16 Best Hospitality Management Degrees to Take in 2024
These best hospitality management degrees are a great way to learn from others who've got their finger on the pulse of the hospitality management practice. Here's a summary of each course to help you learn who it's for and why it's great.
Best Hospitality Management Degrees Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best hospitality management degrees I think are worth your time in 2024:
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (San Diego State University)
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (University of Central Florida)
- Bachelor’s in Hotel Administration & Hospitality (Cornell University)
- Hospitality & Tourism Management (Florida State University)
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (University of Mississippi)
- Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management (University of Nevada)
- Hospitality Management B.S. (University of North Texas)
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (Purdue University)
- B.S. Hospitality Management (University of South Carolina)
- Major in Hospitality Management (Pennsylvania State University)
- Hospitality Management (California State University Long Beach)
- Master's in Global Hospitality Management (NYU)
- MS in Hospitality Management (MSHM) (Boston University
- Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) Degree (Boston University)
- Ph.D. Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism (Texas A&M University
- PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
Find more details about each course below.
Overview Of The Best Hospitality Management Degrees
1. Hospitality and Tourism Management (San Diego State University)
The hospitality management degree is a business-focused major designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various sectors, including hotel and restaurant management, and tribal gaming. The program uses a major tourist destination for practical learning and mandates over 1,000 hours of hospitality-related work experience before graduation.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for leadership roles in hospitality and tourism
- Topics Covered:
- Hotel operations
- Meetings and events
- Convention services for hotels
- Casino operations
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: San Diego State University
2. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (University of Central Florida)
This bachelor’s degree offers a comprehensive education in the field. The program includes coursework in hotel management and food service operations. Students develop essential competencies in communication, budgeting, and guest relations through this broad curriculum.
- Who It’s For: Students seeking comprehensive education in hospitality management
- Topics Covered:
- Lodging operations
- Restaurant management
- Leadership fundamentals
- Concepts and principles
- Accounting and finance
- Marketing
- Tourism
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Price:
- In state: $212.28 per credit hour
- Out of state: $748.89 per credit hour
- Take The Course: University of Central Florida
3. Bachelor’s in Hotel Administration & Hospitality (Cornell University)
This program provides a thorough education in hospitality management, merging business fundamentals with practical experience. This AACSB-accredited program combines traditional coursework with immersive learning opportunities. It prepares students with a solid foundation in business skills, strategic thinking, and innovation, setting them up for success in various roles within the industry.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for diverse careers in hospitality management
- Topics Covered:
- Guest experience
- Real estate knowledge
- Data-driven strategy
- Analysis
- Commitment to innovation
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Cornell University
4. Hospitality & Tourism Management (Florida State University)
The curriculum is designed to prepare students for leadership roles through a comprehensive program that includes prerequisite coursework, a major program of study, and a required internship. The major is student-focused and industry-driven, incorporating best practices and a global perspective to enhance learning. With personalized support throughout their academic journey, students benefit from industry engagement, internships, and various activities that equip them to excel in creating exceptional experiences for others.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for leadership roles in hospitality and tourism
- Topics Covered:
- Hospitality financial analysis
- Integrated marketing for hospitality
- Hospitality law
- Food and beverage management
- Event management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Complete 12 hours of prerequisite coursework with a grade of C- or better
- MAC 1105 college algebra (3 hours) and
- HFT 1000 Introduction to hospitality (3 hours) and
- Either ECO 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics or ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics (3 hours) and
- Either CGS 2100 Microcomputer Applications for Business or CGS 2518 Spreadsheets for Business (3 hours)
- Completion of at least 52 hours and
- A cumulative FSU GPA of at least 2.0 and
- Successful completion of 1st and 2nd GE English and 1st & 2nd GE Math Coursework and
- HFT 1000 is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended that transfer students complete it before admission
- Take The Course: Florida State University
5. Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (University of Mississippi)
The hospitality management degree focuses on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for leadership positions within the hospitality sector. It offers practical learning experiences through study abroad, field trips, and internships. Students also gain hands-on experience by managing a student-operated restaurant and working at a campus-based hospitality facility.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for managerial roles in hospitality
- Topics Covered:
- Lodging management
- Foodservice management
- Event management
- Hotel operations
- Hospitality marketing
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 120 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: University of Mississippi
6. Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management (University of Nevada)
The hospitality management degree offers a premier education, situated close to some of the world’s most renowned resorts. It combines academic rigor with hands-on industry experience, making it an exceptional choice for those pursuing a career in the field. Affordable tuition and generous scholarships further enhance accessibility, allowing more students to benefit from this top-tier education.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for leadership roles in hospitality and gaming
- Topics Covered:
- Event design
- Gaming management
- Restaurant management
- Leadership management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 120 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: University of Nevada
7. Hospitality Management B.S. (University of North Texas)
The hospitality management degree emphasizes hands-on experiences and practical techniques for managing hospitality businesses. Students benefit from unique learning laboratories and extensive internship opportunities in the dallas-fort worth region. Graduates will be equipped with essential business skills, effective communication abilities, and leadership principles needed for success in the global hospitality and tourism industry.
- Who It’s For: Students seeking practical learning in hospitality management
- Topics Covered:
- Front office operations
- Food and beverage management
- Housekeeping
- Sales and marketing
- Accounting management
- Human resources
- Travel and wellness
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 4 years
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 120 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: University of North Texas
8. Hospitality and Tourism Management (Purdue University)
The degree program is highly regarded for its national and global rankings, providing a thorough curriculum that equips students for various roles within the hospitality industry. The coursework is designed to be both challenging and relevant to current industry needs, while experienced faculty enhance learning with practical insights. This comprehensive approach prepares students to excel in a wide range of hospitality management positions.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for management roles in hospitality and tourism
- Topics Covered:
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Lodging
- Food service
- Tourism
- Human resource management
- Law
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Purdue University
9. B.S. Hospitality Management (University of South Carolina)
This hospitality management program offers a comprehensive education combining business management and real-world hospitality experience. It is nationally recognized as one of the top programs in its field and provides access to specialized learning labs. Students enhance their resumes with career-related work experiences and internships, preparing them for diverse global careers in hospitality.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for various roles in the hospitality industry
- Topics Covered:
- Event management
- Hotel and restaurant operations
- Tourism management
- Customer service
- Multicultural awareness
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: University of South Carolina
10. Major in Hospitality Management (Pennsylvania State University)
The hospitality management degree features a flexible curriculum that caters to various interests within the hospitality field. It equips students with crucial analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills essential for industry success. Opportunities for hands-on experience are provided through facilities like café Laura and the Food Decisions research laboratory, and students can earn industry certifications such as the National Restaurant Association Servsafe and STR certification in hotel industry analytics.
- Who It’s For: Students interested in service-oriented careers in hospitality
- Topics Covered:
- Restaurant management
- Hotel management
- Institutional management
- Financial management
- Marketing
- Human resource
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: Pennsylvania State University
11. Hospitality Management (California State University Long Beach)
The program emphasizes developing leadership and operational skills crucial for the hospitality industry. It integrates general education, academic coursework, and practical experience to offer a comprehensive education. The mission is to equip students to meet admission requirements and explore career opportunities in the industry and community needs in a diverse, global job market through excellent education, research, and service.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for leadership roles in hospitality
- Topics Covered:
- Hospitality operations
- Technology applications
- Leadership principles
- Communication skills
- Ethical considerations
- Marketing
- Strategic management
- Finance
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: CSULB
12. Master's in Global Hospitality Management (NYU)
The program from New York University offers a thorough curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the global hospitality industry. It emphasizes strategic management and practical experience, with opportunities for internships and study abroad. Students also have access to a new hospitality innovation hub, enhancing their learning and networking opportunities.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking leadership roles in the hospitality industry
- Topics Covered:
- Business analytics
- New technologies
- Entrepreneurship
- Cultural sensitivity
- Social and economic
- Online, In-Person, or Both? Both
- Exam Required? No
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: New York University
13. MS in Hospitality Management (MSHM) (Boston University)
The program is designed to prepare students for advanced research roles and doctoral studies in hospitality management. It includes a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on analytics and research, offering hands-on experience through faculty-guided projects and opportunities to collaborate with hospitality organizations. Students can customize their education through electives and minors, allowing them to explore diverse career paths. Additionally, students receive a $10,000 scholarship and benefit from mentorship by experienced faculty members throughout their studies.
