Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees of 2023
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- Hospitality management is a degree that can lead to several different careers.
- Hospitality management encompasses restaurants, hotels, resorts, and theme parks.
- You can study hospitality management in person or through an accredited online program.
- Having a degree means you can begin a hospitality career at a higher level with higher pay.
If you've ever enjoyed staying at a hotel or dining at a restaurant, you've been a patron of the hospitality industry. And you're not alone — which is why hospitality is a major economic sector in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in December 2022, over 16 million people in the U.S. worked in this industry.
If you're considering a career in this field, a bachelor's in hospitality management can help you get ahead.
Is a Hospitality Management Degree Right for Me?
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What the degree is about: Hospitality management focuses on all the skills needed to work at hotels, restaurants, conference centers, resorts, and more. The degree combines business management knowledge with food science, hygiene and safety, and more.
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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.
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Career path: Hospitality is a large field with many career opportunities. Hotel and restaurant management bachelors is a popular focus for graduates, as is working in operations, sales, or human resources.
Hospitality Management Programs You Should Consider
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 combine studying with 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.
Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees 2023
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Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $263
Out of State | $782
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
FAU's hospitality management degree, with a focus on business administration, provides you with 1,000 hours of work experience.
Along with an internship and business core courses, the major curriculum incorporates every aspect of hospitality management. This includes law, marketing and revenue management, food and beverage services, and guest services.
FAU's hospitality and tourism management program requires you to hold at least 60 credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You must also complete the foreign language requirement.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Menomonie, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $738
Out of State | $738
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
UW-Stout offers an online hospitality degree that focuses on hands-on experience with co-ops or internships that you can complete at your workplace.
The 120-credit degree program requires a capstone project and 68 professional studies credits. You'll study operations management, financial and revenue management, and organizational management. Courses run online, but you must meet in person for internships and the food and services fundamentals lab.
You can apply at any time since UW-Stout has no application deadline. The university allows you to audit courses for 30% of the tuition fee if you're a Wisconsin resident.
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $295
Out of State | $353
Credits to Graduate
121
School Information
School Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SUNY Delhi's hospitality management degree features experiential learning. You can complete an optional six-month position for college credit at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The hotel and restaurant management program concentrates on building hospitality and restaurant management skills. You'll take courses on financial management, human resources management, and hospitality law.
You need a minimum 2.0 GPA and an associate degree from an accredited college to apply. Upon admittance, you can connect with faculty advisors. And throughout the online program, you can also access tutoring and resume help.
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $260
Out of State | $260
Credits to Graduate
120
School Information
School Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Delivered through the Woodbury School of Business, UVU's online degree in hospitality management lets you customize your education with business or creative specializations.
In UVU's hospitality management program, you can concentrate your studies in general operations, revenue management, sales, event planning, or culinary arts. The core curriculum provides a foundation in food and beverage management, hospitality law, and analytics.
As an online student, you can access academic tutoring, advising, a career development center, and mentors. To apply, you must submit an online application, pay a fee, and provide high school or college transcripts.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $206
Out of State | $618
Credits to Graduate
113-125
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With more than 130 online degrees, FIU offers a hospitality management degree that allows you to enrich your studies through internships and study abroad opportunities. You can also participate in Miami's South Beach Wine and Food Festival.
Experiential learning is integral to this online hospitality degree, with every student required to complete 500 hours of industry work. And you also must finish a 10-week internship.
FIU's bachelor's in hospitality management program emphasizes hands-on experience. You'll gain access to the school's Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, where you'll do activities at many labs and food hubs.
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $184
Out of State | $727
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
Durham's NCCU, which opened its classrooms in 1910 as a liberal arts college for African Americans, provides a hospitality management degree. The degree prepares you for careers in airlines, lodging, resorts, cruise lines, and event management.
The four-year hospitality management degree runs online, but you must attend monthly in-person seminars in business attire. You must also complete 1,000 hours of internships. In addition, you'll study subjects like lodging management and operations. Other course topics cover financial management, food and beverage production, and event planning.
You must pay a $100 enrollment deposit and submit high school or college transcripts, depending on if you apply as a first-year or transfer student.
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320
Out of State | $320
Credits to Graduate
121-122
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association College and Schools Commission on Colleges
UNA, Alabama's oldest four-year public school, offers industry opportunities even before you graduate with its online degree in hospitality management.
The curriculum pairs lessons with two internships totaling 350 hours. The program also includes hands-on learning at business and industry events. Major core requirements for UNA's hospitality and events program combine security and risk management, event planning, and food production. You'll also learn about property management.
You must fill out UNA's main application and submit a 250- to 300-word letter of intent to enroll in the hotel management degree.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $440
Out of State | $440
Credits to Graduate
127
School Information
School Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
BU offers an accelerated cohort-based online hospitality degree that lets you graduate in two years. For BU's bachelor's in hospitality management program, you must hold an associate degree from an accredited college, or at least 60 credits with a minimum "C" grade.
