If you want to learn more about the hospitality industry, you might consider earning an online masters in hospitality management.
Having a masters may increase your earning potential and help you qualify for a wider range of career opportunities. With the knowledge acquired from a masters degree in hospitality, you can also diversify or specialize in particular areas.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
As a master’s degree holder in hospitality management, you may work locally or internationally in different capacities.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Hospitality Management Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Florida International University
Florida International University offers a Master of Science in Hospitality Management. The program requires the completion of 33 credits and can typically be finished in one year. Scheduling is flexible, and no thesis is required.
The curriculum covers finance, human resources, marketing, management techniques, and other topics useful for providing leadership in the hospitality industry.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johnson & Wales University
Johnson & Wales University offers a Master of Science in Hospitality Management that can be earned 100% online. Classes are each just 8 weeks long, and the degree can usually be completed in 2 years. Class sizes average fifteen students.
The program includes courses such as Hospitality and Tourism Global Issues and Competitive Strategies for Hospitality.
Johnson & Wales University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Lasell University
Lasell University offers a Master of Science in Management – Hospitality and Event Management. The program is available 100% online or in a hybrid format. It consists of 12 courses that can typically be completed in 1 to 2 years.
Courses include Strategic Information Management, Financial Management, and Strategic Marketing. GMAT and GRE scores are not required to apply.
Lasell University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Lynn University
Lynn University offers a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management. The degree can be earned on campus or online. The program aims to help students develop business and management skills and gain experience with large-scale projects.
Courses include Food Service Administration, Financial Management, and Operations Management.
Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Purdue University
Purdue University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. It aims to help students develop stronger leadership skills and successful management styles.
Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 and three to five years of relevant professional experience.
Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management that is intended for mid-level managers with 5 to 15 years of experience. This online program is designed to provide flexibility so that students can continue their education while maintaining their current jobs.
The degree can typically be completed in 2 years.
San Diego State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers an online program for an MS in Hospitality Management. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. It includes courses such as Hospitality Law, Strategic Management in the Hospitality Industry, and Financial Management and Hospitality Operations.
Students may choose between thesis or non-thesis tracks.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers an online program for an MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management. It consists of 33 credit hours and includes thesis and non-thesis tracks. The program gives students opportunities to engage in hands-on, experiential learning. The degree can typically be finished in as little as 2 years.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management that can be earned 100% online. The program aims to develop students’ analytical, marketing, and management skills.
The curriculum includes courses such as Trends and Issues in Tourism and Recreation Management, Tourism Planning and Development, and more.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers an online Executive Master of Hospitality Management program. Students are required to complete an industry-based research project to graduate. The program is designed to be completed in 1 year, but students may take longer if needed.
Applicants must have at least 3 years of relevant work experience and provide three letters of recommendation.
The University of Houston is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
University of Louisiana – Lafayette
The University of Louisiana—Lafayette offers an online program for an MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management. The program includes studies in international business expansion and how to analyze economic trends. Courses are just 8 weeks long, and students typically take two courses at a time.
The degree can potentially be finished in as little as 15 months.
The University of Louisiana Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi offers an online program for an MS in Hospitality Management. It consists of 30 credit hours of coursework that can typically be completed in 2 years.
Courses include Advanced Food Service Management, Advanced Financial Management in Hospitality, and Advanced Hospitality Information Technology.
The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of Nevada – Las Vegas
The University of Nevada—Las Vegas offers an Executive Master of Hospitality Management. The program requires the completion of 30 credits and is only available online. It is flexible and can typically be completed in 2 years. There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
The curriculum covers financial analysis, human resources, management techniques, and related topics.
The University of Nevada—Las Vegas is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans offers an Executive Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The degree can be earned entirely online, typically in just one year. Students usually take two classes at a time for five sessions that are each 8 weeks long.
Courses include Survey of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and Tourism Destination Development.
The University of New Orleans is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers an MS in Hospitality Management. The degree can be earned on campus or online. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options. Classes are taught by experienced faculty who actively research relevant topics, such as sustainability and consumer issues.
The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Masters in Hospitality Management Programs
An online master degree in hospitality management can prepare you to handle real-life situations in different fields. This graduate program can help you develop your skills in customer service, communication, and organization.
A master’s program in hospitality management can be broad, but you can choose the specialty that fits your needs. Some of the concentrations that you can study at the master’s level include:
- Lodging management
- Meeting and event management
- Industry management
- Recreation and leisure management
- Tourism management
- Food and beverage management
A masters degree in hospitality management requires you to obtain hands-on skills, so you might be required to undertake an internship, a capstone project, or a practicum.
It’s helpful to understand that it can take different lengths of time to complete a program. If you study full-time, it will often take 1 to 2 years to complete your master’s, depending on the length of the program. It will often take longer if you study part-time.
Pursuing an online master’s degree in hospitality management can help you better understand the business and leadership aspects of the hospitality industry. Graduates may go on to work in upper-level management roles, while others might even open their own businesses in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality Management Careers & Salaries
Hospitality management professionals can work in various fields as well as in public or private establishments. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following careers are related to the hospitality management industry.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Gambling Managers | $76,910 |
| Entertainment and Recreation Managers | $62,000 |
| Food Service Managers | $59,440 |
| Lodging Managers | $59,430 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $49,470 |
Depending on their concentration, hospitality management graduates can pursue work in various industries, including lodging management, food service management, and gambling management. If you are entrepreneurial, you may opt to be self-employed within the industry.
Hospitality Management Master Curriculum & Courses
The following courses are examples of ones you might come across in a master’s in hospitality management online program:
- Marketing Management: You’ll learn about planning, controlling, organizing, and implementing strategies, programs, and policies in the hospitality industry.
