Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees 2021
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Online hospitality management degrees provide flexible, convenient ways for students to pursue careers in one of the largest and most profitable industries in the country.
Learners study how different segments of the industry, like lodging and food service, develop and interact. They also gain a working understanding of the common tools and strategies professionals use to build success in restaurants, amusement parks, and entertainment centers.
Hospitality management is an umbrella category that also includes more specialized degrees, like online restaurant management degrees or online hotel management courses. Depending on your career goals, one of these specializations might be better suited to your needs than a general hospitality management degree.
Featured Hospitality Management Programs
Graduates can pursue careers as lodging managers, event planners, and marketing managers. The job outlook for these positions is strong. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for marketing managers to grow 6% between 2019-2029.
This guide ranks the best online hospitality management schools to help students find the right fit for their needs. We also cover important information for prospective students, including common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.
Best Online Bachelor in Hospitality Management Degree Programs
Established on an abandoned airfield in 1969, Florida International University had an opening enrollment of 5,667 students in 1972. Today, it enrolls around 54,000.
The online bachelor of science in hospitality management at FIU encourages students to use a global perspective when developing strategic thinking habits for a successful hospitality management career. With the core course requirements, FIU students can choose among eight major concentrations, including beverage management, entertainment management, and event management.
Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, and residency documentation, as well as complete the online application.
In 1990, Everglades University began operations at its original campus in Fort Lauderdale. An average of 2,000 students attend the school each year.
EU's online bachelor of science in hospitality management prepares students for managerial careers in the hospitality industry by providing instruction in industry-specific management and business skills. Along with management principles, the curriculum trains students to use computer and software applications associated with service and hospitality management.
Aspiring students must supply a completed application, proof of high school graduation or GED, and Everglades University examination results or SAT/ACT scores.
Jame Huff Stout founded the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1891. Today, this university has over 9,500 enrolled students.
UW-Stout's online bachelor of science in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management (HRTM) uses real-world scenarios to help students develop communication, critical thinking, and other managerial skills needed in the hospitality field. Feedback from alumni and the industry keeps the program's curriculum current with the industry in competitive pricing, revenue management, and customer analytics.
Prospective students must send a completed UW System application and official high school transcripts. SAT or ACT scores are optional.
Founded in 1902 on an abandoned army post, Fort Hays State University held its first class of 57 students in a stone guardhouse. Annual enrollment presently exceeds 15,000 students.
With its online bachelor of science in tourism and hospitality management, FHSU offers students the education and training necessary to enter the rapidly growing hospitality and tourism industry. The major core and elective courses explore various areas in this field such as hotel and resort management, casino management, and service operations management.
FHSU requires all incoming students to apply online and submit and SAT or ACT scores.
Missouri State University began in 1905 as a school to train teachers for local public schools in the southwestern part of Missouri. Presently, around 26,000 attend this university.
The goal of Missouri State's online bachelor of applied science in hospitality leadership program is to prepare its students for a career in hospitality management with a solid business foundation. It provides an engaging course curriculum that combines hands-on paid internships with the convenience of 100% online coursework. Through its alumni network, MSU can give graduates a career boost with a well-established pipeline to cruise lines, major hotel chains, theme parks, and restaurant management opportunities.
To apply, potential students must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from high school or college work. ACT/SAT scores are only required for students with a GPA below 3.5.
Chartered in 1907, East Carolina University started with only 11 faculty members and around 123 students. The current student enrollment sits at nearly 29,000.
ECU's bachelor of science in hospitality management has a dual purpose of training students for a career management position in a growing industry and preparing them to explore entrepreneurship opportunities. Students may choose from three concentrations: convention and special event management, food and beverage management, and lodging management.
Potential students must complete the online application and submit official high school transcripts.
Founded in 1961, Florida Atlantic University officially opened in 1964 with the blessing of sitting President Lyndon Johnson. FAU now has over 30,000 enrolled students.
This bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management at FAU combines real-world perspective with hospitality and tourism management theory to train students for management roles in the industry. This bachelor's degree in hotel and tourism management offers a BBA or BS option.
