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Hospitality and tourism are two of the biggest industries worldwide. In the United States alone, this industry had a $1.9 trillion economic output in 2019. Although a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management can help you enter the job market, it might not be enough for senior and leadership roles.
A Master’s in Hospitality Management degree might be useful for people already employed in the hospitality sector. Earning a graduate degree further enhances one’s skills in coordinating and monitoring the operations and services within these enterprises to ensure customer happiness and increase revenue.
Overview
Online master’s degrees help you maximize your investments by allowing you to complete your degrees while juggling jobs and other responsibilities. These programs have the same requirements as their on-campus counterparts, consisting of core, elective, and capstone courses and thesis.
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Methodology
A graduate degree in higher education to advance your lucrative Hospitality Management career is one of the best investments anyone can make.
As many traditional schools are emerging with online learning, identifying those that meet your expectations can be challenging! To help you get the best out of your online learning, we’ve taken the time to research Graduate Schools that offer an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management program.
We made sure that:
- The Hospitality Management graduate program, offered online or in a blended learning format, offers a curriculum with advanced topics in hospitality management, such as Research Methods, Revenue Management, Service Quality and Guest Experience, and Risk Management.
- The program features several concentrations in Hospitality Management.
- Students learn from a world-class faculty with years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries.
- The graduate institution presents several financial aid opportunities to reduce total educational costs.
- The university earned proper regional and programmatic accreditation to ensure a high-value degree,
- Several other reputable ranking organizations, such as US News and World Report, Forbes Magazine, and Niche, acknowledge the university and program.
Read our Methodology and learn how we rank the graduate schools and programs on our list.
10 Best Master’s in Hospitality Management Graduate Schools
Johnson and Wales University
Providence, RI
Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
Johnson and Wales University should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an intimate private school. Primarily a business school, JWU is a top provider of business and hospitality-related vocational training globally.
JWU’s online Master of Science in Hospitality Management offers a top-notch curriculum focused on enhancing the skills of business-minded students for success in practical settings.
- The program requires 30-33 credits.
- The MS program can be completed online with no on-campus living requirements.
- The curriculum covers organizational behavior, competitive strategies, and worldwide hospitality and tourist concerns.
- The time-to-degree of this graduate program is two years, and there are many flexible choices, including 8- and 11-week courses.
- Students will receive a top-notch education in hospitality management while having the freedom they need.
Johnson and Wales University’s Online MS in Hospitality Management degree works in close connection with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). As a result, graduates of the master’s program have access to various professional certifications pertinent to the hospitality industry.
Did You Know?
Many programs at JWU, including the culinary department, have their roots in the university’s early days as a business and hospitality school. The world’s largest food service education programs are now available there.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
Originally built to serve the diverse populace of South Florida and its students, Florida International University has grown to become a competitive worldwide university through FIU Online. The university offers degree programs with a curriculum focused on addressing some of today’s biggest problems.
FIU Online offers a comprehensive online MS in Hospitality Management that helps students acquire practical knowledge and skills for the business end of a multibillion-dollar global industry. Students with no professional experience in hospitality management and related fields can apply.
- This is a 33-credit applied business degree program that can be completed in two years.
- Students can accelerate the program and graduate in as few as 12 months.
- Finance, marketing, human resources, legislation, competitive strategies for multinational corporations, globalization, and leadership are the main topics of the courses.
- This is a non-thesis degree program.
The program also prioritizes helping its international students. At the beginning of the Master’s program, international students can work up to 1600 hours off campus. Furthermore, the master’s in Hospitality Management graduates from FIU enjoy the greatest starting incomes compared to other Florida State University hospitality programs.
FIU is among the biggest institutions in the country that cater to Hispanics. Its dedication to fostering inclusivity and developing cultural awareness is one of its sought-after features.
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
Executive Online Master of Hospitality Administration
The University of Nevada Las Vegas, according to the US News and World Report, is a top metropolitan research university and one of the most diverse colleges in the country.
UNLV offers cutting-edge instruction, practical experience, undergraduate research, and access to opportunities that are unique to the vibrant city of Las Vegas. It offers 76 majors and 70 minors, including over 125 graduate degree programs.
With no on-campus requirement, students can complete UNLV’s Executive Online Master of Hospitality Administration 100% online. This master’s degree caters to students with at least a year of managerial experience in the hospitality sector.
- Graduate students must complete at least 30 credit hours to earn the degree, which can be done in two years.
- This self-paced degree program allows students to balance their careers and other obligations with their academic commitments.
- Students will have a curriculum that targets solving real-world hospitality and tourism global issues.
- Eligible applicants can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer.
UNLV’s online MS in Hospitality Administration degree offers two concentration areas: Hospitality Management and Gaming Management. Students seeking to advance their leadership skills and knowledge about service management, financial analysis, and human resources will be advised to opt for the Hospitality Management focus.
Those who want to gain proficiency in marketing, bookkeeping, and gaming operations will be referred to the Gaming Management focus.
Did You Know?
Unique and uncommon collections that highlight the history and culture of Las Vegas and the surrounding area are kept in the UNLV Special Collections and Archives. Researchers and academics can use the materials in gaming, atomic testing, and the entertainment business.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Online Master of Science – Hospitality & Tourism Management
Purdue University was originally built as a traditional science, technology, and agriculture college. Today, Purdue is among the biggest traditional and online universities in the United States, with more than 200 online degrees, certificates, professional development programs, and courses.
One of its online offerings is the MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management program. This degree is designed for professionals with three to five years of HTM experience. The online HTM program aims to help students apply new-found knowledge to their current positions.
- The curriculum is career-focused, exploring the business side of hospitality and tourism management.
- Students are expected to devote 15 to 20 hours a week to coursework.
- The program requires students to complete 34 credit hours, including a capstone project derived from a current HTM issue.
- Students enrolled full-time can complete the MS HTM in two years.
- Students learn from award-winning faculty.
Purdue University is dedicated to student success. HTM graduate students will have weekly one-on-one online consultations with faculty, who will promptly respond to their concerns about the program. Online students will also receive guidance from dedicated employees about financial aid, scheduling, administrative matters, and technical support.
Purdue has been a pioneer in aerospace engineering and produced 25 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong, the first to walk on the moon. It has a long aviation history and is recognized as the “Cradle of Astronauts.”
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
The University of Alabama, the first public university in the state, is committed to the best possible research and instruction. It offers a range of academic programs, many of which can be completed in an online learning modality.
UA offers an excellent online MS in Hospitality Management. This degree is open for candidates with and without experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. However, those with different educational and professional backgrounds may need to enroll in food and beverage, hotel operations, and statistical data analysis courses.
- Students will complete 30 credit hours to earn the degree.
- Students can take the thesis or non-thesis track.
- Students study classes in financial management, leadership, and law related to the hotel industry.
- The MS program can be completed in 15 months.
Beyond rigorous academics, UA also emphasizes affordability to ensure that students from all backgrounds and walks of life can access quality education without excessive financial burden. The program is one of the most affordable masters in hospitality management online programs.
One of the 12 institutions in the US that supports wheelchair athletics is the University of Alabama, which provides the chance to participate in wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, para-rowing, track, and adapted golf.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Online Master of Science – Hospitality & Tourism Management
The University of Central Florida is a major research university that benefits from having a diversified faculty and staff. Students enjoy a friendly atmosphere, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to advance their knowledge and careers.
UCF’s online MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management is one of its sought-after online degree programs for graduate students seeking career advancement or shifts. This program allows students to showcase their talents through various practical experience opportunities.
- Students must complete the required 33 credit hours to have what it takes to compete in the HTM industry.
- The curriculum focuses on equipping students with abilities to help them take the lead in the industry’s strategic marketing, financial analysis, and problem-solving areas.
- A thesis and non-thesis track are available.
- This online MS in HTM degree can be completed in two years.
According to Shanghai Ranking, Rosen College is ranked first nationally and second globally for hospitality and tourism management.
Did You Know?
