At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Master's in Hospitality Management Programs
#1: Florida International University — FIU's affordability and high completion and retention rates land it at the top of our list.
A hospitality management degree prepares you to oversee the business operations of hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related services.
While you can enter the industry with just a bachelor's degree, managerial roles may require further education. Earning an online master's in hospitality can be a flexible way to qualify for these higher-level positions.
To help you find the best option, we compiled a list of the top affordable online master's in hospitality management programs using data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Scorecard.
We ranked programs based on factors such as cost, accreditation, and student outcomes so you find the best choice for you.
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Top Online Master's in Hospitality Management Programs
Is an Online Hospitality Management Degree Right for You?
Pros
Multiple Career Options: A hospitality management degree can qualify you to work in fields such as lodging, tourism, and food and beverage management.
Solid Return on Investment: According to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online master's students and graduates we surveyed say their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 97% say they would recommend online education to others.
Study While Working: Many online programs are flexible enough to allow you to work full-time while pursuing your degree.
Cons
Stressful Working Hours: Certain positions in the hospitality industry require extended or overnight shifts, which can be highly stressful.
In-Person Internship: Some programs may require students to complete an in-person internship or practicum, which can be difficult for online students with a full-time job.
Sources: BestColleges, NCES PowerStats
How to Choose the Best Master's in Hospitality Management Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online hospitality management program, including cost, program length, and career outlook.
Cost of a Master's in Hospitality Management
Online
$10,995 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$8,534 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
On-Campus
$21,974 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$15,428 Avg. Price After Grants & Scholarships
Source: NCES PowerStats data from 2019-2020; the latest available numbers are for master's degrees in business/management
Hospitality Management Scholarships: Students pursuing their master's in hospitality management can qualify for industry-specific scholarships, such as theBanks Brown Graduate Scholarship and the Rama Scholarship for the American Dream.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA can give qualifying students access to federal financial aid, including grants, federal work-study, loans, and some scholarships.
Student Loans: Federal and private loans are available to pay for college tuition. In many cases, you don't have to repay them until after you graduate.
Online Student Scholarships: There are several scholarships designed to help online students pay for college, such as the GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship.
Master's in Hospitality Management Program Length
Typical # of Credits
30-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
Master's in Hospitality Management Application Requirements
Transcript: A transcript details past courses, grades, and degrees earned.
Undergraduate degree: All master's programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree — but it doesn't have to be in the same subject.
Test scores: Some programs may require you to submit your scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests.
Resume: Many master's programs ask that you submit a CV or resume that details relevant work experience.
Letters of recommendation:Letters of recommendation from teachers, advisors, or colleagues offer unique academic and professional insight. Colleges and universities often ask for at least one.
Personal statement or essay: An application essay can help the admissions team understand your academic goals, background, and challenges beyond your transcript.
Jobs With a Master's in Hospitality
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Event Planner | $59,440 | Coordinates all elements of events and gatherings, such as conferences, conventions, and weddings |
| Food Service Manager | $65,310 | Manages daily restaurant operations, including staffing, regulatory compliance, and budgeting |
| Gambling Manager | $85,580 | Coordinates operations at casinos and other facilities; they may also set house rules |
| Lodging Manager | $68,130 | Oversees operations at a hotel or other type of lodging to ensure guests are comfortable |
Education Beyond a Master's in Hospitality Management
A master's is typically the highest degree most professionals in hospitality management pursue, especially if they aim to move into leadership roles, such as director of operations.
Some institutions offer Ph.D. programs in hospitality management, but these are better suited for those interested in becoming researchers or university professors.
If that's not what you're interested in, a master's degree and years of experience are generally all you need to qualify for most senior-level roles in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Hospitality Management Programs
Some courses you may take in a hospitality management program include hospitality and tourism marketing, global issues in hospitality and tourism, and hospitality business law.
