An online doctoral degree in hospitality management may provide research-driven students with the opportunity to pursue teaching and consulting employment opportunities in tourism and hospitality. In this three to five-year program, students may have the opportunity to research current trends in hospitality and tourism for the purpose of increasing knowledge in the industry. Program coursework may include dissertation courses alongside core classes including guest service management, hospitality human resources, and foodservice strategies and tactics.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in their desired field. Doctoral-level graduates may seek employment in hotel management, post-secondary education, and convention planning.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 8% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level programs in hospitality management may consist of major-specific courses alongside dissertation research courses. These programs may provide students with the opportunity to perform intensive research in organizational communication, marketing strategies in hospitality and tourism, and travel economics. Core hospitality management courses may include the following:

• Guest Service Management
• Travel and Tourism
• Foundations in Hospitality and Tourism Research
• Strategies and Tactics: Foodservice
• Multivariate Statistics
• Hospitality Human Resources and Leadership
• Hospitality Entrepreneurship

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may pursue employment opportunities in colleges, vocational schools, convention centers, high-end hotels, and event planning facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment opportunities in lodging management are projected to increase by 8% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• University Professor
• Vocational Instructor
• Lodging Manager
• Convention Center Manager
• Event Planning Coordinator

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