- Who It’s For: Students interested in academic research and pursuing a PhD
- Topics Covered:
- Hospitality administration
- Research methodology
- Statistics
- Finance
- Operations
- Marketing
- Real estate
- Senior living
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility Requirements:
- $95 application fee
- Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be in English or an official translation from NACES members; official transcripts will be requested if admitted, and you decide to enroll
- Submit two letters of recommendation: one from an academic source and one from a professional reference
- Most updated resume/CV
- Submit an essay detailing your career goals, prior research experience, and methodologies, including specific research interests
- Submit a one—to three-minute video essay posted on Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive showcasing your communication and presentation skills.
- Submit an academic writing sample of at least 1,000 words, including citations and references
- Submit TOEFL (90), IELTS (7.0), or Duolingo (125) scores if English is not your first language unless you have an English-taught degree from the U.S.
- Take The Course: Boston University
14. Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) Degree (Boston University)
The program offers an accelerated path for advancing in management careers within the global hospitality industry. It includes extensive industry connections, experiential learning, and specialized concentrations to boost career prospects. Hospitality management majors benefit from tailored resources and support to help them achieve their career goals in hospitality.
- Who It’s For: Individuals seeking to advance their careers in hospitality
- Topics Covered:
- Revenue management
- Real estate development
- Digital marketing
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Finance concentration
- Restaurant management
- Experiences concentration
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? No
- Duration: 1 year
- Eligibility Requirements:
- $95 application fee
- Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be in English or an official translation from NACES members; official transcripts will be requested if admitted, and you decide to enroll
- Submit two letters of recommendation, including one from an academic source, if you have completed or are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s program within the past two years
- Most updated resume/CV
- Submit a personal statement of 750 words or less detailing your background and goals and demonstrating strong writing quality
- Submit a video essay showcasing your communication and presentation skills, posted on Vimeo, YouTube, or Google Drive with a viewable URL; do not use a password if possible, and if required, use SHAMMH2024
- Submit TOEFL (90), IELTS (7.0), or Duolingo (125) results if English is not your first language, unless your undergraduate degree was completed in the U.S. or at an English-instruction university
- Take The Course: Boston University
15. Ph.D. Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism (Texas A&M University)
This doctoral program involves coursework in advanced analysis and research methodologies, requires extensive research hours, and culminates in a comprehensive examination. It is designed to develop advanced research skills and prepare students for academic careers or research roles in the private sector or government.
- Who It’s For: Individuals aiming for academic or research careers in hospitality
- Topics Covered:
- Quantitative statistics
- Qualitative statistics
- Service management
- Hotel management
- Tourism management
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? Yes
- How Many Hours Of Instruction: 66 credit hours
- Eligibility Requirements:
- You must have a master’s degree
- For students with a DDS/DMD, DVM, or MD: a minimum of 60 credit hours
- Students with only a baccalaureate degree: 90-hour degree plan
- For a Ph.D., students with a DDS/DMD, DVM, or MD from a foreign institution: a minimum of 90 credit hours
- Courses must have a grade of B or higher
- Transfer credits require approval and must meet specific criteria
- Consult with the department head or chair to appoint the advisory committee
- The advisory committee must consist of at least four graduate faculty members with specific roles and department requirements
- Develop and submit a proposed degree plan to the advisory committee
- The degree plan must be filed with the graduate and professional school before the preliminary examination and comply with credit hour requirements
- Complete and get approval for a dissertation research proposal from the advisory committee
- Ensure any transfer credits meet the required criteria and have not been used for another degree
- Take The Course: Texas A&M University
16. PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
The program focuses on cutting-edge research and thought leadership across various business disciplines. Supported by internationally recognized scholars, the program provides access to extensive research resources, including essential databases and a vibrant academic environment. With a strong emphasis on innovation, the program is designed to significantly impact both the business world and society.
- Who It’s For: Students aiming for academic careers in hospitality and tourism, for those self-motivated, committed, independent initiators and team players
- Topics Covered:
- Environmental impacts of tourism
- Social impacts of tourism
- Economic impacts of tourism
- Services marketing and management
- Business leadership
- Strategic management
- Hotel and destination branding
- Finance
- Online, In-Person, or Both? In-Person
- Exam Required? Yes
- Eligibility Requirements: None
- Take The Course: University of Massachusetts Amherst
What’s Next?
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