If you love the fast-paced hustle of serving and entertaining others (oh, and people, you’ve gotta love people!), a bachelor’s in hospitality management from one of our top schools may be for you!

Hospitality management is the world’s largest and fastest-growing industry, and a career in this dynamic field will introduce you to the world of service through travel. Think of the possibilities: exciting tourism spots like New York City, Washington D.C., Miami. You may even land a job in another country!
While hospitality is a broad field, it is divided into four major categories: guest relations, food and beverage, travel and tourism, and entertainment. A bachelor’s in hospitality management will provide you with the expertise and experience in possibly the most exciting industry out there!
What Is a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management?
A bachelor’s in hospitality management is a blend of business and hospitality courses that give you a strong base for working in the industry. Some programs emphasize more of the business side, and others focus on the hospitality side, but either way, you will get a nice blend of both.
Many bachelor’s programs feature concentrations, such as restaurant or hotel management, travel and tourism, or even gaming, like casinos and entertainment clubs. A typical program is 120 credit hours that are divided into general education, business, core hospitality classes, electives, and internships. Be ready to travel, because nearly all bachelor’s in hospitality management require international experiences—a huge perk!
Requirements for admission vary, depending on the school, and some are more competitive than others. Typically, you need at least a 2.5 GPA (although a 3.0 is preferred), and a desire to serve others with a smile! Some schools evaluate students holistically, factoring in past experience, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and a positive attitude.
Careers for Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Majors
The great news about the field of hospitality management is the myriad of career options. Because these degrees cover so many different areas, including business, your options are endless.
Here are some of the main careers for bachelor’s in hospitality management majors:
- Restaurant/hotel manager
- Hospitality sales marketer
- Human resource manager
- Casino or bar manager
- Theme park manager
- Travel agent/tour guide
- Event organizer
Lodging and restaurant management is one of the top choices among hospitality majors. This role includes overseeing the operations of businesses like hotels, restaurants, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and more. Event planning is another top choice, and many graduates land jobs as event planners for convention centers to host events such as seminars and conferences, and of course, weddings and parties.
As you can see, you could be managing a prestigious restaurant in New York City, planning for the next big event at the Marriott, overseeing the operations of a bustling Casino, or traveling the world!
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Salary Potential
Earning a bachelor’s in hospitality management is a smart financial move because you will have access to good-paying jobs throughout the industry.
Your salary will depend on the type of career you choose, how many years of work experience you have, and of course, the specific facility where you work. According to PayScale, the average salary for those with a hospitality management bachelor’s degree is $50,565. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides these average salaries for the following hospitality jobs:
- Food service managers $55,320
- Hotel managers $54,430
- Meeting, convention, and event planners $50,600
- Administrative service managers $96,940
- Sales managers $126,640
- Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers $135,900
While a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management will definitely open up a host of career opportunities with good starting pay, a master’s degree may be worth your while if you want to increase your paychecks. Many of our rankings in this article include bachelor’s + master’s programs, so you can earn both degrees in one program.
What Are the Best Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.
Cornell University

Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League school in New York, includes a school devoted to hospitality management: The School of Hotel Administration (SHA). Students and faculty in the SHA are Hotelies—those devoted to making a difference through “leadership, passion, and emotional intelligence” (SHA website).
Cornell’s SHA features a Bachelor of Science in hotel administration that arms students with solid management experience, exposure to all aspects of hospitality, the opportunity to study abroad, and the ability to tailor their program to their interests and future career goals. You have the opportunity to specialize in any of the following three concentrations:
- Finance accounting and real estate
- Hospitality leadership
- Services marketing and operations management
The BS in hotel administration includes 120 classroom credits and 800 hours of field work. The 21 core courses focus on management in communications, organizational behavior, food and beverage, along with other areas such as marketing, law, finance, and real estate. You can also minor in real estate or choose one of the 70 minors Cornell offers.
Michigan State University

Michigan State University, a nationally ranked Big Ten research, includes nearly 50,000 Spartans—dedicated scholars and researchers, reaching their academic and career goals. You can certainly be one of them by earning a Bachelor of Arts in hospitality business from MSU’s School of Hospitality Business. This program certainly stands out among others, and you will soon see why.
The BA in hospitality business is rigorous, and the application process is competitive, which is why this program prepares you for the best hospitality management careers in the nation. You will take a combination of credits in integrative studies, hospitality business, hospitality major field, and advanced electives to total 120 credits.
To add to your versatility (and your resume), you will also complete two paid internships and have the opportunity to study abroad either for a few weeks or the entire semester. The students in this program come from 28 different countries, making it a diverse community. They all have one thing in common, though: They love people, business, and serving others.
University of Massachusetts Amherst

From the historically rich, vibrant Amherst, you will find the University of Massachusetts, a nationally ranked flagship university that is featured as our #3 rating. UMass Amherst includes the Isenberg School of Management Hospitality and Tourism Management, a top-ranked business school that offers a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management, that has been a gateway to student success for over 75 years!
Through this program, you will learn how to be an effective leader through coursework, hands-on experience, industry leaders, and international travel. The coursework encompasses management areas, such as lodging, food and beverage, customer experience, events, clubs, and revenue and data analytics (UMass website). Take advantage of experiential learning through events such as HTM Career Day and Marriott Meals.
UMass offers this program both on-campus and online, which is another benefit. UMass Amherst graduates are sought after for jobs! In fact, 95% of graduates have a job right after graduation from top employers such as Marriott International, Hillstone Restaurant Group, Encore Boston Harbor, and even Expedia and Twitter!
Virginia Polytechnic and State University

Virginia Tech’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), rings true in all their programs, but especially this ranking. First of all, it’s no surprise that the hospitality and tourism program at VT is ranked #5 in the nation! The Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management will prepare you for leadership careers globally in the tourism hospitality field.
With a backbone in business, this program features a well-rounded scope of courses in areas such as event management, franchising, international business, and lodging operations. You will develop skills in market analysis, critical decision-making, and effective leadership and communication. You can also choose to double major in another business area or real estate.
Because this program is globally focused, students are strongly encouraged to study abroad to gain an understanding of both the business and cultural aspects that other countries offer. You can go to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, or Spain for a semester-long trip or participate in short-term trips to Korea or the Caribbean.
University of Houston

Like some of our other top rankings, the University of Houston includes its own school for hospitality management. The Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management has over 50 years preparing students for successful hospitality careers. Hilton College is also known as the most diverse in the world, with students from 54 different countries.
The BS in hotel and restaurant management combines business courses, social sciences, hospitality marketing, human resources, and communications for a well-rounded hospitality management program. In addition to coursework, you will complete 1,000 hours of work experience. You will enjoy class trips, including international ones, and the many hospitality organizations offered.
You can also choose to minor in beverage management and marketing to give you expertise in the multi-billion dollar wine and beer industry. If you know you want to earn a master’s degree eventually, you can go ahead and check that off your list with the dual BS + MS program where you earn both degrees in just five years.
University of Central Florida

Ranked among the top five hospitality management programs in the world is UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Not only is this program highly ranked, but it is also the nation’s largest program with over 3,000 students (Program brochure). Rosen College actually offers six academic degrees, but we are going to focus on the Bachelor of Science in hospitality management.
The BS in hospitality management encompasses all aspects of the industry, including finance, customer service, human resources, and marketing. You can personalize this program even more by adding one of the following career tracks:
- Golf and club management
- Lodging management
- Professional tennis management
- Theme park and attraction management
You are required to complete not one, not two, but three paid internships! We see this as a huge perk because it allows you to become well-rounded in all types of hospitality settings. Graduates are highly prepared for management positions; in fact, more than 97% have full-time jobs by graduation. Graduates work all over the world, but some notable companies are Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotel and Resorts, SeaWorld Parks, and the Walt Disney Co.
University of Nevada

