We’ve identified 30 accredited accelerated hospitality management degree programs online that can help you pursue a rewarding career in hospitality. Here you can compare schools and see what your career options could be with this degree.
Many of the career options in hospitality management are highly competitive. One of the most competitive is hotel management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in hotel management is projected to grow more slowly than jobs in other fields.
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There are two things that can help you succeed in the competitive job market of hotel management: experience and education. Most employers will want you to have experience in hospitality to enter into a management position and will often expect you to work your way up. While experience is key, it may not always be enough in the competitive field of hotel management.
Getting your bachelor’s degree in hospitality management can help you stand out and increase your chances when it comes to promotions and career growth. Hotel management isn’t your only option with this degree, though. With a projected growth of 18% over the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics), event planning, which includes meetings and conventions, is where the jobs are growing in the field of hospitality management.
Even with the greater job market, though, earning your degree can help you stand out when it comes to pursuing the most desirable positions.
List of Schools Offering Accelerated Hospitality Management Degree Programs Online
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited, offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format, and have accelerated classes that are 8 weeks or less in duration.
1. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers an online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management degree program. Students are required to finish 127 credits to graduate. Those who have already completed an associate’s degree may transfer at least 60 qualifying credits into the program. With the Accelerated Cohort Program, students register for courses at the beginning of the program and complete their classes one by one.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. California State University – East Bay
California State University—East Bay offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism. To graduate, students must achieve 120 credits. Students can choose one of three concentrations: Event Planning and Management, Food and Beverage, or Lodging, Resort, and Club Management. Alternatively, students may work with an advisor to take electives that emphasize personal goals.
Cal State East Bay is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
3. Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. To graduate, students must complete 125 credit hours from their major, the liberal arts core, and interdisciplinary electives. Courses last for 7 weeks and can be completed completely online.
Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
4. Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University offers an online Bachelor’s in Hospitality, Resort, and Tourism Management. The program is designed for those interested in working at resort destination areas. Students must achieve 127 credits to graduate, including 7 general credits. The program also offers three concentrations: Event Planning, Sustainable Resort Development, and Tourism Sales.
Coastal Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
5. East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s College of Business offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Students may choose to take a concentration in Convention and Special Events Management, Food and Beverage Management, or Lodging Management. Students are required to complete 87 semester hours related to the major, an externship, and an internship to graduate.
East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
6. East Coast Polytechnic Institute University
The East Coast Polytechnic Institute offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Hospitality Management. The program is an accelerated program that is held year-round to aid in helping students graduate in 2.5 years. Students must finish 105 credits to earn their degree. Terms last for 5 weeks.
ECPI University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
7. Eastern New Mexico University
Eastern New Mexico University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality Management. Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate, with 42 credit hours in upper-level courses. Undergraduate students also have access to graduate assistants who can assist them.
Eastern New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
8. Florida International University
The Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree program. Students are required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate. Students who have already completed 2 years of college with a GPA of at least 2.25 may be able to transfer to the upper-division program.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
9. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management. To graduate, students are required to complete 120 credit hours. Alongside the credits required for the major, at least 12 hours must be dedicated to one of the FHSU general education programs of Foundation Studies or Liberal Arts.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
10. Granite State College
Granite State College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel. At least 120 credits must be completed to graduate, with 28 credits reserved for open electives. Students who have already completed an associate’s degree at a community college may apply to transfer credits towards this degree.
Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
11. Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. The program can be completed in 4 years with courses that last either 8 or 16 weeks. To apply, students must have completed at least 2 full years of full-time work from the day they graduated high school.
JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
12. Madonna University
Madonna University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The program is designed to also have students graduate with a minor in Business Administration, with 30 semester hours dedicated towards the major. Students with a degree in the culinary or hospitality field may be able to transfer credits to the program.
