Key takeaways
- A hospitality management degree prepares you for a variety of exciting career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
- With a formal education in the field, you can pursue jobs in the food, beverage, hotel, travel, event management, and tourism industries.
- You can pursue a degree in hospitality management at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels.
- In a bachelor’s degree, available specializations include casino management, PGM golf management, hotel management, restaurant management, and more.
- A hospitality and tourism management program can lead to careers such as travel agents and tour guides.
- Schools offering a bachelor’s hospitality management degree include California State University, Kansas State University, University of Denver, and more.
- Grand Canyon University, American Public University, and Florida International University offer a hospitality management degree online.
A hospitality management degree works like a VIP ticket when it comes to managerial jobs in the hospitality industry. Whether you want to go into event management, hotel management, lodging services management, restaurant management, or even resort management, this is the ideal program for you. The hospitality management industry is vast and the career opportunities available in the field are even more so.
In this degree guide, we discuss the program in detail, provide a list of career opportunities, hospitality management salary information, and a list of colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management on campus and online.
What is hospitality management?
Hospitality management is the umbrella term used to describe the complete range of operations required to manage businesses in the hospitality industry. These include organizations in five main categories:
- Food and beverage
- Lodging
- Recreation
- Events, conferences, and meetings organization
- Travel and tourism
The goal of hospitality management is to provide a pleasant experience for customers. These can include customers at restaurants, tourists, guests at a hotel, or business professionals organizing an event or a conference. Professionals in the hospitality industry are responsible for a wide range of operations from welcoming guests, and ensuring they have a pleasant experience, to operations management, revenue management, and more.
Hospitality management is often confused with either hospital management or hotel management. While hotel management is a part of hospitality management, hospital management is a completely different program. It involves the management and administration of healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics. For those interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, a healthcare administration degree and a health information management degree is a better option.
Those interested in a career in the hospitality industry, including hotel management, should consider a formal education in the field such as a college education.
What does a hospitality management degree entail?
Hospitality management is a multidisciplinary program featuring a diverse curriculum. Here, students develop a broad range of competencies and a comprehensive set of skills needed for a wide range of jobs in the hospitality industry. In a hospitality management degree, you will undertake courses in business fundamentals such as accounting, financial management, human resources, leadership, and more.
Additionally, you will study event planning and management, purchasing and cost control, logistics and supply chain management, hospitality law, and more. However, the proficiencies you build and which jobs you become eligible for depend on your level of education, specialization, and skill set. You can pursue a degree in hospitality management at varying levels from an associate all the way to a PhD.
Associate’s degree in hospitality management
An associate degree is a two-year program that is ideal for those hoping to enter the workforce with a professional qualification as soon as possible. Here, students develop foundational business and management skills enabling them for positions such as assistant manager. Associate degree graduates also become eligible for a bachelor’s program from the fifth year onwards provided they have the required hospitality management degree transfer credits.
Bachelors in hospitality management
A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that takes a deeper dive into topics and courses in hospitality management. Through the program, students develop a wide range of professional competencies enabling them to pursue a wider range of job opportunities. Moreover, bachelor’s degree holders generally have higher earning potential, and long-term job stability as per the United Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Master’s degree in hospitality management
A master’s degree is an advanced program featuring a curriculum lasting 1 to 3 years. Through the program, students develop advanced managerial skills making them eligible for senior managerial level positions. Here you will learn how to apply business management principles, improve organizational efficiency in the hospitality industry, and more.
Hospitality management PhD
A doctorate degree lasts 3 to 5 years depending on the student’s learning pace and research progress. Through the program, you develop advanced competencies in a niche specialization area of your choice. With a PhD, you will become eligible for roles in research and academia and will be considered experts within the field of hospitality management. You can also go into hospitality law or policy making after graduating with a doctoral degree.
Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management – Program details
At the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree is considered better than an associate degree for a number of reasons. The major ones as highlighted in a report by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics include higher earning potential. Bachelor degree holders earn $1,533 per week whereas associate degree holders earn $1,053.
In another report titled ‘Education Pays’, the platform highlights how bachelor’s degree holders have lower unemployment rates than associate degree holders at 2.2 and 2.7 respectively. Thus, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is the ideal entry-level qualification for aspiring hospitality managers.
Here, you will develop the complete range of proficiencies needed to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. At the bachelor level, you can either pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in hospitality management.
A BS program includes natural science courses in the general education core, whereas a BA program includes arts and humanities courses. In a Bachelor of Business Administration, you will take courses in business fundamentals such as accounting, economics, human resource management, finance, and so on.