Admission to FAU does not guarantee admission to this program. To declare a BBA or BS in this major, FAU students must earn 60 credit hours, achieve a minimum 2.5 GPA in pre-business foundation courses, and complete the foreign language requirement.
Founded as a business school in 1914, Johnson & Wales University introduced its online college in 2009. Approximately 16,000 students attend classes on its four campuses and online.
JWU Online's bachelor of science in hospitality management attracts current hospitality professionals working to advance their careers by acquiring managerial skills in the hospitality fields such as lodging, food and beverage, event planning, and tourism. The 100% online bachelor's program offers its graduates exposure to industry connections with Marriott, Compass Group, Darden, and others.
To apply, candidates must provide a resume, academic transcripts, and completed application.
Started in 1847, Lakeland University is a private liberal arts institution with around 3,500 students. It grants bachelor's and master's degrees only.
To give its students an excellent career advantage, the online bachelor of arts in hospitality management program at LU boasts a globalization focus, solid business core classes, and strong ties to some of Wisconsin's top resorts. Students learn major concepts in fundamental business management areas such as accounting, leadership, and solving hospitality operations problems.
To apply for this 100% online program, applicants must submit official high school transcripts and a completed application. ACT and SAT scores are optional.
Mother Mary DeSales Tocka founded Madonna University in 1937. Since then, this Catholic university's enrollment has grown from 18 Sisters to around 3,000 students.
Madonna University's online bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management offers students the educational and practical skills needed for entry into an industry with a growing demand for well-trained hospitality managers. For real-world experience, this online hospitality management degree requires an internship with an industry-related employer. The curriculum features courses such as visualizing merchandise, club management, and marketing hospitality services.
Prospective students must provide an official high school diploma, a completed online application for undergraduate admission, and ACT/SAT scores.
In 1899, Northern Arizona University began as a teacher's college with 23 students and two faculty members. Around 29,500 students attend today.
NAU's online bachelor of science in hotel and restaurant management program instills in students the managerial theories and operational capabilities required to compete in the multi-faceted hospitality industry. Along with producing graduates with industry-specific knowledge and skills, NAU's liberal arts bearing explains why the curriculum emphasizes global awareness and a two-semester modern language requirement.
Applicants must submit unofficial high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. The admission officers can answer any application questions.
SUNY Delhi opened its doors to 19 students in 1915. Currently, this university has over 3,000 students enrolled.
SUNY Delhi's online bachelor of business administration in hotel and restaurant management has produced graduates who found work at Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and other leading corporations in the hospitality industry. Because SUNY Delhi is one of the first universities to offer an online hospitality management bachelor's degree program, it has a time-tested curriculum that prepares students for leadership roles in today's hospitality industry.
Aspiring students must provide an official high school transcript and a complete SUNY application. SAT or ACT scores are optional.
Established in 1910, North Carolina Central University had humble beginnings as a religious training school. Today, over 8,000 students attend this highly ranked Historically Black College or University.
The online bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism at NCCU allows students to acquire the skills, knowledge, and judgment to compete globally in the hospitality industry. The curriculum helps transform students into hospitality professionals with courses such as advanced lodging and operations management, leadership colloquium, and hospitality sales and marketing.
Applicants must submit complete records from a secondary or preparatory school, proof of GPA, and ACT/SAT scores.
Robert Morris University began operations as an accounting school in 1921. It now has more than 5,000 students enrolled.
RMU's online bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) in hospitality and tourism management focuses on providing students with the academic and business management training to pursue managerial positions in the hospitality fields. Graduates of this online bachelor's program have found positions at airlines, hotels, theme parks, and cruise lines.
Potential students must present official high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher receive preferential consideration.
Founded in 1955, Charleston Southern University is a Christian institution with almost 3,500 students enrolled. In its over-50-year history, it has produced 20,000 graduates.
The online bachelor of science in hospitality and tourism management degree at CSU covers every aspect of managerial logistics and responsibilities in the hospitality industry. In preparation for a hospitality management career, students learn critical skills and concepts in economics, strategic planning, and communication.