If you’re a rebel and you know it, check out the University of Nevada Las Vegas and join the Rebels—“a culture that inspires people to take chances, seize opportunities, and find unconventional solutions to any challenge they care to tackle” (UNLV website). The Bachelor of Science in hospitality management from UNLV is a top-ranked program that features a broad approach to hospitality all at an affordable cost.
In this program, you will take a myriad of hospitality courses, including Human Resource Management, Purchase and Cost Control, and Leadership. You can also choose a concentration in:
- Gaming management
- Meetings and events
- PGA golf management
- Restaurant management
To tailor your program further, you have 22 elective credits to choose from based on your personal interests.
The career possibilities from UNLV’s program are endless. Whether you want to work in tourism, food service, hotels, or casinos, you can get there with this degree. Check out this list of corporations and businesses where alumni are currently working.
New York University

One of the most esteemed research universities in the world, New York University is a leader in global education—including campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai! NYU’s School of Professional Studies features the Bachelor of Science in hotel and tourism management—a blend of liberal arts and industry-specific business courses to provide students for leadership in the hospitality field.
You will take 60 liberal arts core classes and 41 professional core credits in the areas of hospitality finance, sales and marketing, food and beverage, and event planning. Keep in mind that you can also choose a concentration in event management, hotel development, marketing and revenue management, organizations and operations, or tourism development.
A huge benefit is that this program is in the middle of the vibrant New York City, so you will gain hands-on experience in the bustling city along with exciting global opportunities. NYU is committed to a holistic approach to admissions, and they currently do not require any test scores to apply. You can apply using the CommonApp.
Washington State University

If you think of Washington State University, life-changing research should come to mind. With 11 National Academy members and 5 Grand Challenges, WSU is a school of discovery and innovation. It’s no surprise that WSU’s School of Hospitality Business Management is in the top 5% of 170 similar programs throughout the country and is described as a “go-to” institution for the hospitality business.
This well-rounded program requires real-world experience, including at least 1,000 hours in a hospitality setting, international experiences, all guided by the top industry professionals. Through the Bachelor of Arts in hospitality business management, you be well prepared to become a leader in the following areas of the industry:
- Operations
- Revenues
- Sales
- Service
- Event planning
- Consulting
You can also choose to minor in wine and beverage business management. The school is so wide-spread, reaching students worldwide, that they offer this degree program through their campuses at Everett, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Switzerland, and their global campus.
Pennsylvania State University

Named Number #1 by College Magazine as the “10 Most Powerful College Networks,” Penn State continues to offer diverse, robust programs that share the common goal of enriching the lives of others (Penn State website). Penn State’s Bachelor of Science in hospitality management program is as diverse as they come and will land you in any hospitality career that you choose!
This program prepares students for “management positions in hotels, restaurants, resorts, casinos, convention centers, health care and corporate dining facilities, educational institutions, and other commercial and non-commercial settings” (Penn State website). There is truly no limit to what you can do with this degree.
You can choose to concentrate on restaurant, hotel, or institutional management. Along with general education requirements, you will take 54 core hospitality management credits that need to be taken in a certain sequence. You then take at least 19 elective credits that you can choose based on your interests. You can choose to minor in entrepreneurship and innovation for an additional 18 credit hours.
Temple University

Studying hospitality management in Philadelphia, the 6th largest city in the country, and “the best place to visit in the U.S.” has its perks. (U.S. News & World Report). Temple University’s Bachelor of Science in tourism and hospitality management is a well-rounded, diverse hospitality program right in the middle of the robust city of 5-star hotels and award-winning restaurants.
This program allows you to choose one of three concentrations: hospitality operations, destination management, or event leadership. You will take courses like Global Issues in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Sales, and Organization Management in Tourism and Hospitality, and reinforce your knowledge through two internships and a Senior Professional Development Seminar.
You can also pursue the 4+1 program where you earn a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years. Temple University encourages students from all walks of life, and their application process is simple. The school looks at a variety of criteria: past academic history, application essay, extracurricular activities, and optional standardized test scores and letter of recommendation.
University of Denver