UCF is a space-grant institution that has distinguished itself in optics, digital media, engineering, modeling and simulation, computer science, education, business administration, hospitality management, and the arts. US News & World Report ranks it the 14th best emerging national university.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Online Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
The Carnegie Foundation has designated the University of Florida as a Research University with Very High Research Activity. UF has some of the best professors in the country and is known for promoting a distinctively collaborative environment that converts promise into actual results. UF draws more than $700 million in research annually.
One of UF’s top departments is the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM), which offers an online MS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. This online master’s degree aims to influence and improve various societal issues and challenges, from crisis management to bettering humanity.
- This project-based degree focuses on promoting the long-term sustainability of communities throughout global society.
- To graduate, students must earn 30 credits.
- Full-time students can complete all coursework in two years or less if they take on more coursework per semester.
- Non-thesis students are required to collaborate with an MS advisor and complete a Capstone Project to graduate.
- A statement of purpose, professional documentation, applying scholarship to real-world situations, and preparing an alum information sheet are the four main components of the Capstone course.
This degree program operates in partnership with the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, a premier research center in one of the most traveled states in the nation.
Did You Know?
UF is home to the largest occupied brick structure in the entire world. The huge Marston Science Library is home to the school’s main library, the George A. Smathers Libraries. The structure, finished in 1987, has seven floors and a floor area of 400,000 square feet that can house up to a thousand students.
The University of Mississippi
University, MS
Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
Ole Miss is a public research university with various undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study. It is famous for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and research.
One of Ole Miss’ relatively new degree programs offered online is the MS in Hospitality Management. The program’s curriculum accommodates the demands of those confined by their location or employment obligations. It targets to enroll students seeking a master’s degree in hospitality management for career opportunities and those who are currently working in the field of hospitality management.
- This is a 30-credit hour degree that can be completed in two years of full-time study.
- Management-level professionals are prepared to advance their knowledge and abilities in hospitality management.
- The program’s primary goal is to give graduate students the chance to improve their operational and analytical skills.
This online MS in Hospitality Management program is known for its affordability.
The first public university museum in the country is located at Ole Miss. The museum showcases artwork by prominent Mississippi painters as well as Native American artifacts, Southern folk art, and other items that highlight the history and culture of the area.
University of Houston
Houston, TX
Online Executive Master of Hospitality Management
The University of Houston is a flagship and premier research institution, enrolling around 43,000 students annually. It’s one of the biggest universities in the nation, with more than 280 degree options spread across 14 on-campus and online colleges.
One of UH’s online master’s degrees is the Executive Master of Hospitality Management offered by the Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. Students can improve their professional abilities, gain an advantage in hospitality management, and develop their leadership potential through the master’s program. The program collaborates with businesses to create a unique curriculum for mid- and senior-level leaders.
- The EMHM program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours.
- Strategic planning, finances, marketing, operations, human resources, and current industry trends are just a few topics covered by the EMHM curriculum.
- Students will do an industry-based research project on contemporary issues in hospitality as part of their practical experience.
- With flexible alternatives, students can finish the degree in as little as one year.
The hospitality management online program at UH offers seasoned professionals the chance to advance their hospitality and tourism industry expertise. The program seeks to educate students for leadership roles and career growth in the sector by fusing academic coursework with real-world knowledge and links to industry.
Additionally, students can take part in study abroad opportunities and industry-focus seminars.
UH has one of Texas’s largest public art collections, with more than 700 public artworks, including murals, installations, and sculptures. Famous painters like Frank Stella, Jim Love, and Carlos Cruz-Diez have pieces in the collection. The variety of artwork enhances the campus’s vitality and cultural richness, fostering a stimulating environment for students, professors, and visitors.
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Online Master of Science in Hospitality Management
The University of North Texas is among the most prominent public research institutions of higher education in the United States, catering to over 38,000 students. UNT offers over 200 programs on campus and online, spanning all disciplines in research and scholarship, and are well regarded internationally.
Professionals in any field looking to develop core competencies and a universal perspective to foster effective business interactions can pursue UNT’s online MS in Hospitality Management degree program. Students learn from knowledgeable and actively engaged research faculty.
