Students enrolled in online hospitality management degree programs learn how to operate and manage establishments in the tourism and hospitality industries. These programs are ideal for individuals who have strong customer service, leadership, managerial, speaking, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Hospitality management programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, and certain schools offer certificate options.

Online degree programs in hospitality management prepare students for employment the hospitality, restaurant and tourism industries. Upon graduations, students may pursue a career as a restaurant manager, event planner, spa manager, travel agent, or lodging manager.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online certificate program in hospitality management prepares students for leadership roles within the tourism, food service management, gaming, and lodging industries. Individuals may have an option to pair the hospitality management program with a certificate in organizational studies, thus providing students with the skills to motivate others within the industry. Courses may include technology application, labor-management relations, service management, event planning, and marketing.

Students interested in entry-level employment in the tourism and hospitality industry may opt for an associate-level program in hospitality management. Individuals may also choose to further their education and transfer associate degree credits towards a bachelor’s program in the field. These programs may include courses in food and beverage planning, resort management, hotel operations, customer service principles, and hospitality marketing.

Online bachelor’s degree programs in hospitality management strengthen students’ understanding of the industry through training in customer service and additional service-oriented instruction. These individuals may choose among specific hospitality-based concentrations, including tourism, food service, lodging, or event planning. Coursework may cover marketing trends, business ethics, hospitality law, and mobile marketing.

Master’s degree programs in hospitality management prepare students for managerial or entrepreneurial positions within the field. These programs may provide students the training needed to problem-solve while on the job. Some schools offer a master’s-level program paired with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), providing students with a strong foundation in business in addition to the leadership skills needed to work in hospitality management.

The doctoral-level hospitality management program is an extension of the master’s-level option. Students may learn additional analytical skills and general knowledge needed for hotel and restaurant management. Some programs may require students complete a dissertation prior to graduation.

Career Options

Those who have earned a hospitality management degree may know how to interview potential employees, comply with regulatory health standards, oversee inventory, and provide quality customer service. Online hospitality management programs may provide students the necessary skills and training to seek employment in a variety of settings, including hotels, restaurants, theme parks, resorts, casinos, or cruise ships.

Possible career fields include:

• Food Service Manager
• Lodging Manager
• Event Planner
• Travel Agent
• Spa Manager