Courses integrate the anthropology of tourism, new media marketing, and the customer experience. You'll also learn about team leadership and financial management. With a hotel management degree, graduates have found work at Disney, Hilton, and Omaha Zoo.
You must complete an online application and provide proof of a high school or GED diploma with your official transcripts.
Johnson & Wales University-Online
Providence, RI - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $495
Out of State | $495
Credits to Graduate
120
School Information
School Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
Enroll in the Johnson & Wales online hospitality degree program and you can minor in human resources management. You can also enroll in a 12-credit internship, but the program does not require it.
The school's' bachelor's in hospitality management program features small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1. Subjects covered include food service, hospitality sales, and human resources management. Other courses teach you about marketing and revenue management.
Johnson & Wales accepts applications year round and has multiple start dates. To apply for an undergraduate program, you need college credit or at least two years of work experience.
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $455
Out of State | $455
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
NAU's hospitality management degree — recognized by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education — includes 1,200 hours of fieldwork. You can get work experience at local partner organizations such as Paradise Bakery, Walt Disney, Four Seasons, Enterprise, or Marriott.
NAU's hotel and restaurant management program requires 45 units in hospitality administration, 12 units in business, and 15 concentration units. You must also complete eight units of a foreign language. You can transfer up to 75 credits from a community college in Arizona.
While studying online, you'll also have research access to the Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center and Marion W. Isbell Endowment for Hospitality Ethics.
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. Students studying at a private institution pay an average of $26,621 yearly. The good news is scholarships and grants may help cover some of these costs.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree | 2020-21
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Institution
$26,621
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
Read More: How to Find Scholarships for College Students
How Long Does an Online Hospitality Management Degree Take?
While most full-time bachelor's programs in hospitality management take four years to earn, 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
*Varies depending on your school/program
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:
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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.
"I decided to study hospitality management because it offers a unique opportunity to combine my passions for customer service, business, and travel. I have always been passionate about providing an excellent customer experience and saw hospitality management as the perfect way to combine this with my interest in the business. What I also liked is that the hospitality industry is an ever-evolving sector that offers the potential for international travel and career development."
— Marissa Johnson, Party Planner, Founder of Inflatable Blast
How Much Money Can I Make With a Hospitality Management Degree?
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Jobs Can You Get With a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management?
According to the BLS, careers in hospitality management pay a wide range of salaries and have various outlooks. Some hospitality-related jobs, like in event planning, are growing much faster than the average occupation. The BLS projects jobs for event planners will grow by 18% in the next decade. HR managers earned an average of $126,230 per year in 2021.
One thing hospitality careers 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 | 2021 Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Food Service/Restaurant Manager | $59,440 |
| Hotel/Lodging Manager | $59,430 |
| Event Planner | $49,470 |
| Human Resources Manager | $126,230 |
| Logistician | $77,030 |
Read More: How to Earn a Travel Agent Certification
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Is a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Worth It?
"Honestly, I changed my major five times before deciding to pursue a degree in hospitality! It wasn't until then that I felt a career path aligned with my values of celebrating life and serving others. In 2011, I graduated with a bachelor of science degree in event management from University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management (the second-ranked hospitality college in the nation)."
— Carin Hunt, Wedding Planner and Business Owner
"[Studying hospitality management] was one of the most valuable and rewarding experiences of my life. I learned the fundamentals of hospitality management, such as hospitality marketing, customer service, operational management, and financial management. I also had the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and get an inside look at the industry, and I learned the importance of communication and teamwork and was able to apply these skills in the workplace."
— Marissa Johnson, Party Planner, Founder of Inflatable Blast
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree: Master's Programs to Consider
Auburn University offers a full-time, two-year MSc program in hospitality management, available on campus or online. Students in the campus program will be able to design an original research project and present it as a final thesis.
Cornell University's Nolan School of Hotel Administration offers a unique one-year master's program in management with a hospitality focus. This program is offered in conjunction with the business school and strongly focuses on the business administration side of hospitality.
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 Hospitality Management Degrees
What kind of degree is hospitality management?
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management is typically a bachelor of science (BS) degree. There are hospitality management programs available at various levels, including associate or master's degrees for those who have already completed a bachelor's. A bachelor's in hospitality management is geared toward those looking for a career in hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality institutions, including at the corporate level.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in hospitality management?
Generally, a bachelor's degree in hospitality management takes four years to earn. However, many online programs offer flexible and/or accelerated options for part-time students or for those who wish to earn their degrees faster. In those cases, it may take more or less than four years to finish the full degree. For those who have already completed an associate degree, it may also take less time to finish a bachelor's.
What courses will I take in an online hospitality management degree?
The courses you will take in your online hospitality management program vary from program to program. However, some courses that will likely be offered include:
- Business accounting and economics
- Principles of the food and beverage industry
- Higher-level math and finance courses
- Business-centered computer science classes
Most programs will also offer a variety of electives you can choose from, which may help you build toward a specialization.
