Hospitality management degrees include business coursework emphasizing marketing, human resources, and finance in the hospitality industry. The best master’s degree in hospitality management incorporates courses in strategies used by successful hospitality managers, leaders, and executives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth in employment for food service managers and gambling service workers to 2030. Meeting, convention, and event planners are projected to see comparable growth. To find out more about the top online hospitality management degrees for 2022, check out our rankings below.
Top 3 online schools for master’s in hospitality management
The best online master’s in hospitality management degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology synthesizes research data and expertise provided by industry professionals to assess the top hospitality master’s degrees. Our proprietary formula provides insight into the curricula, affordability, and outcomes of the top master’s degrees in hospitality management to help you find the right program. Orlando, FL Application fee: $31 Miami, FL Application fee: $30 Denton, TX Application fee: $50 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
What to expect in an online master’s in hospitality management degree program
An online master’s in hospitality management generally includes two years of lecture and laboratory courses. Hospitality management students complete independent and group projects and presentations.
Acceptance rate: 44%Graduation rate: 72%Avg. annual net price: $10,274Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 58%Graduation rate: 64%Avg. annual net price: $7,296Time to completion: One yearGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FiveCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 74%Graduation rate: 60%Avg. annual net price: $15,086Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 81%Graduation rate: 53%Avg. annual net price: $11,424Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.75Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Acceptance rate: 93%Graduation rate: 63%Avg. annual net price: $26,775Time to completion: Two yearsGRE/GMAT: Not required Minimum GPA: 2.85Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery methods: Online, asynchronous
Students study finance, economics, and marketing as they relate to the hospitality and tourism industry. Classes in hospitality business law and risk management accompany qualitative research courses to grow learners’ analytical and decision-making skills. Students may also take part in an internship to apply degree content in real-time. During a hospitality management project or thesis, learners use what they’ve learned to address challenges within the hospitality and tourism industry. Learners who actively engage with course content, fellow students, and instructors will get the most out of an online degree.
Hospitality management courses
Foundational hospitality management courses explore technology, human resources, environmental impacts, and financial aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry. Here are some courses you’ll find in many hospitality management programs. Hospitality revenue management Coursework introduces learners to practices and pricing for hospitality and tourism organizations. Learners explore profitability, the revenue cycle, and strategies for short- and long-term revenue streams. Strategic human resources in hospitality and tourism Human resources courses focus on training and managing workers in hospitality and tourism settings. Learners develop strategies to assess and use effective compensation techniques and coordinate a hospitality workforce. This course emphasizes creating a diverse, sustainable, and supported workforce. Hospitality management tools and technologies This class includes information about systems and software used in hospitality settings. Learners also assess strategic applications of information and communication technologies alongside changes and innovations influencing the hospitality and tourism industry. Ethics and environment in responsible hospitality management By exploring environmental theory, ethical frameworks, and legal aspects of hospitality management, students learn about sustainable practices to apply as leaders in the hospitality industry. Topics include energy conservation and waste reduction.
Hospitality management degree levels
A degree in hospitality management includes business coursework adapted to meet the demands of the hospitality and tourism industry. Undergraduate degrees prepare students to enter the hospitality management profession, while graduate programs hone existing knowledge and skills to advance the careers of current hospitality workers.
Certificate in hospitality management
Length: One year or less Cost: $2,000-$5,000 Post-grad careers: Restaurant manager, events planner, tour planner Certificate programs in hospitality management introduce students to hospitality and tourism industry operations. Coursework teaches learners about purchasing, customer service, and marketing in hospitality settings. With a certificate in hospitality management, students can enter the hospitality management field or hone their abilities in a current hospitality role. A certificate also provides a strong foundation for continued study.
Associate in hospitality management
Length: Two years Cost: $4,000-$10,000 Post-grad careers: Food service manager, customer relations associate, restaurant manager An associate degree in hospitality management often emphasizes a specific aspect of hospitality: Food and beverage service, hotel and resort management, or travel and tourism. Students develop communication and technical skills while learning about the industry’s operations. Graduates thrive in junior hospitality management positions. An associate degree also serves as a springboard for a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s in hospitality management
Length: Four years Cost: $10,000-$60,000 Post-grad careers: Resort manager, event coordinator, human resource manager Bachelor’s degrees in hospitality management establish foundational knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry. Students study event planning, hotel and restaurant management, and tourism in anticipation of completing an internship as part of the program. Courses may cover catering, casino operations, food preparation and safety, and hospitality marketing. Many programs have specialization options. Learners can focus on food service, lodging, or travel and tourism. Graduates may enter the workforce or continue on to a graduate program.
Master’s in hospitality management
Length: Two years Cost: $18,000-$65,000 Post-grad careers: Hospitality sales manager, hotel operations manager, cruise line executive Emphasizing business essentials and research, a master’s in hospitality management builds on existing knowledge and experience to train students for leadership roles within hospitality and tourism organizations. A master’s degree in hospitality management may offer specializations in sustainable tourism, international hospitality, or heritage tourism and conservation. Students might complete an internship, a research project, or a thesis.
In conclusion
Hospitality management might be right for you if you like working in a fast-paced, exciting role, meeting new people, and visiting new places. To learn more about the hospitality management master’s degrees we recommend, reach out to the universities and programs listed above.
