Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for a master’s in hospitality management online is University of North Texas, followed by Johnson and Wales University.
- Hospitality management offers diverse roles, including hotel managers, event planners, and food service managers.
- The hospitality industry is expected to grow, with event planners seeing an 18% job increase by 2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Online master’s degrees in hospitality management provide flexibility and can be completed in accelerated formats.
- Top programs are affordable, flexible, and help graduates secure high-level jobs in the hospitality industry.
Hospitality management is a growing field all over the world. Hospitality managers work in a variety of roles including:
- hotel and motel managers
- event planners
- food service managers
- gaming managers
- event planners
The job outlook for the hospitality industry is going to keep growing from now until 2031 in all aspects of the field, according to reports from the Labor Department. Event planners will experience the largest increase in job opportunities, with an estimated 18% percent jump.
A hotel manager with a masters in hospitality management can expect an average base salary of $60,000/year according to Payscale.com. Industry experience can certainly help to boost that salary.
An online masters in hospitality management can help you gain the skills that you will need to break into the field as a self-employed individual or an employee of someone else. Online hospitality degrees are favorable because the students have the flexibility to balance school with other responsibilities. Some online hospitality degree programs are offered in an accelerated format, saving both time and money.
It is important to select a hospitality management masters degree online with that will help you reach your goals without breaking the bank. We used a variety of criteria to determine best online hospitality degree programs offered by accredited institutions. We considered factors like:
- curriculum program content
- affordability
- number of students
- post-school job success
- amenities
- technical support
- rankings from former students
Below is our ranking of the top masters in hospitality online.
University of North Texas
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $6,350/year in-state and $13,694/year out-of-state
The College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism at the University of North Texas offers a 12-course hospitality management degree program. This affordable online MS in Hospitality Management is taught by knowledgeable and supportive faculty. Studies include unique elective courses such as
- Consumer Theory
- Global Tourism
- Restaurant Development
- Managing Customer Experiences
Students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis hospitality management program track. Beginning in the fall of 2023, UNT will also offer a Professional Track and a Research Track. This top- value online masters in hospitality degree is a flexible choice for those already working in the industry. UNT is well respected for helping their graduates secure top jobs after graduation.
Johnson and Wales University
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $15,156/year
Johnson & Wales University has an outstanding online master’s degree in business hospitality. The program takes two years to complete and there are no on-campus residency requirements. The career-focused curriculum is delivered 100% online. Students learn from experienced instructors who understand the connection between theory and practice.
The hospitality masters degree online at JWU prepares the business-minded person for success in real-life situations. Students gain the tools they need to succeed in a variety of industries. Course offerings include:
- Competitive Strategies for Hospitality
- Organizational Behavior in the Hospitality Industry
- Hospitality and Tourism Global Issues
JWU offers a competitive tuition as well as 100 years of longstanding expertise. Graduates leave JWU with the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry.
Florida International University
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $27,000
Florida International University (FIU) offers one of the best online masters in hospitality management in the country through their Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students gain the skills needed to be successful in the billion dollar hospitality industry. The program produces graduates who are highly sought after in the hospitality field.
The thirty-three credit hour curriculum has no thesis requirement. Students can complete their degree in just 12 months. Course offerings include:
- Hospitality and Tourism Industry Research Analysis
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Global Issues in Hospitality and Tourism
Students can tailor the program to meet their own professional goals. FIU offers five unique concentration areas within the master’s in hospitality management program including:
- Hospitality Management
- Executive Hospitality Management
- Mega Events
- Real Estate Development
- Revenue Management
FIU is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the school has been standing tall for several decades. With a top hospitality management program, and renown faculty, FIU’s masters is sure to bring success to anyone working in the industry.
The University of Nevada
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $7,094 (in-state); $24,085 (out of state)
The University of Nevada Las Vegas features an Executive Master of Hospitality Administration available in a flexible online format. This self-paced program allows students to complete their degree from anywhere in the world. Students must choose to focus their studies in either hospitality management or gaming management.
Courses are offered throughout the year, allowing students to complete their degree in about two years. Applicants should have at least a 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA and a minimum of three years of full-time management experience in the hospitality industry.
The curriculum gives students the tools they need to leave the school and get jobs as executives, researchers, and other strong people. By the time a student completes their degree, they should have the skills to:
- Conduct accounting and financial management tasks as they relate to the hospitality industry
- Develop marketing and advertising systems
- Plan, organize, research and carry out business management tasks
- Develop strong analytical skills
- Conduct research
The University of Alabama
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $440 per credit hour (in-state)
The MS in Hospitality Management from The University of Alabama is a flexible program for both new and experienced professionals. Courses are delivered in an online format and there are no residency requirements. Students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis track based on their professional goals. Course offerings include:
- Strategic Management in Hospitality and Tourism
- Sport and Hospitality Financial Management
- Hospitality Law and Risk Management
To be considered for admission, students must have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA along with three letters of recommendation. Applications are accepted year-round.
University of Central Florida
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $328/ credit in-state and $1152/credit out-of-state
The University of Central Florida (UCF) has a program that a business minded individual may enjoy. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management offers a masters degree in hospitality management online for students who want to deepen their knowledge and gain experience. The courses are loaded with information that will help the student to blossom into an advanced tourism master. The course is designed to provide the student with a versatile skill set that he or she can take to any industry within the hospitality category. It is intended to help students grow into industry leaders.
Students can complete this online degree in about two years of study. Thesis and non-thesis program tracks are available, allowing students to further tailor their degree path. Hands-on experiential learning opportunities help students develop their unique interests within the field.
The University of Florida is an accredited school that the founders built up in 1863. Its current focus is supplying jobs for men and women who need them. The University states that its investors have helped create jobs for students.
The University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Executive Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,108/year in-state and $13,678/year out-of-state
This Executive MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management at The University of New Orleans online is an accelerated 12-month degree program. The program is designed for determined executives already working in the hospitality industry.
Students complete ten courses taught by experienced professors. The curriculum focuses on practical, real-world experience. Course offerings include:
- Marketing Applications for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
- Tourism Destination Development
- Hospitality and Tourism Industry Strategic Management
UNO is known as one of the most affordable schools in the country while also offering quality education. This budget friendly online hospitality masters degree program will add value to anyone looking for real world experience to add to their hospitality career.
Purdue University Online
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $26,055 (in-state), $28,690 (out-of-state)
Purdue University designed their online masters in hospitality as a business focused degree. The MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management degree (HTM) is offered completely online through the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This degree program offers a career-focused curriculum that is immediately applicable to students working in the hospitality industry. Course offerings include:
- Economics of Travel and Tourism
- Advanced Personnel Systems in Restaurants, Hotels and Institutions
- Hospitality Business Law and Risk Management
Most students can complete their degree in two years of study. All students complete a capstone course showcasing their knowledge with concepts and skills gained from the program. Graduates are prepared to be successful managers working in:
- restaurants
- hotels
- food service
- event management
University of Houston
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $564.95/ credit in-state and $1,074.95/credit out-of-state
The University of Houston features an Executive Master of Hospitality Management that gives graduates a competitive edge in this demanding industry. The curriculum can immediately be applied to the workplace, adding additional value.
Students are eligible for the program regardless of their professional or academic background. The program culminates with an industry-based research program addressing current issues and trends in the industry. Students graduate with advanced industry knowledge and professional leadership abilities.
Texas Tech University
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,945 per semester (15 credits)
Texas Tech University is a four-year, public university with over 40,000 students. They offer an innovative master’s in hospitality and retail management designed for working professionals who want to advance their skills. Students can gain experience and skills in areas like:
- visual merchandising
- hotel management
- tourism
- retail and hospitality industry research
- event planning and tourism management
The 33-credit hour curriculum is delivered 100% online. Students can choose from two flexible career tracks including a Professional Option and a Research Option. Students who choose the Professional Option do not complete a thesis. Instead, the program takes a practical business focus, allowing students to tackle real-world case studies while studying current trends and challenges within the hospitality industry. Students interested in pursuing a PhD should opt for the Research Option. Students will conduct independent research and complete a formal thesis, preparing them for studies beyond the master’s level.
San Diego State University
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $30,510 (Total estimated cost)
The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University features a masters in hospitality management online that prepares students to take the next step in their career. Courses are taught be instructors with extensive experience in the field. A two-week residency at San Diego State University allows students to develop meaningful connections with faculty and peers.
This cohort-based program includes personalized hands-on coursework. Courses cover areas like:
- financial planning
- marketing
- strategic development
- sustainability
Students can expect to spend 10-12 hours of week on their studies. There is no GRE/GMAT testing requirement for admission. Students can complete their degree in less than two years.
University of Kentucky
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,330 for in-state students and $35,459 for out-of-state students
The Department of Retailing and Tourism Management at the University of Kentucky offers one of the best hospitality management programs for online students. Students from a variety of backgrounds can advance their career by completing this flexible program.
Students benefit from low tuition rates since online students pay in-state tuition regardless of residency. Elective coursework allows students to customize their degree. Two concentration options are available including:
- Hospitality Management and Tourism
- Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles
Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. A faculty-supported industry internship helps students gain valuable hands-on experience before completing their degree.
University of Southern California
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $33,320/ semester
USC Online offers an MS in Hospitality and Tourism focused on sustainability and ethical practices. The program is a great choice for students currently working in the industry as well as those transitioning from other fields.
Students learn to make evidence-based decisions and effective improvement plans. Course offerings cover areas like:
- financial management
- data analytics
- applied research methods
A capstone course allows students to apply their knowledge and skills while addressing an opportunity for innovation within a hospitality business. Students can complete a one- or two-year program track depending on their schedule.
University of South Florida
Average Graduate Student Tuition: In-State Students: $10,428 per Out-of-State Students: $21,126 per year
The Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida offers a flexible MS in Hospitality Management. This a flexible program offered to online students in a real-time format. Students learn through a variety of learning experiences including:
- case studies
- research projects
- partnerships with key stakeholders
Core requirements include courses like:
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Hospitality Operations Management
- Strategic Management and Competitive Strategy for Hospitality and Tourism
All students must pass a comprehensive exam in order to earn their degree.
Lasell University
Newton, Massachusetts
Online Master of Science in Management – Hospitality and Event Management
Average Graduate Student Tuition: $649/ credit
Lasell University is a private, not-for-profit four-year university with about 1,700 students. The Hospitality and Event Management program is available 100% online as well as in a hybrid format. The 36-credit hour curriculum includes courses like:
- Strategic Information Management
- Financial Management
- Global Leadership
- Organizational Theory
- Policy and Brand Management in Hospitality
Students can choose to complete either a professional internship or research project as their capstone experience. There is no GRE/GMAT requirement for admission. Students can complete their degree in 12 -24 months of study.
roject in the industry as their capstone experience. Under the direction of an experienced professor, students can perform applied research or a literature review.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the biggest reasons a master’s in hospitality management is worth it is because it prepares you to work in various hospitality fields. This includes restaurants, hotels, travel, and many others. Additionally, a graduate degree gives you an advanced understanding of hospitality principles while also building higher-level skills. You can use this to qualify for more senior positions that would not be possible with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in this field might also result in employment that allows you to travel for work – a nice perk!
Most graduate degrees cost between $54,000-$73,000, with the average cost being around $65,000, according to the Education Data Initiative. Tuition for a program like this varies greatly, though, with public universities being far less expensive than private schools. Other factors affecting program cost include the length of the program, your residency status as in-state or out-of-state, and how much financial aid you receive.
A masters in hospitality management prepares you for managerial roles in various hospitality settings. These programs usually require 30-36 credits to graduate, which takes two years of full-time studies. Coursework focuses on marketing, management, and business. Other topics you’ll study include finance, human resources, and business law. Many programs have a global focus to teach you how to apply your knowledge in international settings. Some programs require you to complete a thesis, capstone project, or another type of experiential learning.
Hospitality management is considered an easier degree than other disciplines that require more math, science, and writing. However, the subject matter in hospitality management can be complex, especially numbers-heavy courses in finance and accounting. You must also master high-level skills in communication, leadership, and management. Doing so requires years of commitment and a dedication to advanced learning.
Yes. Many colleges and universities offer online graduate degrees in hospitality management.
Most hospitality management masters programs can be completed in two years of full-time studies. Doing so requires you to take around nine credits each semester (fall and spring). Some programs offer summer courses and accelerated courses that allow you to finish your degree faster. Additionally, if you have already completed applicable graduate credits, you might be able to use them as transfer credits to shorten the time you need to complete the degree.
According to Indeed, the average hospitality management salary is $58,589 per year. The pay range varies widely, though, from a low average of $41,470 to a high average of $82,776 per year. The income you earn greatly depends on the following factors:
• Your level of education
• Your experience in the field
• Your specific job title
• Your employer
• The geographic location where you work
Hospitality salaries also vary based on industry. For example, you are likely to earn more money working as a manager in a high-end luxury hotel than you are working as a manager of a chain restaurant.
Hotel managers are among the highest-paid hospitality workers with annual salaries above $100,000 per year, according to Monster. Management positions consistently pay the best in all hospitality-related fields, though, including in the food and beverage, event, and general tourism spaces.
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