- This is a 36-credit-hour MS degree program that can be completed part-time.
- The curriculum focuses on administering goods, services, and experiences in a consumer-driven international market.
- Students can participate in research on legal and regulatory issues, hospitality operations, marketing of hospitality services, sustainability, and global consumer issues impacting the hospitality industry.
- Students can choose to pursue a non-thesis or thesis track.
- Aspiring PhD and doctorate students are advised to pursue the thesis track.
Students can submit applications for student assistant roles and competitive academic awards. For the duration of the scholarship, a student who receives a $ 1,000 academic scholarship or is hired for a 20-hour per-week student assistant employment is exempt from paying out-of-state tuition.
For the 19th year running, Institutional Research & Evaluation Inc. has designated the University of North Texas as one of America’s 100 Best College Buys.
What is Hospitality Management?
The discipline of overseeing and managing operations within the hotel sector is known as hospitality management. It entails managing and coordinating the numerous facets of hospitality enterprises to guarantee smooth operations and outstanding visitor experiences.
To create a warm and comfortable environment, high-quality services and experiences are the primary goal of hospitality management. Hospitality management professionals ensure that all parts of the business, from front-of-house operations to back-of-house logistics, run smoothly.
Key responsibilities within hospitality management include:
- Customer Service
- Event Planning
- Financial Management
- Human Resources
- Marketing and Sales
- Operations Management
- Strategic Management
- Tourism and Destination Management
Specialties in Master’s in Hospitality Management
Hospitality management is a broad field with several specialties available, allowing individuals to concentrate on particular facets of the sector. These specialties appeal to various hobbies and professional objectives and are aligned with distinct hospitality areas and facets.
These most common specialties in hospitality management include:
Event Management
Event management specialization focuses on equipping students with abilities necessary for planning and carrying out various events, such as conferences, weddings, trade exhibits, and meetings. Coordination, logistics, budgeting, vendor management, and guaranteeing customer satisfaction are all part of it.
Food and Beverage Management
This area of expertise oversees the food and beverage departments in lodging facilities. It entails menu preparation, inventory control, budget management, personnel development, and provision of top-notch dining experiences.
Hospitality Consulting
Businesses operating in the hospitality sector might get advice from consultants. To assist companies in enhancing their performance and profitability, they provide knowledge in operations management, marketing strategies, financial analysis, and process development.
Hotel Management
Focusing on hotel management entails supervising all aspects of a hotel’s operations, such as front desk assistance, housekeeping, food and beverage management, sales, marketing, and guest services.
Resort Management
Managing a resort or other tourist property is part of a resort management specialty. This includes overseeing lodging, leisure amenities, guest services, entertainment, and preserving a high level of customer satisfaction.
Restaurant Management
This area of expertise focuses on running restaurants and other food service businesses. It entails activities like menu planning, inventory control, customer support, staff development, and creating a pleasurable dining experience.
Revenue Management
Specialists in revenue management concentrate on increasing revenue and profitability in the hotel industry. They examine market demand, decide on pricing policies, control inventory, and apply data-driven initiatives to increase revenue and occupancy rates.
Spa and Wellness Management
This area of expertise focuses on running wellness centers and spas in hotel environments. It includes managing personnel, devising wellness programs, overseeing spa operations, and ensuring visitors have a revitalizing and pleasant experience.
Tourism Management
Tourism management strongly emphasizes managing tourism attractions, visitor services, and destination marketing. Experts in this field collaborate with stakeholders in the tourism industry and promote locations while organizing trip plans and giving travelers information and help.
Career and Salary Outlook of Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Graduates
Travelers’ perceptions of social, physical, performance, and convenience risks increased during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the hospitality and tourism industries were two of the most affected sectors due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. But in 2021, the industry started to recover.
The country’s Bureau of Labor Statistics expects growth in employment in the Leisure and Hospitality industry. Lodging Managers, for example, have an expected job growth of 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, while Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers are expected to have 36,600 openings each year and an 8 percent growth rate. These data indicate that there should be a steady demand for managers in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Graduates with master’s degrees in hospitality management online programs have various career options in the travel and hospitality sector. Wages may vary depending on experience, expertise, location, and the particular sector of the industry they choose to work in.
Hotel and Resort Management
Hotel and resort managers control the overall management and operations of hotels and resorts. Their main goals are ensuring the resort runs well, delivering outstanding visitor experiences, and promoting financial success.
Median Annual Salary: $65,360
Food and Service Management
Food and service managers oversee the daily operations of various food service establishments, such as cafeterias, catering services, restaurants, and other food-related businesses.
An establishment’s food service operations require coordination and supervision in all areas, including menu planning, inventory management, employee supervision, and upholding quality and safety requirements.
Median Annual Salary: $63,060
Event Management
From original ideation through post-event review, event managers are responsible for supervising every component of an event. Their objective is to ensure the flawless operation and coordination of all event-related activities while fostering successful and memorable experiences for attendees.
Median Annual Salary: $56,920
Hospitality Consulting
The scope of hospitality consulting can change from short-term project-based engagements to long-term strategic partnerships. The objective is to use the consultant’s experience and industry knowledge to influence positive change and support companies in the fiercely competitive hospitality sector in achieving long-term success.
Median Annual Salary: $57,716
Revenue Management
Selling the appropriate product or service to the right customer at the right time and for the right price is the main objective of revenue management. Revenue managers are responsible for making informed judgments that optimize income potential.
They consider aspects like customer behavior, market conditions, and the competitive landscape, which entails applying data-driven methodologies, market analysis, and forecasting.
Median Annual Salary: $96,532
Entrepreneurship
Graduates may launch their own hospitality-related organizations, including eateries, hotels, or event management firms. The success and size of the business will determine how much money an entrepreneur will make.
Median Annual Salary: $50,000
Certification and Licensure for Hospitality Management
We’ve witnessed a lot of change in the last ten years in terms of industry-related technology and exponential post-recession development. Professionals in the hospitality business are now seeking certificates that will advance their education and broaden their career prospects.
Here are some notable hospitality management certifications and licensure options:
Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE)
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers the CFBE certification for those in leadership positions in the food and beverage industry. AHLEI addresses menu planning, budget management, client care, and beverage management.
Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA)
The CHA certification is available from AHLEI and is made for hospitality industry staff members with management responsibilities. It verifies expertise in management, marketing, human resources, and finance.
Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager (CHRM)
The CHRM certification, which AHLEI also offers, focuses on revenue management methods and strategies. It exhibits competence in raising profits through smart pricing, accurate demand estimation, and efficient inventory control.
Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)
For front-line managers in the hotel sector, AHLEI offers the CHS qualification. It addresses issues including customer service, problem-solving, leadership, and communication.
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
Professionals in the meeting, convention, and events industries can obtain the CMP certification through the Events Industry Council (EIC). It addresses issues of risk management, marketing, logistics, and event preparation.
Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)
Catering and events sector professionals can obtain the CPCE certification from the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). It verifies sales, logistics, event planning, and menu planning expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an online Master in Hospitality Management degree program?
Accelerated online Master’s in Hospitality Management degrees can take up to a year. Non-accelerated degrees can take up to two years.
Is a Master’s in Hospitality Management worth it?
Yes, a Master’s in Hospitality Management is worth it. Master’s degree graduates can apply for leadership and management positions in the industry. These positions often have higher salaries and more responsibility.
What courses are offered in an online Master’s in Hospitality Management program?
Courses in online Hospitality Management programs vary depending on your specialization. However, the most common courses included in these degree programs include strategic management in hospitality, revenue management, marketing management for hospitality, tourism and destination management, event planning, financial management, and sustainability in the hospitality industry.
Key Takeaways
- An online Master’s in Hospitality Management degree, much like its traditional on-campus program, aims to equip students with the abilities to pursue management and leadership positions in the industry.
- Students in an online Master’s in Hospitality Management must often conduct work placements to increase their chances of landing their ideal job and furthering their careers.
- Graduates can pursue several career paths, such as hotel manager, resort manager, event manager, food and service manager, and revenue manager.
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