Join the community of nearly 20,000 Roadrunners from MSU Denver, and start your journey to a fulfilling career in hospitality management. MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality stands out since it is the only U.S. program with a “LEED Gold® hotel, a commercial conference space, a state-of-the-art beverage testing laboratory, a commercial restaurant, and a working brewery all on campus.” (MSU website)
As the largest hospitality program in the region, you can choose from four Bachelor of Science programs:
- Hospitality leadership
- Hotel management
- Event and meeting management
- Brewery operations
While you can choose each of these stand-alone degrees, you can also adapt to meet your goals. For example, you could earn a bachelor’s in hospitality leadership with a concentration in food and beverage management, travel and tourism, or even outdoor recreation! The versatility is a huge perk here, and the opportunities are vast.
You would think that with a diverse range of programs from one of the world’s best hospitality programs, the cost of tuition would be pretty high. Not so at MSU Denver. In fact, MSU Denver offers the lowest tuition rates of Colorado’s 4-year public institutions, another reason to check this one out.
Oklahoma State University

A nationally ranked institution, Oklahoma State University is as good as it comes with quality, affordability, and diverse academics. With a rich tradition of preparing students for leadership in global hospitality, OSU’s Spears Business School features a Bachelor of Science in business administration in hospitality and tourism management.
As a business degree, your first two years will be spent taking core education and business courses such as Career Planning for Business Success and the Economics of Social Issues. Hospitality courses include Event Planning, Hospitality Industry Financial Analysis, and Hospitality Industry Human Resource Management. In the summer before your final year, you will complete a 480-hour internship.
Students gain leadership through planning and presenting events such as the Distinguished Chef Series and the Wine Forum of Oklahoma. Ninety-four percent of graduates land a job within just three months of graduation. As a graduate, you can pursue any facet of hospitality, including event, food and beverage, lodging, and tourism management.
California State Polytechnic University

The Best in the West! That’s how the U.S. News & World Report describes Cal Poly Pomona with multiple rankings, including most innovative, top performer in social mobility, best undergraduate teaching, and top public school in the west! Through the Collins College of Hospitality Management, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management.
Through this program, you will obtain a solid base for working in the hospitality business and develop five essential skills, highlighted in the student learning outcomes:
- Hospitable service
- Technology literacy
- Analytical thinking
- Teamwork
- Leadership
Notable courses include Hotel/Resort Operations, Strategic Leadership in the Hospitality Environment, along with electives such as Beer and Culture and World Cuisine. A minimum of 800 hours of professional work experience and a senior project are required before graduating.
As a student at Cal Poly Pomona, you will have access to three state-of-the-art facilities that include kitchen laboratories, conference facilities, and even a food and wine education center. Since hospitality students manage the College’s restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, you will gain experience, serving lunch and dinner to the campus community and the public.
Iowa State University

Did you know that George Washington Carver earned a master’s degree in agricultural science from Iowa State University? Many notable people start their education at ISU, and with ten schools and 100 majors, you could, too. Through ISU, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management, the only four-year hospitality program in Iowa!
In this program, you will complete 123 credits in business management and super interesting hospitality courses, including Casino Management and Attractions and Amusement Park Administration. You will complete 800 hours of internship hours, and 200 of those should be completed before the end of your first year, reinforcing knowledge right away.
You will have hands-on experience at the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom, and while most hospitality programs have learning laboratories, what sets this one apart is that it is the oldest student-run restaurant on a college campus in the nation! Through this program, you can also earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in five years.
Purdue University

Purdue University, ranked 6th in the nation in innovation by U.S. News & World Report, offers an impressive hospitality program. Purdue’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) is one of the best in the nation. Two peer reviewed studies have ranked the Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management number one!
Purdue’s hospitality and tourism program stands out because of the myriad of opportunities. Sure, you will take courses, but you will spend much time learning from experience. You will train the school’s two restaurants, the John Purdue Room and the Boiler Bistro, and complete two paid internships. One six-month paid internship could be at Shangri-La Hotel in China or another study abroad opportunity!
You will also have access to three nationally recognized research centers, including Avery Foodservice Research Laboratory, the Center for the Study of Lodging Operations, and the Purdue Tourism & Hospitality Research Center. Career options are endless; you could pursue just about any facet of hospitality with this Purdue’s notable degree. Check out this student spotlight video to see if Purdue is a match for you.
Boston University

Boston University is the real deal in academics and research, and with over 35,000 students and 300 programs that span through 17 schools and colleges, it’s no secret that BU programs continuously rank high. If you love to travel and experience new cultures, Boston University’s Bachelor of Science in hospitality administration is for you. Why? Because international travel is a required part of this program.
You can choose between one of four concentrations: hospitality marketing, event management, hospitality real estate development, or revenue management. Through this 128-credit hour program, you will take a combination of foundational courses and SHA core and elective courses, including Hospitality Sales Management and Private Club Management.
In addition to two 400-hour work experiences, you will participate in the study abroad program – a super exciting opportunity! You have other program options: you can complete the dual degree, include hospitality management as a minor, or even take advantage of the 4+1 option where you complete both a bachelor’s and master’s in just five years.
George Washington University

Located in our nation’s capital, George Washington University is the home of more than 26,000 students from all 50 states, 130 countries, and of course, those from Washington D.C. Through George Washington University School of Business, you can earn a unique Bachelor of Science in business with a concentration in sport, event, and hospitality management.
This BBA program allows you to obtain a solid business background and concentrate on one of three specific areas: sports management, event management, or hospitality management. All three concentrations include five field courses, including Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Management, Human Capital Sustainability, and three required track courses. You will apply theoretical learning to hands-on experience through practicums and internships.
Career opportunities from this program are endless. You could work for a professional sports organization like the NFL Players Association, the Washington Redskins, or Nike. Or maybe you see yourself working for the Washington Convention and Tourism Corporation or Walt Disney, or what about the Smithsonian or the Marriott International?
Florida International University

Miami’s dynamic public research university, FIU ranks as both “most innovative” and a “top-50 national public university” by both U.S. News & World Report and Washington Monthly. FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism features a global-perspective Bachelor of Science in hospitality management that prepares students for leadership careers in hospitality settings such as restaurants, events, hotels, and even international travel.
While most of the degrees from this article are offered on campus, this program can also be completed fully online. This hospitality degree is offered as a dual program in conjunction with Tianjin University of Commerce (TUC) in Tianjin, China and offers many study abroad experiences.
Along with 60 general education credits, you will complete 32 credits of core hospitality requirements, 18-30 hospitality electives, and an additional 18 optional hours in other areas like beverage management or travel and tourism. You will also complete a minimum of 500 hospitality/tourism training and work experiences to complete this program.
University of North Texas

The University of Texas is not only a fun, inclusive campus of more than 39,000 students, but it is also ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification and boasts a plethora of other awards, including a top diversity school by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education. Check out UNT’s Bachelor of Science in hospitality management, and join the “Mean Green Family!”
In this program, you will take a combination of business and hospitality management core and elective courses, such as Hospitality Industry Finance, Restaurant Operations I and II, and Creating Consumer Experiences. Through the Club at Gateway Center, a student-operated restaurant, field seminars, and executive-in-resident program, you will “learn by doing” as you gain valuable practical experience.
UNT features guaranteed admission requirements, which is a perk. These requirements are dependent on past academic performances, but you will also be reviewed holistically through employment experience, special abilities, achievements, public service, and extracurricular activities.
Appalachian State University

If the mountains are calling your name, check out Appalachian State University, a true academic gem nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The prestigious Walker College of Business, which is AACSB-accredited, houses the Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism management.
App State’s BSBA in hospitality and tourism management emphasizes industry connections and prepares students for management and marketing careers in hospitality fields. You will learn from professional, experienced faculty who have worked for notable convention centers, hotels, major airlines, and other organizations.
Networking is a big part of this program, and you will have opportunities to meet professional connections from multiple industry leaders, attend national conferences, join student associations, and study abroad. The program includes a combination of business and hospitality and tourism courses, along with a global issues requirement. App State graduates are sought after, and with this degree, you can choose from a host of hospitality careers.
California State University