- Graduate Practicum: In this course, you’ll practice any hospitality management knowledge and skills you have attained.
- Strategic Management: You’ll study how to set objectives, goals, and procedures to improve the performance of the hospitality industry and increase its competitiveness.
- Financial Management: This course covers how to manage finances and increase returns during procurement and routine activities.
- Research and Statistical Management: You’ll learn to make projections, set goals, and follow objectives based on data.
- Organizational Behavior: In this course, you’ll learn how people interact with each other in organizational setups, such as hotels and restaurants.
- Hospitality Capstone: This will be part of your final course, and it will compile several issues discussed throughout your master’s program.
- Hospitality and Tourism Marketing: You’ll learn how to market your products for optimal returns through social media and other platforms.
- Global Issues in Hospitality and Management: This course covers how to handle trending issues that affect the hospitality industry.
- Hospitality Enterprise Technology: You’ll learn how to use the latest technology to manage your hospitality department or organization.
Your coursework can also be affected by your chosen concentration.
How to Choose a Hospitality Management Masters Degree Online Program
As you explore various masters in hospitality management online programs, here are some factors to consider:
- Cost. It’s helpful to consider the total cost of a program. Along with comparing schools’ prices, you can also compare their financial aid offerings.
- Accreditation. Accreditation is a mark of a school’s credibility, so it’s strategic to consider a school’s accreditation status.
- Program format. Some online programs allow both full-time and part-time enrollment. Others offer accelerated hospitality management degree formats with shorter terms.
- Student support. Different schools may offer different student services. Some support services include academic advising, online tutoring, and technological support.
It can help to keep the above factors in mind when comparing online degree in hospitality management programs.
MS in Hospitality Management Admissions Requirements
The following are some common admissions requirements for an online masters degree in hospitality management:
- Official transcripts
- Resume and work experience
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Statement of intent
- Letters of recommendation
Some colleges do not require all of these documents. It’s beneficial to check the specific admissions requirements of your prospective schools. You can check a school’s website or even contact their admissions department for more information.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation verifies that an institution of higher learning meets required quality standards for educational and student services.
When you earn credits at an accredited school, they’re more likely to qualify for transfer to another school or program. Attending an accredited school can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid. Additionally, employers are more likely to recognize and respect a masters degree that was earned at an accredited institution.
If you want to check whether a prospective school is regionally accredited, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and utilize their database of schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many people seek financial aid to help them pay for their graduate studies. There a number of financial aid opportunities available for students who qualify.
If you are currently employed, you can check with your employer to see if they offer employee training or professional development programs. Alternatively, you can explore any scholarship opportunities being offered by your prospective school or by public or private organizations.
You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal aid or state aid. Grants and low-interest loans are typical forms of government aid.
What Is a Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management?
A master’s degree in hospitality management is a graduate program that can help you develop advanced knowledge and skills in the hospitality industry. This area of study primarily focuses on customer satisfaction, operations, catering and food service, logistics, and other operations that impact the hospitality industry.
The coursework for a masters degree in hospitality management often covers hospitality operation, travel and tour operations, restaurant financial management, and food service sanitation. Your program will likely cover management methods as well, helping you develop your leadership abilities.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Hospitality Management?
A master’s degree in hospitality management could help you advance your qualifications for senior or leadership roles in the hospitality sector. It can also help you develop versatile business and management skill sets that are applicable in a number of fields.
Some graduates venture to start their own businesses as entrepreneurs. Other graduates pursue work in specific sectors of hospitality.
Some specialty areas are:
- Country club management
- Human resource management
- Revenue management
- Hotel management
- Business operations and analysis
The types of jobs you can qualify for will depend on a number of factors, such as your work experience, degree concentration, and chosen industry.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters in Hospitality Management Online?
The length of time it takes to complete an online master degree in hospitality management depends on several factors, such as the length of the program.
If a program requires 36 credit hours, you may be able to complete it in 1 year with full-time, year-round study. A thesis or internship component could add to this completion time, though.
Your enrollment status can also affect how long it takes you to earn your degree. For instance, while part-time studies may help you better balance your various responsibilities, it will likely take you longer to finish your program.
What Is the Difference between an MBA vs. Masters Degree in Hospitality Management?
There are several differences between a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality Management and a masters degree in hospitality management:
- MBA in Hospitality Management: An MBA has a broader focus on business administration overall. Adding a concentration in hospitality management will still let you take some courses specifically focused on this industry.
- Master in Hospitality Management: This degree focuses solely on business and management practices as they relate to the hospitality field. You’ll likely cover more topics and issues specifically related to hospitality management with this degree track.
An MBA is a more common and versatile business degree, while a masters degree in hospitality management is specifically designed for professionals in the hospitality industry.
Is a Masters in Hospitality Management Worth It?
Yes, a masters in hospitality management is worth it for many students. Earning a master’s degree in hospitality management can help you increase your business and leadership skill sets, professional qualifications, and earning potential. Some graduates even apply their skills to open their own businesses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are expected to see a 9% job growth over the next ten years.
Getting Your Masters Degree in Hospitality Management Online
If you want to expand your knowledge base and skills in the hospitality industry, you might consider pursuing an online masters degree in hospitality management. A masters degree can help you advance your expertise and qualify for more senior or leadership positions in the hospitality sector.
A growing number of accredited schools now offer masters programs in hospitality management online. Online programming can help you better balance your studies with life’s other responsibilities.
If you’re ready to take this next step in your educational journey, why not start exploring online hospitality management masters programs today?