Madonna University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
13. Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers two different degree options from their Department of Hospitality Leadership: the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Applied Science. The Bachelor of Applied Science is designed for students who have already achieved an on-campus or an online associates degree in hospitality management or culinary arts. Students are also expected to complete an internship to graduate.
Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
14. Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Students must complete 121 hours of undergraduate work to graduate. Students may choose to transfer credits, but at least half of the business credits completed must be obtained from Norfolk State University.
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
15. North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University offers an online Bachelor’s in Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Administration. The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires the completion of at least 128 semester hours. To graduate, students must meet general education, business, and elective requirements while achieving a minimum GPA of 2.0.
North Carolina Central University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
16. Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The program is divided into three different specialties: Meeting and Convention Management, Tourist Destination Development, and Gaming Operations and Procedures. Students may be able to transfer credits from other accredited colleges, universities, or community colleges.
Northeastern State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
17. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers an online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Leadership. To graduate, students must complete at least 120 credits, with at least 30 credits coming from upper-division courses and 30 credits taken through Northern Arizona University. The online programs have two paths: Traditional, which has students work on a fixed schedule, or Competency-Based, which offers more flexibility.
Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
18. Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Hospitality Management. The program can typically be completed in 4 years and requires 180 credits to qualify for graduation, with 24 credits required for the specialization. Students may transfer credits, but at least 45 credits must be completed through Oregon State.
Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
19. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Southern Illinois University offers a Bachelor’s in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management program that can be completed online. Students may also choose to have a focus in either Food Service Management or Hotel Management by taking an additional 5 courses. To graduate, students must complete at least 120 credits. Some courses require students to participate in field trips.
SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
20. Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University offers an online Business Degree Completion program. The program is designed for students who have a 2 year trade degree. To graduate, students must have 180 credits with 60 credits from upper-division courses. At least 15 credits must be from Southern Oregon University.
Southern Oregon University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
21. Troy University
Troy University offers an online Bachelor’s in Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management with a Hospitality concentration. Students must acquire 120 credit hours to graduate. The program also allows for a minor to be completed, including Event Management, Tourism Management, or a minor from a different department.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
22. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Students must achieve 120 credit hours to graduate. Online students have 50 required hours, including an internship. The program offers separate concentrations in Sport and Entertainment Event Management, Meeting and Event, Hotel/Lodging, and Food and Beverage Management.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
23. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Students must finish 120 credit hours to graduate. To be eligible to apply for the program, students need to have 2 years of experience related to the industry. Students may also choose to focus on specialized coursework for theme park and attraction management, club management, or lodging management.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
24. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
The Isenberg School of Management from the University of Massachusetts offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students must complete 120 credits to graduate, with a minimum of 45 credits taken from the University of Massachusetts—Amherst. The program also requires 14 courses to be completed for the degree and 12 courses to be completed for general education.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
25. University of South Carolina – Beaufort
The University of South Carolina—Beaufort offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Students must complete 45 to 60 credits before being able to apply for the program. To graduate, students must achieve 120 semester hours and complete 57 major requirements. Students may choose to transfer to the USC Beaufort’s campus at any point during their degree.
The University of South Carolina Beaufort is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
26. University of the Southwest
The University of the Southwest offers a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with an emphasis in Hospitality Management. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, with 40 hours coming from advanced coursework, and have a GPA of at least 2.0 to graduate. The program can be completed online.
The University of the Southwest is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
27. University of Utah
The University of Utah offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management. To graduate, students must acquire 133 credit hours, with 42 credit hours related to the major, 15 elective credit hours, and an internship. Students may also choose to obtain a Hospitality Operations Certificate as part of the program.
The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
28. University of Wisconsin – Stout
The University of Wisconsin—Stout offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. The program offers year-round courses and requires 120 credits, with 80 major-related credits, and a GPA of 2.75 to graduate. The school also offers co-ops and internships.