Candidates must fill out an online application and submit official high school transcripts. ACT or SAT scores are optional.
Online Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Data Sources
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The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
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Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
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Hospitality Management Degree Overview
Online hospitality degrees develop core management skills while emphasizing practical applications in the hospitality industry. These programs also cultivate working knowledge of lodging and accommodation procedures, food and beverage regulations, tourism revenue, and event planning logistics.
Online hospitality management programs cover the industry as a whole, but many schools also encourage learners to explore niche areas through electives on topics like club and casino management, food and wine pairing, and convention sales.
What Can I Expect From a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Program?
Courses vary by program, but most online hospitality management programs offer classes similar to those listed below.
Hospitality Management Curriculum
- Hospitality Law: This course introduces degree-seekers to the main legal issues that affect the hospitality industry. The class focuses on legal responsibilities related to travel and tourism and reviews bailment, food regulation, alcohol licensing, and safety concerns. Learners also study topics like innkeepers' rights, contract law, and negligence.
- Hospitality Services Marketing: Learners in this course study the main marketing techniques used in hospitality and tourism management with a focus on planning and consumer demand. Potential topics include segment marketing, distribution channels, and event promotion.
- Revenue Management: This class develops foundational knowledge of revenue management and its applications in tourism and hotel administration. Learners study concepts like time-variable demand, perishable inventory, and fixed capacity constraints. Degree-seekers learn how to predict guest arrivals, analyze pricing models, and manage overbooking concerns.
Hospitality Management Careers
Hospitality management professionals can work in industries like food service, accomodations, entertainment, transportation, and event planning. The following list outlines popular careers for graduates with an online hospitality degree, though some careers may require qualifications beyond a bachelor's degree, such as certification or further education.
| Median Annual Salary: $54,430 | Projected Job Growth: -12% |
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Lodging and hotel managers work to maintain and improve the satisfaction of guests. They promote pleasant environments by managing day-to-day operations and establishing company-wide standards. They also inspect accommodations, interact with guests, train employees, develop budgets, and monitor overall hotel performance.
This position generally requires a bachelor's degree in hospitality management or a related field along with years of professional experience. Some lodging managers may choose to pursue graduate study or certifications in hotel management to advance their careers.
| Median Annual Salary: $50,600 | Projected Job Growth: 8% |
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These professionals coordinate large-scale meetings and events. They ensure that these events run smoothly by overseeing logistics, making travel and accommodation arrangements, and soliciting workable bids from venues and service providers. They also monitor all activities for the duration of planned events and delegate project management tasks to staff. Once events conclude, they review budgets, submit billable invoices, and approve payments to vendors.
Most event planners need a bachelors' in hospitality or a related field and significant professional experience. Those who work primarily with state and federal governments must obtain additional certification. Event planners typically work full time in a demanding, fast-paced environment. They often travel regularly to attend events and inspect potential venues.
| Median Annual Salary: $135,900 | Projected Job Growth: 6% |
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Marketing managers develop programs and advertising campaigns designed to generate consumer interest in a product or service. They often work alongside other professionals to develop budgets and contracts that pertain to marketing media. They also evaluate the efficacy of marketing materials, conduct targeted research, and develop pricing strategies. They may serve as liaisons between clients and promotional agencies.
Most marketing managers hold a bachelor's degree in a field like advertising, marketing, hospitality management, or journalism. They generally work full time in an office setting. Sometimes, they may travel to meet with clients and other representatives.
Popular Questions About Hospitality Management
It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete an online bachelor's in hospitality management.
This degree qualifies learners for most entry-level hospitality positions. The program also prepares degree-seekers to pursue graduate programs in business or a related field.
Salary varies by industry. According to the BLS, professionals who work in lodging enjoy a median annual wage of $54,430, while marketing managers earn around $135,900 annually.
A broad field, hospitality management encompasses the administrative and management aspects of industries like tourism, food and lodging, event planning, and transportation.
A bachelor's in hospitality management is a four-year degree that builds skills in public relations, finance, marketing, and human resources.
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