Ready to find the perfect college degree?
www.bestdegreeprograms.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
In this article, we profile the 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree programs from accredited and top-ranked institutions.
Hospitality managers often hold a two or four-year degree in hospitality management or tourism management. Career advancement depends on education and experience. To set yourself apart from the competition, earning a bachelor’s degree online while working may be beneficial to your career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for hospitality managers over the next decade is expected to be nine percent.
We reviewed 102 accredited universities and colleges with hospitality management majors listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). These schools offer online bachelor’s degrees in:
- hospitality management
- tourism management
- business administration with a concentration or studies in hospitality management
From this list of schools, we looked at the rankings received from major publications like U.S. News & World Report and chose regionally and nationally ranked institutions. We then listed the top schools in order of raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in hospitality management degrees.
#30 – Everglades University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,320
Affordable bachelor’s in hospitality management online programs are offered at Everglades University for students interested in flexible, career-focused studies. The online bachelor’s in hospitality management requires the completion of 123 credits. It takes about 41 months to finish. Some online hospitality courses equip students with the skills needed to work in the hospitality industry as:
- assistant managers
- managers
- administrative personnel
These courses cover topics like:
- business and technology of sustainability
- business ethics
- facilities planning and management
- food and beverage management
- global strategy and policy
- managerial accounting and financial analysis
- principles of hospitality management
- relationship management
Everglades is an accredited school. It ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 104th-137th best regional university in the South.
#29 – Monroe College
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Bronx, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,536
Monroe College’s online hospitality management degree program combines principles of business and hospitality management to provide a BBA in hospitality management. The academic instruction is also blended. Students receive hands-on experience through internships in and around NYC while taking online courses. The program builds on the knowledge obtained at the associate degree level. It explores contemporary topics in the hospitality management and tourism industries. Courses cover topics like:
- controls and procedures
- managing the operation of hotels
- organizing and scheduling various departments
- planning recreational opportunities and events
Monroe ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. Recent rankings include #62 in best regional universities in the North and #75 in best value schools.
#28 – University of Massachusetts Amherst
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Tourism Management
Amherst, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,439
One of the most affordable hospitality and tourism degrees online is the bachelor’s in hospitality and tourism management. It’s offered through the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. The program is nationally accredited. The school ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks UMASS Amherst #68 in best national universities. This AACSB-accredited hospitality program prepares students for careers as experts and entrepreneurs in the industry. Courses cover topics like:
- food service management
- hospitality and tourism law
- hospitality managerial accounting
- restaurant operations management
- service experience management
The program is ranked among the best hospitality management bachelor’s.
#27 – Sullivan University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Louisville, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,500
Sullivan University’s bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree is designed to be completed in as few as 18 months. Small class sizes provide the opportunity to build relationships with faculty and peers in this online hospitality degree program. The program prepares students for careers in hospitality and tourism. Courses include:
- hospitality industry entrepreneurship
- human resources development in the hospitality industry
- marketing hospitality services
- senior seminars in hospitality administration
Students graduate prepared to embark on their careers. In addition to offering a career-focused curriculum, Sullivan is fully accredited. It’s recognized by major publications like U.S. News & World Report.
#26 – University of South Carolina
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Columbia, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,688
The University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College offers an online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with the option of concentrations in:
- foodservice
- hotels
- tourism
Students can also choose a general track. The program is designed for individuals with 45-60 transferable credits. Students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. They are encouraged to have completed general education courses. Students attending full-time online can finish in about two years. Part-time options are also available. Accepted students can start classes during six different terms. There is minimal wait time from acceptance to when classes begin. South Carolina is ranked #54 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report. It’s considered one of the best hospitality degree schools in the country.
#25 – Ohio University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Athens, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,612
Ohio University offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in hospitality management for aspiring or current hospitality professionals. The hospitality management degree online program offers eight in-demand concentrations that give students the skills needed to succeed on the job. As an applied online hospitality degree, the focus is on teaching students:
- practical skills
- critical thinking
- leadership
Students can apply as freshmen or transfer students. Courses include:
- accounting principles for hospitality operations
- food sanitation and safety
- principles of tourism
The entire degree can be completed online. Ohio University is ranked #116 in best value schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#24 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Business Management
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,170
Washington State University’s hospitality management degree operates fully online with courses running seven weeks in length. This online hospitality degree is for working students who are unable to attend traditional classes . Online hospitality courses are taught by the same professors who instruct at the Pullman campus. They cover a wide range of hospitality and tourism topics. These courses include:
- hospitality leadership and organizational behavior
- hospitality systems
- introduction to industry experience
- operations analysis
- personnel and human resources management
- service operations management
WSU is fully accredited. It ranks with U.S. News & World Report as 179th in best national universities and 28th in best online bachelor’s programs.
#23 – Northern Arizona University
Online Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Flagstaff, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,896
One of the more affordable online hospitality and tourism degrees available is offered through the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. It’s accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. The online degree prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses cover unique topics like:
- corporate finance for hospitality managers
- hospitality industry analytics
- hospitality leadership and ethics
- revenue management and cost control for restaurants
NAU ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 288th best national university.
#22 – The University of Alabama
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,620
The University of Alabama’s online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree is a 120-credit program. It emphasizes:
- convention sales and services
- food service management
- hotel or resort industries
Along with the online coursework, students must complete an internship (500 hours) or practicum in hospitality management. Courses are taught by industry professionals and the same professors who lead classes on campus. These courses cover topics like:
- food safety and risk management
- front office procedures
- hospitality law
- hospitality industry training
- hospitality marketing
- restaurant management and service
The University of Alabama ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 148th best national university.
#21 – Texas Tech University
Online Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management
Lubbock, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,600
Texas Tech University offers a flexible, online Bachelor of Applied Science degree in restaurant, hotel, and institutional management. It’s for individuals with existing associate degrees in culinary arts or hospitality management. Students take relevant coursework to learn essential skills. They also partake in an internship in the hospitality field. The program also focuses on:
- hospitality business practices and concepts in accounting
- customer relations
- marketing
- personnel management, and more
Graduates have gone on to careers as:
- executive chefs
- food and beverage directors
- event planners
- hotel managers, and more
Texas Tech ranks #107 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#20 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Business (Tourism)
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338
At the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, students can earn a hospitality and tourism degree online. This includes the interdisciplinary bachelor’s in business with a concentration in tourism. Online courses cover a variety topics, including:
- business law and ethics for managers
- convention sales and management
- global marketing management
- sustainable tourism
- tourism transportation systems
The programs are accredited. ASU ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 117th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s degree programs at ASU rank sixth in the country!
#19 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online Bachelor’s in Global Hospitality and Tourism
Richmond, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,876
Eastern Kentucky University is a leading provider of online education. The fully online bachelor’s degree in global hospitality and tourism has concentrations in gastronomic tourism and sustainable hospitality. With a generous transfer policy, students can transfer in up to 90 of the 120 credits required. Featured courses include:
- global hospitality law
- hospitality and tourism analysis
- hospitality and tourism essentials
- management of recreation services
Students can attend either full- or part-time based upon their situations. Eastern Kentucky University ranks in several U.S. News & World Report categories, including:
- #52 in best regional universities in the South
- #40 in best value schools.
#18 – Norfolk State University
Online Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Norfolk, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,622
For less than 10k per year, Norfolk State University offers a hospitality and tourism degree. This 100% online degree program is designed for working adults who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality management without attending traditional classes. Courses in this hospitality management program are taught by the same Norfolk professors who instruct on campus. These classes cover topics like:
- club and resort management
- event planning and management
- facilities layout and design
- restaurant ownership and operation
Norfolk is fully accredited and ranked with U.S. News & World Report. In fact, these rankings include #70 in best regional universities in the South and #32 in top public schools.
#17 – University of Wisconsin – Stout
Online Bachelor’s in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,488
The bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program at the University of Wisconsin is ranked as one of the top hospitality programs in the country. According to the program website, the school has a 98% job placement rate for graduates. Preparation for long-term careers comes from quality classes and curriculum. Online courses cover topics like:
- club management
- development of tourism attractions
- hospitality management strategies
- security and risk management for the hospitality industry
UW is fully accredited. It ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 69th best regional university in the Midwest and 65th best value school.
#16 – West Virginia University
Online BBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Morgantown, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,976
West Virginia University offers an online bachelor’s degree in business with a major in hospitality and tourism management. It’s taught by the esteemed faculty of the John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Students learn the knowledge and skills needed to ascend into management and leadership positions in the hospitality and tourism industries. In total, 40 courses (120 credits) are required to complete the degree. Students can take advantage of the transfer policy and bring in up to 90 credits from approved institutions and programs. West Virginia has been ranked #123 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#15 – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Edinburg, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,917
The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley offers a hospitality and tourism bachelor’s degree focusing on tourism management. The coursework focuses on building the skills and knowledge needed to succeed on the job. Graduates can hit the ground running and contribute from day one. The degree can be completed 100% online. It allows students to choose coursework designed for various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry. Courses may include:
- business and technical communication
- data modeling management tools
- introduction to managerial accounting
- principles of management
The institution is ranked #33 in social mobility by U.S News & World Report.
#14 – Troy University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Troy, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,908
If you’re looking for an online hospitality management degree program with unique concentrations, Troy University has options for you. The program provides students with the knowledge needed to work successfully in hospitality, sport, and tourism management. Available concentrations include:
- hospitality management
- sport management
- tourism management
Courses cover topics like:
- economic impact and valuation
- facility management
- human resource management
- legal aspects of hospitality management
- tourism development and planning
The programs are accredited. Troy ranks favorably with U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include #44 in best regional universities in the South and #46 in best value schools.
#13 – Missouri State University – Springfield
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Leadership
Springfield, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,938
Affordable online hospitality and tourism degrees are offered at Missouri State University. In fact, for less than eight thousand dollars per year, students may take part in an ACPHA-accredited degree program. It’s designed to prepare them for leadership roles in:
- hotels
- restaurants
- resorts
- other hospitality venues
Courses cover topics like:
- introduction to hospitality leadership
- introduction to lodging management
- principles of food preparation
- safety and sanitization
Missouri State has national rankings with U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include:
- top national universities
- top public schools
- best online bachelor’s degree programs.
#12 – University of North Carolina Greensboro
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Greensboro, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,403
The University of North Carolina Greensboro offers a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management. It’s designed for any sector of the industry and administered by the Bryan School of Business and Economics. Students can complete all coursework online, except for required industry work hours. These are completed in the student’s local area. Students can apply to the program as freshmen or transfer in credits from other institutions upon approval. Courses for the hospitality and tourism degree online may include:
- hotel and travel services
- sales and marketing
- multicultural issues in hospitality and tourism
- sustainable destination planning and management
The institution is ranked #239 in best national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report.
#11 – East Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Greenville, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,239
The bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program at East Carolina University offers more than preparation in just one area of study. The program offers three concentration areas that allow students to dig deeper into a specific area of study. These concentrations include:
- convention and special events management
- food and beverage management
- lodging management
Online courses expose students to various topics relevant to the industry. These courses include:
- cost controls for hospitality operations
- hospitality facilities management
- hospitality information systems,
- multicultural hospitality management
ECU is fully accredited and very affordable. The school ranks #213 in best national universities and #107 in top public schools with U.S. News & World Report.
#10 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Durant, Oklahoma
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,750
The John Massey School of Business at Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers a 100% online hospitality management degree. It focuses on in-demand skills and knowledge needed to be a successful leader. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits only five percent of business schools worldwide. Potential careers include:
- food and beverage manager
- gaming supervisor
- hotel management
- marketing manager, and more
Students can transfer up to 90 credits towards the degree, shortening their time to completion. Southeastern Oklahoma ranks #50 in top public schools by U.S. News & World Report.
#9 – University of the Potomac
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Washington, DC
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,660
The University of the Potomac’s online bachelor’s in hospitality management features affordable tuition and unique concentrations. Five concentrations are available so that students may tailor their degree toward suitable interests and career goals. These concentrations include:
- hospitality management
- international business
- marketing
- restaurant and foodservice management
- tourism management
Courses for the hospitality management concentration cover topics like:
- hospitality and tourism law
- hotel convention sales and services
- housekeeping management
- supervision and leadership in hospitality
The University of Potomac fully accredited. It’s recognized by major publications like U.S. News & World Report as a top business school. Potamac’s hospitality and tourism degree online is one of the most affordable programs on our list.
#8 – Eastern New Mexico University
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Portales, New Mexico
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,648
Eastern New Mexico University’s bachelor’s in hospitality management online degree program is one of the most affordable on our list. The program offers a business degree (BBA) with a concentration in hospitality management. It’s for those interested in marketing and promotion in hospitality, lodging, and restaurant service. All courses can be taken online and are taught by the same professors who instruct on the main campus. These courses cover topics like:
- food operations management
- lodging management
- organization theory
- supervision and management
- training and development
Affordable tuition and accreditation are not the only draw for ENMU. Recently, the school received rankings from U.S. News & World Report as the 94th-122nd best regional university in the West.
#7 – North Carolina Central University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Administration
Durham, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,629
North Carolina Central University’s hospitality and tourism degrees online include the BS in hospitality and tourism administration degree. This 100% online and ACPHA-accredited program requires 128 total credits for completion. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct at the Durham campus. Courses cover topics unique to the industry, such as:
- applied sanitation and safety
- event planning and management
- food and beverage production
- introduction to travel and tourism
- research methods in hospitality and tourism
While highly affordable, NCCU also ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 48th best regional university in the South and 48th best value school.
#6 – Florida International University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565
Florida International University’s online hospitality management degree program consists of the online bachelor’s in hospitality management. The program is unique in that it offers six concentrations. These specialized areas of study allow students to tailor their degree program toward areas of interest or career goals. Areas of concentration include:
- entertainment management
- event management
- hotel and lodging management
- travel and tourism management, and more
Some of the program’s online courses in the hospitality management program are:
- accounting for the hospitality industry
- hospitality information technology
- restaurant management
FIU is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, recent rankings with U.S. News & World Report place FIU #162 in best national universities.
#5 – University of Central Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Orlando, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,368
The University of Central Florida is one of the premier online learning institutions. It offers students an exceptional distance degree program in hospitality management. It features:
- rigorous coursework
- convenient online delivery
- affordable tuition
Graduates have gone on to successful careers as:
- cruise directors
- event planning managers
- food and beverage directors, and more
The classes are taught by the same faculty who teach the on-campus degree. This ensures that students get a sound education that focuses on relevant skills and concepts. Ranked in multiple U.S. News & World Report categories, such as #15 in most innovative schools and #67 in top public schools, this program offers students a respected degree.
#4 – Utah Valley University
Online Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Orem, Utah
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,906
Utah Valley University offers a top-ranked bachelor’s degree in hospitality management through its Woodbury School of Business. The program focuses on creativity and innovation. Both are integral aspects reflective of an ever-changing and evolving industry. Students can choose from a number of business-focused specializations, including:
- operations
- revenue management
- sales
Also available are specializations in event planning and culinary arts. The institution is designed for non-traditional learners who are not able to attend on-campus classes and need flexibility through online classes. Online students earn the same degree as their on-campus peers. Utah Valley University ranks #94 in best regional universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report. It is also considered one of the most affordable hospitality degree schools in the United States.
#3 – Columbia Southern University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Hospitality and Tourism
Orange Beach, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,775
Columbia Southern University is an affordable institution offering online hospitality management degrees. These include the bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism. This 120-credit degree program may be completed entirely online in up to five years. Flexible courses are delivered online to help accommodate the schedules of busy and working students. These courses cover topics like:
- accounting for hospitality and tourism
- legal aspects of hospitality and tourism
- marketing for hospitality and tourism
- resort management and operations
In addition to its affordability, CSU is fully accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News & World Report.
#2 – Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Hays, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,430
The online bachelor’s in hospitality management program from Fort Hays State University is one of the most affordable programs on our list. This completely online degree consists of 120 credits, including various studies in tourism and hospitality management. Courses cover topics like:
- international hospitality problems and planning
- introduction to leadership concepts
- management information systems
- principles and practices in tourism and hospitality management
- service operations management
- tourism and hospitality management
Ranked with U.S. News & World Report, Fort Hays State earns a spot as the 108th best regional university in the Midwest and 36th top public school. The online bachelor’s programs also rank #107 in the country.
#1 – Florida Atlantic University
Online BBA in Hospitality Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $4,879
The Florida Atlantic University School of Business offers an online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. It focuses on the essential business skills and concepts needed in the industry. It’s housed in the school’s Department of Marketing. Students are taught by leading business faculty with both advanced degrees and employment experience. Potential careers include work in:
- casinos
- convention centers
- cruise lines
- hotels, resorts
- theme parks, and more
Students do not need any industry experience to apply for the program. Both aspiring and current hospitality and tourism professionals are welcome to apply. Florida Atlantic University ranks #277 in national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
______________
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree?
The hospitality and tourism industry generates billions of dollars each year. The size of the sector means that there are plenty of career paths for graduates from online hospitality management bachelor’s degree programs. One of the main hospitality management careers is that of a lodging manager. Lodging management positions include:
Convention managers – these professionals coordinate events such as conferences, parties, meetings, and the like. They work with several other departments within the convention center, such as:
- marketing
- catering
- information technology, and more
Foodservice managers – these integral professionals manage the food and dining operations at a lodge. These may include:
- catering
- room service
- restaurants
They coordinate processes and procedures between the kitchen and dining staff. They also oversee business-related functions as they relate to food and dining, such as:
- personnel management
- schedule formation
- training
Front-office managers – these managers coordinate room assignments and oversee front-desk personnel in making reservations and taking care of current guests. They ensure that complaints are resolved and special requests are fulfilled.
General managers – GMs oversee all operations at a property, including several departments that may deal with things such as:
- accounting and finance
- gaming
- housekeeping
- human resources
- marketing
- maintenance
- security
Revenue managers – Fiscal managers oversee revenue generation and sales and keep track of cash flow at the location. They provide fiscal forecasts for a lodge and ensure fiscal compliance.
How much money can you make with an online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree?
Hospitality and tourism graduates earn a wide range of pay, depending on the particular industry and position. Data pulled from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the pay as follows:
Food services managers – the median wage for food service managers is $56,590 per year. The median wage represents the pay that half the managers earn more than and half earn less. The highest 10 percent earn $94,770, and the lowest 10 percent earn $33,880. Food managers at casual and fast-food restaurants earn the lowest average pay while working more than the traditional 40 hours per week. Fine dining food services managers also work long hours, but they make considerably more money. The average annual wage is $67,000 for foodservice managers at:
- casinos
- entertainment venues
- hotels
- resorts
For context, the average wage for all occupations is $42,000, which indicates a sizeable return on investment for hospitality and tourism management graduates.
Lodging managers – lodging manager pay varies greatly, due to the different settings in which these professionals work. The median pay is $56,670 per year, with the lowest 10 percent earning $33,000 and the highest 10 percent earning $109,000. Because hotels are open 24 hours a day, some lodging managers are required to be on call at all times.
What is the job outlook for individuals with an online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree?
In an industry greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the outlook is somewhat difficult to gauge, due to the unpredictability of the virus. As rates of infections decline and society returns to pre-pandemic patterns, the hospitality and tourism sector is expected to rebound nicely. According to projections published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lodging and food service management positions are expected to increase by nine percent and 15 percent respectively from 2020 to 2030. The growth rates represent the total percentage for the 10-year period.
The strong growth, particularly in the foodservice sector, will be driven by consumers feeling more at ease with engaging in in-person dining. This will cause demand for management positions at restaurants. Moreover, as people begin to travel, vacation locales will see a rise in demand for foodservice managers. For context, the average growth rate for all jobs is expected to be eight percent. As with other occupations, there are more opportunities in metropolitan areas. Metro areas with the highest employment rates include:
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
Graduates willing to relocate to cities should expect more openings. However, non-metro areas represent strong growth as well, due to the overall expected growth rate of the entire industry.
What can you expect in an online bachelor’s in hospitality management program?
An online hospitality management degree focuses on management and leadership skills in the context of the tourism and hospitality sector. The industry presents unique challenges and opportunities for managers, so course content focuses on those contexts. In addition, hospitality management degree online programs focus on the development of knowledge and skills such as:
- food and beverage regulations
- hotel and lodging accommodation
- tourism revenue, etc.
Courses cover the tourism and hospitality industry as a whole, while also giving students the option to learn specific skills and concepts in niche sectors like:
- casinos
- convention centers
- dining
- resorts
While classes vary by program, some courses you can expect to see in online hospitality and tourism programs are:
Tourism and Hospitality Law – This class provides students with a broad overview of industry laws and regulations. Concepts cover:
- alcohol licensing
- food and beverage regulations
- contract law
- employee rights
Tourism and Hospitality Marketing – Students learn about marketing, public relations, and promotions related to the hospitality sector. Students learn how to drive demand through consistent marketing and advertising, as well as events and promotions. Students study:
- event promotion
- marketing channels
- social media
Tourism and Hospitality Revenue Management – Courses cover several concepts, such as:
- booking management
- perishable inventory
- price modeling, etc.
Tourism and Hospitality Internships – Most programs require time spent in the field working at a location related to the student’s future career.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in hospitality management degree?
As with any online bachelor’s degree program, the time to completion varies. Most hospitality management programs take anywhere from 18 months to four years. Programs that offer only upper-level courses can be completed in about two years if the student attends full-time. Programs with only upper-level classes require students to either have an associate’s degree or a considerable amount of previous college credits that they can transfer in. These courses fulfill general education requirements taken during their freshman and sophomore years. Programs that offer all coursework, from freshman to senior level, can be finished in approximately four years if the student attends full-time.
One of the main benefits of online bachelor’s degree programs is flexibility. Hospitality and tourism programs are no different in that regard. Students can attend in a part- or full-time manner, based on their situation. They can also fluctuate their enrollment level from term to term. Most programs have no ultimate timetable to completion, but students on financial aid must finish within an allotted time to keep receiving federal financial aid.
In addition to coursework, programs typically have an internship or field study component that occurs near the end of the program. This happens over the course of a semester and allows students to gain real-world experience. Those in the program staff assist with placement and help students find spots within their local communities.
BDP Staff
December 2021
Related articles:
- 5 Jobs With a Bachelor’s in Tourism
- 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Operations or Project Management
- Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA)