An online associate degree in restaurant management may provide individuals with the skills and training required to effectively manage the daily operations of a restaurant or food service facility. In this two-year program, students may learn how to maintain budgets and payroll, schedule staff, and oversee inventory of food and supplies. Program coursework may include a handful of general education requirements alongside major-specific courses including food and beverage management, special events planning, and business communication.

Upon graduation, students may either seek entry-level employment or pursue a bachelor’s degree in restaurant management. Associate-level graduates may gain employment in full-service restaurants, hospital food services, hotels, and school cafeterias.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Bachelor’s Program
• Projected Employment Growth: -3% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for associate-level degree programs in restaurant management may consist of a few general education requirements alongside core classes. These classes may teach the basics in business management, sales and marketing strategies, and event planning. Core restaurant management classes may include the following:

• Food and Beverage Management
• Special Events Planning
• Hospitality Supervision
• Principles of Accounting
• Hospitality Resort Tourism
• Business Communication
• Sales and Marketing

Career Options

Associate-level graduates may pursue employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, catering facilities, country clubs, and school cafeterias. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in food service management are projected to decline by 3% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Food Service Manager
• Restaurant Manager
• Director of Catering
• Kitchen Manager
• Banquet Manager

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete an associate-level degree in restaurant management may wish to continue their studies by transferring their credits to a baccalaureate degree program. A bachelor’s degree in restaurant management may provide students with advanced customer service and decision-making skills while enhancing their human relations ability.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook