An online master’s degree in hospitality management may provide students with decision-making, communication, and organizational skills needed to succeed in the hospitality field. In these two-year programs, individuals may learn how to interview and train staff, ensure that guests’ standards are ideal, and manage finances. Coursework within these programs may include specialization classes alongside major-specific courses, such as organizational behavior, globalization in hospitality, and hospitality law.

Master’s degree program graduates may pursue entry to upper-level employment in their chosen field or they may further their education by enrolling in a doctoral program in hospitality management. Master’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in different areas of hospitality, including spas, resorts, hotels, and hostels.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 8% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online master’s-level program in hospitality management may include major-specific courses along with courses geared toward a specific track. In these two-year programs, students may study strategic development techniques to work into public or private hospitality environments as well as learn how to address changes and challenges within the industry. Core hospitality management courses may include the following:

• Hospitality Law
• Marketing Leadership
• Globalization in Hospitality
• Organizational Behavior
• Financial Management
• Strategic Management
• Hospitality Information Systems and Technology

Career Options

Graduates of online master’s degree programs in hospitality management may find careers in various facets of hospitality, including hotels, spas, camps, hostels, resorts, and bed-and-breakfasts. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those in the hospitality management industry should see an 8% increase from 2010-2020*.

Possible careers include:

• Spa Manager
• Restaurateur
• Corporate Director
• Revenue Manager
• Hotel Investor

Continuing Education

Graduates of online master’s-level programs in hospitality management may continue their studies and enroll in a doctoral-level program in hospitality management or related field. These research-laden PhD programs may include courses on statistics and allow students to publish their work in journals. Employers may prefer to hire individuals who hold at least a high-school diploma and work experience, although those who wish to work in upper-level position and for larger, full-service locations may need a bachelor’s degree at minimum.

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