree in hospitality management. If you want to sharpen your hospitality skills even further, you may want to pursue a master's in hospitality management.