From the coast of Long Beach, CA, you will find California State University, a powerhouse in public education and one of the best value schools with low tuition and high social mobility. The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management to equip students to excel as hospitality industry leaders.
In this program, you will take courses such as International Hospitality Development, Exploring a Sustainable Food System, and Hotel and Restaurant Information Technology. In addition to 800 hours of work experience, you will also complete an internship, giving you a host of experience before you graduate. You can also choose to minor in event planning and management, tailoring your degree even more.
Graduates of this program can work anywhere in the hospital field, including restaurant or hotel managers in corporate settings, hospitality planners, directors of nutrition programs, food purchasers or brokers, or even stadium or amusement park administrators. This program is proudly accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).
Fairleigh Dickinson University

New Jersey’s largest private university, Fairleigh Dickinson University, among other rankings, is ranked one of the Best Regional Universities and the Top 50 in the North region by U.S. News & World Report. Here lies the International School of Hospitality and Tourism, established in 1942 and one of the oldest in the United States!
The International School of Hospitality and Tourism actually offers four different bachelor’s in hospitality management. For this article, we are focusing on the Bachelor of Science in luxury hospitality management. While this program combines liberal arts, business, and intensive hospitality courses, it most emphasizes hands-on experience.
This program will keep you moving! As a student, you will complete at least 1,200 hours of working experience through the Professional Development Series. This series includes visits to the major food markets, ethnic neighborhood tours, wine seminars, internships, workshops, lectures, and international trips.
When you’re not taking classes, taking seminars, or gaining practical experience in the field, you can join the Hospitality Society club and the Club Management Association of America to gain networking skills.
Florida State University

Straight from sunny Tallahassee is the home of the Seminoles, Florida State University, formally recognized as a Preeminent Research University. FSU’s Dedman School of Hospitality has been preparing students for leadership positions in the hospitality field since 1947! Here, you will find the bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management that will land you the hospitality job of your dreams, pretty much guaranteed.
You will take core classes such as Hospitality Financial Analysis, Lodging and Luxury Hotel management, and Hospitality Leadership and Ethics. You also have the opportunity to take courses in Switzerland through the Leysin, Switzerland international program! In addition to coursework, you will complete 1,000 hours in the hospitality field, and of these hours, 250 must be through an approved internship.
The work certainly pays off in this program because the graduate job placement rate is nearly 100%! However, admission is competitive and limited-access. Admission is based on space availability, and each year the Dedman School establishes a base GPA requirement. However, all applicants need to have completed at least 52 credit hours and earned at least a C in four prerequisite classes.
Northern Arizona University

Located in the popular tourist destination of beautiful Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is not only home to nearly 31,000 students, but also to the beloved mascot, Louie the Lumberjack. Within NAU’s W.A Franke College of Business is a Bachelor of Science in hotel and restaurant management, nationally recognized by the Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education.
In addition to hotel and restaurant content knowledge, you will gain skills in analysis/problem solving, communications, leadership, and diversity. Eighty units of courses will be taken in hospitality administration, business, concentration requirements, and two semesters of a foreign language, which will aid you in bilingual settings. You will complete 1200 hours of extensive work experience and have the opportunity to study abroad.
You can also choose from one of seven hospitality certificates to further tailor your career goals. While this program is offered on the Flagstaff campus, you can also take online classes. Graduates land jobs as hotel, restaurant, or club and spa managers or pursue entrepreneurship careers.
Drexel University

