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.
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.
#1 | Florida International University | Miami, FL |
#2 | Everglades University | Boca Raton, FL |
#3 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI |
#4 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS |
#5 | Missouri State University | Springfield, MO |
#6 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC |
#7 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL |
#8 | Johnson & Wales University | Providence, RI |
#9 | Lakeland University | Plymouth, WI |
#10 | Madonna University | Livonia, MI |
The Best Online Bachelor in Hospitality Management Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
2 |
Everglades University |
Boca Raton, FL Apply Now | ||
3 |
University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Menomonie, WI Apply Now | ||
4 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS Apply Now | ||
5 |
Missouri State University |
Springfield, MO Apply Now | ||
6 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC Apply Now | ||
7 |
Florida Atlantic University |
Boca Raton, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
Johnson & Wales University |
Providence, RI Apply Now | ||
9 |
Lakeland University |
Plymouth, WI Apply Now | ||
10 |
Madonna University |
Livonia, MI Apply Now | ||
11 |
Northern Arizona University |
Flagstaff, AZ Apply Now | ||
12 |
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
Delhi, NY Apply Now | ||
13 |
North Carolina Central University |
Durham, NC Apply Now | ||
14 |
Robert Morris University |
Moon Township, PA Apply Now | ||
15 |
Charleston Southern University |
Charleston, SC Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!

Online Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Degree?
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.
Choosing an Online Program
Prospective learners should weigh their options carefully before committing to an online hospitality program. Important factors to consider include tuition rates, school reputation, and course delivery formats. Follow the link below for more information on how to choose the best online bachelor's in hospitality management program.
How To Choose Your MajorWhat Else 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.
Lodging Managers
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.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
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.
Marketing Managers
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.
Hospitality Management Professional Organizations
Hospitality management students and professionals can gain career advantages from joining professional organizations. Many organizations offer benefits like continuing education, networking, and professional development opportunities. The following list outlines several popular organizations for hospitality management professionals.
- Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management SHFM supports hospitality executives through strategic partnerships and professional development opportunities. Members gain access to a career center, regular newsletters, and recent research findings. The organization also has a sponsorship program for young professionals.
- American Hotel and Lodging Association Based in the nation's capital, this association advocates for hospitality management professionals by conducting research, sponsoring councils, and promoting policy initiatives. The association also offers career development resources that focus on apprenticeship, empowerment, and debt reduction.
- Professional Convention Management Association An international organization that reaches over 37 countries, this group provides an active network for event planners and other hospitality professionals. It publishes an industry-standard magazine, sponsors local and digital events, and offers several certification programs. Students and recent graduates enjoy a membership discount.