Typical program curriculum
A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management features 120 to 135 credits split between general education, major and concentration specific courses, and electives. The exact topics covered in the program will vary depending on the type of program, college, and faculty experience. However, the general education requirement typically features courses in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Composition, Constitution, and History.
Major-specific courses in a hospitality management program can include:
- Introduction to Hospitality Management
- Foodservice Sanitation
- Hospitality Law
- Leadership and Management in Hospitality
- Facilitating the Hospitality Customer Experience
- Hospitality Financial Analysis
- Hospitality Operations and Employment Law
- Hospitality Strategic Management
- International Perspectives in Hospitality, Tourism, and Events
- Quality Service Management
- Management Ethics
Additionally, you will take courses in your chosen concentration track and electives.
Concentrations in hospitality management
Hospitality management is a vast field encompassing hotel management, restaurant management, event planning, and many other specialization areas. Since it is such a vast field, choosing a specialization track rather than pursuing general concentration can prove beneficial for professional success.
Being a jack of all trades and a master of none is definitely not the recipe for professional success in hospitality management. The business models for resorts are very different to that of restaurants and those of recreation, tourism, and travel companies are completely different.
Here is a list of available concentration tracks in hospitality management. Do keep in mind that not all colleges offer the complete range of specializations and you should check available options before enrolling in a program.
Gaming Management
The gaming or casino management specialization is ideal for those who want to pursue jobs in the casino operations side. Here, you will learn gaming controls and regulations enabling you to become part of the professional gaming staff. Additionally, you will develop competencies and skills needed to handle gaming backend such as casino accounting, marketing, and more. Some courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Gaming Management
- Gaming Device Management
- Quantitative Methods in Casino Gaming
- Industry Regulations
Event Design and Management
Whether you want to go into wedding planning, corporate gatherings management, or even award function planning, this is the specialization for you. Here you will learn everything from planning, decor, budgeting, financial planning and management, marketing, and most importantly experience curation and management. The courses you take will vary depending on the college but will generally cover the following topics:
- Event Planning Fundamentals
- Logistics Management
- Guest Experience Management
- Meeting and Convention Planning
Restaurant Food Service Management
This is the ideal specialization for those who want to take up roles in restaurant or food service management. Professionals in the field are responsible for the management of daily operations of restaurants or other food organizations. Through the specialization, students learn a variety of operations including food supply chain management, marketing, and customer experience curation. Courses you can expect to take in the specialization include:
- Marketing Analysis in the Food Industry
- Optimizing Profits in Food Operations
- Revenue Management in Hospitality Industry
- Beverage Management
Food & Beverage Management
Here you will learn about the different beverages and the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Through the specialization, you will develop a variety of competencies, knowledge, and skills essential for careers such as Food and Beverage Managers, Menu Curators, Event Planners, and more. Not only will you learn the serving etiquette but also learn about proper food and beverage pairing for different occasions. Here are some courses you can expect to take in the specialization:
- Directed Practice for Food and Beverage Management
- Introduction to Wines
- Menu Planning and Purchasing
- Distilled Spirits and Introduction to Mixology
Hotel Management
Through the hotel management specialization, you learn the ins and outs of managing the daily operations of a hotel, revenue management, supply and demand management, maximizing profitability, dealing with customers, and so much more. The specialization prepares you for career opportunities such as Front Desk Operator, Hotel General Manager, Hotel Marketing Manager, Director of Housekeeping, and more. Some courses you can expect to take in this specialization include:
- Fundamentals of Hotel Distribution
- Revenue Management in Hotels
- Demand Management
- Hotel Crisis Management
Professional Golf Management
Those passionate about the sport can pursue a golf management specialization. Through the specialization, aspiring professionals not only learn about golf management, but also how to play the game, and to qualify with a golf management specialization, they must pass the test showcasing great talent in the game. Here are some courses you can expect to take in this specialization:
- Introduction to Golf Operations
- Introduction to Player Development
- PGA Playing Ability Test
- PGA PGM Level 1
Tourism Management
For many countries, tourism is a major contributor to their economy. These include renowned destinations such as Mauritius, Turkey, Malaysia, Thailand, and so on. Thus, tourism management is a popular specialization where students learn how to manage travel and tourism operations, ensure profitability, make data-backed decisions, and more. Some courses you can take in the hospitality and tourism management specialization include:
- Introduction to Hospitality Industry
- Foundations of Tourism
- Travel and Destination Management
- Analytical Techniques in Tourism and Hospitality
Admission requirements
Different colleges have different admission requirements depending on your program of choice and prior qualifications. Generally, the admission requirements include:
- Highschool diploma or a General Education Development equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Standardized Test Scores such as SAT or ACT
- Recommendation letters
- Personal essay
Additionally, colleges set specific admission criteria which help them sort through the applications and select the ones to be accepted. These can include:
- Minimum GPA
- Subject requirements such as 3 years of math and 2 years of foreign languages
- Minimum SAT scores in specific subjects such as math and critical reasoning
- English language testing scores for international students.
Associate degree holders will have to:
- Submit official degree transcripts
- Meet hospitality management degree transfer credits requirement
- Have taken required foundational courses from general education and major-specific courses.
Additionally, applicants will have to submit a filled-out college application form and college application fee. Make sure you check each college’s admission requirements before you apply to a program.
Graduation requirements
Graduation requirements are essentially the same across all programs with only slight variations in minimum GPA or experiential learning requirements. Students enrolled in a hospitality management program will have to complete the required number of credit hours by undertaking courses in each program segment, namely general education, major, concentration-specific, and electives.
Additionally, students need to complete a capstone project and experiential learning requirements in the form of an internship or professional work placement. Internships and capstone projects also count toward the final credit hour count. Moreover, students enrolled in a Professional Golf Management specialization will have to pass player ability tests and demonstrate professional skills to graduate from the program.
Keep in mind that colleges will have specific graduation requirements such as a minimum CGPA of 2.0 to 2.5, which varies by college. Make sure to check the specific graduation requirements when planning your college schedule for the optimal learning experience.
Colleges offering a bachelor hospitality management degree
The following is a list of colleges offering a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. The list contains renowned programs such as the UCF hospitality management program. The program offers a comprehensive program curriculum and a range of specializations aspiring professionals can benefit from.
However, the University of Central Florida is not the only college offering academic excellence in the field of hospitality management. Thus, here is a list of colleges from where you can pursue a hospitality management degree.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| University of Central Florida | 41% | 76% | $5,954 in-state
$20,980 out-of-state |
| Texas A&M University | 63% | 81% | $13,099 in-state
$40,328 out-of-state |
| University of Nevada – Las Vegas | 85% | 44% | $9,142 in-state
$26,098 out-of-state |
| University of New Haven | 91% | 62% | $22,822 |
| University of Denver | 78% | 77% | $59,340 |
| Kansas State University | 95% | 64% | $10,942 in-state
$27,816 out-of-state |
| MSU Denver | 98% | 50% | $8,768 in-state
$18,327 out-of-state |
| University of South Carolina | 64% | 77% | $12,688 in-state
$35,972 out-of-state |
| California State University | 40% | 73% | $6,818 in-state
$18,698 out-of-state |
| University of North Texas | 79.1% | 60% | $11,164 in-state
$21,244 out-of-state |
Can I pursue a hospitality management degree online?
Yes, you can choose from one of the many colleges and universities offering an online hospitality management bachelor. But whether it is the right choice for you or not is a whole other question. While a significant number of students (47%) do believe that the quality of education online is the same, maybe even better than that offered on campus, the majority still seem to prefer the traditional learning mode, a survey by Statista reveals.
Before making the decision to enroll in an online program, consider the following pros and cons.
Advantages of the online mode of learning
The online mode of learning offers significant advantages over the on-campus program.
- Breaks geographical barriers allowing students from across the globe to enroll in the program.
- Offers great flexibility and convenience as students can take classes from anywhere.
- In an asynchronous program, students do not have to stick to a campus schedule and can take classes at any time.
- Lower cost of attendance as students don’t have to account for commute and accommodation.
- Time saved by not having to travel can be spent pursuing formal employment and building a professional portfolio.
Disadvantages of online programs
Pros and cons go hand in hand and it is vital to look at both sides of the picture before making a decision.
- Lack of real-time interaction with fellow students and teachers is the most prominent disadvantage as it can potentially lead to feelings of isolation.
- Students who struggle with time management and lack discipline will not be able to benefit from the online mode of learning.
- Online learners cannot rely on on-campus resources or support.
- In a hospitality and tourism management degree, you may not be able to benefit from industry connections and may have to seek internships and job placements yourself.
List of online hospitality management schools
Online programs are definitely better suited to some individuals than to others. If you prefer the distance learning program, here is a list of colleges from where you can pursue a hospitality management degree online.