From one of the most historic and energetic cities in the world, Philadelphia is the home of Drexel University. This private university has been awarded “very high research activity” from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions (Drexel home website). Drexel offers a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management with a minor in business that prepares students for careers in the following areas:
- Restaurant management and ownership
- Hotels rooms division management
- Casino operations
- Convention, special events, meeting planning and tourism agencies
- Cruise lines (the fastest-growing segment of the industry) (Drexel University Website)
Another defining quality is the co-op opportunity, meaning that you can complete this degree in five years with three six-month educational experiences where you work with organizations such as AKA Hotel Residencies, Borgata Hotel Casino, Four Seasons Hotel, or Walt Disney World Co.
Because you will be just steps from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, you will have access to some of the nation’s best restaurants and hotels, but also quick access to Washington DC, New York City, Boston, Baltimore, and overseas, with specific courses in Rome, Italy!
University of Delaware

Rich in history, the University of Delaware was founded in 1743 as a private school; however, it has evolved over the years into what it is today: one of the nation’s leading research schools with a strong global impact. The Bachelor of Science in hospitality business management is a dynamic program to prepare you for exciting careers in the industry.
The HOSP program includes courses like Strategic Hospitality Management, Property Engineering, and Managerial Accounting and Finance. You will learn in two on-campus hospitality labs: Vita Nova fine-dining restaurant and the nationally known Courtyard Newark. You could also study abroad in Switzerland or Italy!
You will be able to network through events like the Hospitality Career Fair and the Paul Wise Executive in Residence Speaker Series and meet students, alumni, and future employers. UD is known as a best value school and makes tuition as affordable as possible. Check out the tuition rates and financial assistance here.
Ohio State University

Ohio State University, home the Buckeyes, is ranked No.1 in Ohio and #17 among all public universities (U.S. News and World Report 2020). With artisan restaurants, nationally known distilleries and casinos, Columbia, OH is one of the best places to earn your degree in hospitality. The Bachelor of Science in hospitality management is designed to prepare you for management careers in the most exciting hospitality settings.
This program includes a broad curriculum that focuses on business, management, hospitality, and service. Courses include Hospitality Marketing, Casino Operations, and Special Events Planning and Management. You will get involved in events such as the Big Dish, Hospitality Listens, internships, and a mentor program where you are connected with hospitality partners.
Here is what a past student said about OSU’s program, “the Hospitality Management program at The Ohio State University is built to give its students the best education. We are provided continuous hands-on experience through the university and positively pushed by our professors to put ourselves out there.” (OSU website). No matter what facet of hospitality you want to pursue, you can do so with OSU’s unique program.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report as among the best public universities, especially in ground-breaking research and innovation. From UIUC’s Department of Food Science and Food Nutrition, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in food science and nutrition with a hospitality management concentration.
If you are interested in food science and nutrition, this bachelor’s degree is for you. This program combines business management with social and biological sciences for a well-rounded, practical knowledge and skill base for future leaders in hospitality. You will take 35 credit hours of hospitality courses, including Science of Food Preparation, Strategic Operation Management, and Meat Production and Marketing.
In addition to two internships, you will gain hands-on experience in the student-run restaurants, the Bevier Café and the Spicebox, along with sensory labs, the Pilot Processing Lab, and the Metabolic Kitchen. Graduates, armed with knowledge and skills not only in hospitality management, but the science of food nutrition, gain employment as restaurant or hotel managers, event planning and catering, or other facets of the industry.
San Diego State University

As the oldest higher education institution in San Diego, San Diego State University provides vibrant, diverse, and global-perspective academic programs to over 36,000 students each year. A huge tourist destination, San Diego was ranked the No. 1 domestic destination by Money Magazine in 2016. The Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management is offered by the L. Robert Payne School.
This program includes emphasis options:
- Hotel management
- Restaurant management
- Meetings and events
- Tribal gaming
The first three concentrations are common ones, but the Tribal Gaming concentration allows you to focus on “cultural and political contexts; casino operations; legal and regulatory issues; marketing; and public relations in tribal gaming.” (Program website).
Through rigorous coursework, internships, seminars, and student organizations, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a vibrant hospitality career. You will complete 1,000 hours of work experience, beginning in your second year. You could also spend a semester studying abroad! Ninety-nine percent of Payne School graduates receive job offers right away.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out The Top 9 Online Masters in Hospitality Management and The 20 Best Online MBA Programs!