University of Wisconsin-Stout is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
29. Utah Valley University
Students with a passion for creativity, hospitality, and business may find an excellent next step in the Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management online program at Utah Valley University. Students can customize their education by selecting from a variety of creative and business-focused specialties. Options are Operations, Revenue Management, Sales, Event Planning, and Culinary Arts.
Utah Valley University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
30. Washington State University
Washington State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management. To graduate, students must acquire a minimum of 120 semester credits, with 40 of the credits from the 300 to 400 levels. Courses last for 7 weeks, allowing for two sets of courses to be completed in a semester.
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Types of Accelerated Hospitality Management Degree Programs
The type of hospitality management degree you should pursue depends on which industry you want to work in: tourism, event planning, food services, or lodging.
Of the potentially high paying business degrees, a Bachelor of Business Administration is one of the most popular, which can often be obtained with a concentration in hospitality management. There are also Bachelor of Science and some Bachelor of Arts programs that offer concentrations in hospitality management.
Accelerated hospitality management degree programs can be found for the following degree types:
- Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Event Management
- Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Bachelor of Science in Restaurant and Foodservice Management
To decide which degree to earn, you can check prospective schools, compare the classes you’ll be required to take, and see which program best fits the career you want to pursue. In addition to bachelors degrees, a growing number of universities offer either on-campus or online masters in hospitality management degree programs.
Accelerated Hospitality Management Degree Programs Overview
The classes offered in a hospitality management degree online program or on-campus program can help you develop the practical knowledge needed to best serve your customers.
Classes vary from program to program, but many have similar options. Some possible options are:
- Club Operations and Management
- Food Management: Safety and Nutrition
- The Foodservice Distribution Channel
- Hospitality Beverages
- Hospitality Business Ownership
- Hospitality Marketing
- Introduction to Wine
- Managing Quality in Hospitality Businesses
- Meeting and Event Planning and Management
- Quantity Food Production Systems
The credits needed to earn a degree in hospitality can range from 120 to 180. Your class choices will depend on what area of hospitality you want to work in.
Careers with an Accelerated Hospitality Management Degree
A career in hospitality is often centered on helping people enjoy themselves when they are out, whether that is in food, accommodation, drinks, tourism, traveling, attractions, or customer service.
You may work at a restaurant, hotel, theme park, resort club, cruise line, or casino. You might even work with a professional sports team or music group planning and arranging for transportation, meals, and entertainment as they travel.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the hospitality field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Hotel CEOs | $162,780 |
| Casino Hotel Managers | $117,490 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $98,890 |
| Restaurant General Managers | $69,900 |
| Lodging Managers | $56,670 |
| Food Service Managers | $56,590 |
| Event Planners | $51,560 |
| Executive Casino Hosts | $50,440 |
| Housekeeping Supervisors | $42,040 |
| Food Service Supervisors | $34,570 |
Within each career path, there is a wide range of opportunities. If you are working for a big-name, high-level organization, you may make a lot more money, and there may be more room for advancement. Your location may also play a significant role in determining your salary.
Why Enroll in an Accelerated Online Hospitality Management Degree Program?
The short answer is that accelerated online programs are often more flexible and faster. Here’s why.
- Start when you want. Most online universities have start dates every month, which means no waiting for next semester!
- Study when and where you want. You may get to set your own schedule and won’t have to commute to campus.
- Finish when you want. If you don’t want to spend more time in school than you have to, you can put your nose to the grindstone and get it done!
An accelerated online class takes on average 8 weeks to complete instead of the traditional 16 weeks in a college semester. Plus, there are ways you might be able to finish even faster.
How to Finish Your Hospitality Management Degree as Quickly as Possible
Even if you don’t want to fast-track your degree by taking accelerated classes, you may still use these strategies to shave time off your studies.
1. Test Out of College Classes
Through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), you can pay $89, plus any test center fees, to take exams in most core classes.
Each exam is only 90 multiple choice questions, and if you can pass the exam with at least 50% correct, you’ll earn the college credits (usually 3) for that course. Grabbing a study guide and learning the material on your own may mean one less class you have to attend.
You may gain up to 30 credits by passing these exams. At many schools, that’s a full year of college! While these CLEP exams are accepted at many schools, it is important to check with your school to see what they will accept.
2. Get College Credit for Your Life and Work Experience
Many colleges will also give credit for work experience. Typically, you can do this by submitting a portfolio that documents your experience and demonstrates how your experience matches the objectives of the course you want credit for. At many universities, you can earn up to 15 credits from work experience.
3. Stay Continuously Enrolled with the Max Course Load
After taking advantage of the previous two strategies, you could potentially have a nice stack of around 45 credits without attending a single class. Eventually, you do have to start your coursework, though. Once you do, you may plan to work harder than usual in order to be done faster than usual.
Here are your choices:
- Enroll in an average of 15 credits for both the fall and spring semesters. Each year, you can earn 30 credits as long as you pass all of your classes.
- Enroll in the MAX number of credits your school allows, which is typically 18 credits, and take classes in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Each year, you can earn 54 credits as long as you pass all of your classes.
Choosing the second choice could potentially allow you to complete your degree in half the time it usually takes. The fastest way to complete your degree is to earn as many credits as possible in the shortest amount of time.
4. Bonus: Transferring Your Existing College Credits
If you have previously attended a college class and earned at least a C in the class, you may be able to use that for credit toward your degree. Even if the class doesn’t specifically fill a class requirement for your degree, there may be room to use that credit as an elective. That could save you time and money!
How to Your Lower Tuition Costs
While you may be able to save a lot of money by utilizing Credit by Exam and Credit for Prior Learning, you’ll still have to pay for the rest of your classes. This money may not have to come out of your pocket, though.
You may be able to save yourself even more money by taking advantage of all the financial aid possibilities available to you. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It will show you how much money you qualify for in grants and loans.
Afterward, you may look into scholarships from universities or private organizations, and if you’re already working, you can see if your company has any programs to help employees continue their education.
Hospitality Management Degree Accreditation
Accreditation means that your school’s program has been evaluated by a third party and found to be acceptable. It ensures that the classes, curriculum, faculty, and research done by your school are up-to-date and valuable.
The accreditation you want to look for is regional accreditation, which will give your degree validity and help to ensure it will be recognized by future employers and schools.
Regional accreditation is given by the following boards:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
If your school has been accredited by any one of these accreditors, it means it has met educational standards and will be recognized by others.
What Is a Hospitality Management Major?
In most cases, a hospitality management major is a business degree program specializing in the hospitality industry, such as hotels and lodging, restaurants, tourism, transportation services, and event planning. You’ll often take general business classes as well as classes that pertain to your specific area of interest.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Hospitality Management?
You may work in the hotel or resort industry, in food or beverage service, event planning, or tourism. At many places people go and need a little pampering, hospitality managers are there to ensure that they have a great time.
What Is the Hospitality Management Salary?
The average salary for a hospitality management graduate ranges from $34,000 to $162,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), depending on experience, job title, and location. There can be many opportunities to use the skills you learn in a hospitality management program in a variety of industries.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Hospitality Management Degree?
That depends on the program you enroll in. The average hospitality management program takes 4 years to complete. If you can go to school full-time, taking accelerated classes may help you finish in half the time.
You may also be able to test out of classes and submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to help you finish even faster. If you can do all of these things, you could potentially complete your degree in just 18 months.
Are You Feeling Hospitable?
Do you love the idea of being the one who helps to provide fun and enjoyment to others? Maybe you have already been working in hospitality and know this is where you want to grow in your career. Earning your hospitality management degree may be the next step.
You can start by narrowing down and applying to your choice of schools. Once you’re accepted, you can work on testing out of as many classes and earning as much credit for prior learning as you can.
If you take your remaining classes as quickly as possible through accelerated courses, you could potentially be out of school and in the workforce in half the time as other students.