| College | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| American Public University | 100% | 10.9% | $8,400 |
| Monroe University | 78% | 47% | $17,922 |
| Grand Canyon University | 77.9% | 47.2% | $17,450 |
| Florida International University | 64% | 74% | $6,167 in-state
$18,566 out-of-state |
| University of Alabama | 80% | 71% | $11,380 in-state
$33,372 out-of-state |
Hospitality management jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree
The career opportunities available to graduates with a hospitality and tourism management degree are vast. While the exact job roles graduates are eligible for depend largely on their chosen specialization, here are some potential career opportunities you can explore.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Lodging Managers | $65,360 |
| Meeting, Convention, & Event Planners | $56,920 |
| Event Managers | $64,831 |
| Food Service Managers | $63,060 |
| Hotel Manager | $67,012 |
| Conference Organizer | $69,153 |
| Casino Host | $60,861 |
| Wedding Planner | $71,719 |
| Spa Director | $86,245 |
| Director of Housekeeping | $62,378 |
Industry overview and hiring trends in hospitality management
The United States is home to some of the most renowned hotels around the world. In Las Vegas alone, there are over 150,000 hotels with some of the most vibrant casinos and nightlife. As per a report by Statista, the hotel market revenue is projected to reach USD 114.70 billion by 2025. The market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.83% and reach USD 133.30 billion in revenue by 2029.
In 2023, over 2 million jobs were created in the hotel industry alone. Though jobs in the hospitality industry keep growing year on year post-pandemic, they have not yet reached the pre-pandemic levels. As of a report by BLS, employment in the leisure and hospitality industry was at its highest in February 2020. Employment numbers in July 2023, were still 2.1% below that of February 2020. In 2024, the total number of job losses was 7.8 million and the total job gains were 7.6 million.
Globally, the scope for qualified professionals in the hospitality industry is bright as the industry is growing. The global market revenue for 2024 is USD 5,539.00 billion. The market size is projected to grow to USD 11,699 billion by 2029 as per another report by Statista.
Technology in hospitality
Currently, the adoption of emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Smart Devices, and more enhances guest experiences and improves operational efficiencies. In South Korea, nearly 5,000 robot servers are being used in restaurants across the country. An increasing number of US restaurants are also using robot servers such as Chipotle, Wendy’s, and White Castle.
Required education levels
The required education levels in the hospitality industry vary by job role. However, the majority of high-paying jobs in the industry such as hotel manager, food services manager, HR manager, casino director, and conference organizer all require formal education in the field. Additionally, on-the-job training is also a prerequisite for the majority of job roles in the field.
In fact, aspiring professionals in the food, hotel, beverage, or other areas in the hospitality industry without a degree, must possess many years of experience in the field before they become eligible for managerial or other high-paying roles. The required education for lodging managers as highlighted by the United Bureau of Labor Statistics is as follows:
- High school diploma + several years of experience working in the field
- Associate degree or professional certification + a few years of working in the field.
- A bachelor’s degree
While it is not impossible to enter the hospitality industry as a professional without a college degree, rising up to managerial positions can be challenging and near impossible unless a professional shows exemplary talent. The job outlook for lodging managers is 10%, which is significantly higher than that of the average for all occupations at 3%.
Additionally, human resources managers have a 6%, and gambling services managers have a job outlook of 3%. As the hospitality industry continues towards revival, the job growth rate for nearly all occupations in the hospitality industry is high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Hospitality Management Degree
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a hospitality management degree.
Is hospitality management a good degree?
With a hospitality management degree, you can develop a wide range of professional competencies enabling you for a wide range of job opportunities. Through the program, you can also choose a specialized career track in one of the many available fields. Here, you will learn financial management, strategic planning, logistics and supply chain management, and many other in-demand skills.
Formal education in the field not only enhances a professional’s eligibility but also increases their earning potential. Moreover, those with a formal education have lower unemployment rates, making a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management worth pursuing.
What can you do with a hospitality management degree?
With a hospitality management degree, you can pursue roles such as Logistics Manager, Hotel Manager, Food Services Manager, Golf manager, Casino Director, Event Planner, and so on. However, the exact range of career opportunities a graduate can avail depend on their area of specialization.
What is a hospitality management degree?
A hospitality management degree teaches the business side of the hospitality industry. Here, students learn marketing, financial management, accounting, operations management, and other business practices in the hospitality industry. Additionally, students wishing to pursue roles in event organization and management will learn the art of curating menus, decor, event planning, and so on.
How much do hospitality managers earn?
The average annual salary of a hospitality manager in the United States is $59,103 as of January 2025. Do keep in mind that the figure is the average derived from figures listed on job postings for professionals with varying levels of experience and qualifications. However, the exact salary offered to fresh graduates will vary.
Join the hospitality industry with a formal education
A formal education, specifically a bachelor’s degree is the ideal entry-level qualification for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry. Through the program, you can develop industry-specific professional competencies enhancing your eligibility as a professional. Moreover, since the hospitality industry is growing at a fast pace, the demand for qualified professionals is also increasing, making a hospitality management degree a great program.
Apply to a hospitality management school today with the help of All Bachelor Degrees AI tools. The platform also offers a variety of educational resources and lists colleges by state sorted by program to make college planning easier for students.