An online bachelor’s degree in restaurant management may provide students with knowledge and expertise in business management as it relates to the restaurant industry. In these four-year programs, students may learn about front-office procedures, kitchen preparation, and customer appreciation. Coursework within these programs may include a handful of general education requirements alongside electives and core courses such as sanitation and safety, restaurant development, and beverage marketing.

Bachelor’s degree graduates may seek entry-level employment or they may further their education through enrolling in a graduate-level program. Those pursuing entry-level employment may find opportunities at restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other hospitality-based businesses.

Program Overview

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

Program Coursework

The curriculum within a bachelor’s degree program in restaurant management may include select general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may study the business side of hotels and restaurants, including purchasing, beverages, training, teamwork, and cash control. Core restaurant management courses may include the following:

• Sanitation and Safety
• Restaurant Development
• Hospitality Management Ethics
• Strategic Planning and Marketing
• Wine and Spirits
• Beverage Marketing
• Kitchen Layout and Design

Career Options

Graduates of online baccalaureate degree programs in restaurant management may find jobs in restaurants, schools, hospitals, factories, hotels, and offices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in the restaurant management industry should see jobs opportunities decrease by 3% from 2010-2020*.

Possible careers include:

• Head Cook
• Front Desk Manager
• Lodging Manager
• Food Service Manager
• Beverage Manager

Continuing Education

Bachelor’s degree graduates may have the opportunity to further their education through enrolling in a master’s or doctoral degree program. These upper-level programs may provide students with additional training and skills and may prepare them for management roles at the corporate, operational, and the educational level. Employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree as well as internships and real-life experience.

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