Is a hospitality degree difficult?

No graduate degree is easy, but hospitality management is less challenging than programs in most STEM fields. However, hospitality students explore complicated finance, corporate law, international relations, and human psychology issues.

Is it worth it to get a master's degree in hospitality management?

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that people aged 25-34 who worked full time earned a median of $74,600 in 2021 if they held a master's degree or higher. People in the same age group with bachelor's degrees brought in $61,600. The ROI on a master's degree, therefore, can be worth it.

What is the hardest job in hospitality?

Housekeepers, bakers, and chefs have some of the most demanding jobs in hospitality. Earning a master's in hospitality management can help people working in those professions access management or leadership roles that may prove more personally and financially rewarding.

What is the hardest subject in hospitality management?

Graduate students in hospitality management often take courses in statistics, finance, law, and accounting, which may prove challenging. Depending on your background and skills, you may find your practicum or research courses the most difficult.

Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Programs 2024

The booming hospitality industry is in need of competent leaders. Learn more about the top master’s degrees in hospitality management.

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Updated April 22, 2024

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A degree in hospitality management can prepare you to work on the business side of hotels, resorts, restaurants, or tourism companies. Career switchers and people working front-line jobs in lodging, entertainment, or food service organizations may want to pursue this major.

In April 2024, Payscale reported that people with an MS in hospitality management earn an average of $62,000 annually. Marketing directors, senior event managers, and parks and recreation directors can earn much more.

The guide below covers top schools and courses in this field, an introduction to hospitality careers, and more about diversity in hospitality management.

Popular Online Programs

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In this Article

2024’s Top Online Master’s in Hospitality Management

Johnson & Wales University

Providence, RI4 yearOnline

$14,706

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,706

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

45%

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,365

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,365

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,349

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,706

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,706

Johnson & Wales University

Providence, RI4 yearOnline

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,706

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,706

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,365

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,365

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

2,349

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV4 yearCampus + Online

$5,823

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,914

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

83%

Acceptance Rate

60%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,949

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,040

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

30,679

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,823

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,914

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,823

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,914

Acceptance Rate

83%

Online Enrollment

60%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,949

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,040

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

30,679

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,393

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

64%

Acceptance Rate

65%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

56,664

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

65%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

56,664

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,694

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,295

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,111

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

42,441

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

University of North Texas

Denton, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,350

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,694

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,295

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,111

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

42,441

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,759

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

36%

Acceptance Rate

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

70,310

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Acceptance Rate

36%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

70,310

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$10,294

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,018

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,489

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,560

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

20,229

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,018

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,294

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,018

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,489

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,560

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

20,229

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$30,240

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

71%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

31,526

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Auburn University

Auburn, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Acceptance Rate

71%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,080

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,240

Retention Rate

93%

Students Enrolled

31,526

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

$10,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$30,250

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

79%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

38,316

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Acceptance Rate

79%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,780

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,250

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

38,316

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Mississippi

University, MS4 yearCampus + Online

$8,938

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,782

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

55%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,934

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,776

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

21,203

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,938

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,782

University of Mississippi

University, MS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,938

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,782

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

55%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,934

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,776

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

21,203

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Program?

Hospitality management requires professionals to possess business savvy along with strong skills in communication, organization, and customer service. Candidates also need an aptitude for leadership as upper-level positions in the field require the management of other hospitality personnel.

Online master’s in hospitality management programs vary in length. Some accelerated programs may take as little as one year to complete, while part-time programs may take several years. Credit requirements vary among schools, but students typically need to complete 30-40 credits to graduate from a master’s program.

The hospitality industry encompasses many different sectors, and a master’s in hospitality management may offer several specializations or concentration options, such as:

Lodging management
Tourism management
Food and beverage management
Recreation and leisure management
Meeting and event management

Completing a concentration can help graduates distinguish themselves when applying for jobs. For example, candidates who hope to work in the hotel industry or eventually open their own bed and breakfast may concentrate on lodging management.

Given the degree’s professional focus, many hospitality management programs include an experiential component, such as an internship, practicum, or capstone project. These experiences enable participants to gain a hands-on understanding of the hospitality industry. When preparing for graduate school, students should determine if a program features any in-person experiential requirements.

Courses in an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Program

Organizational Behavior in the Hospitality Industry: This course highlights leadership models and organizational structure in the context of the hospitality industry. Students may explore strategies for managing and motivating different personality types in hospitality settings.
Hospitality and Tourism Marketing: Integrated marketing strategies play a major role in the hospitality industry. This course focuses on approaches to service marketing, including the analysis and evaluation of marketing strategies.
Global Issues in Hospitality and Tourism: This course examines trends and industry-wide issues in hospitality management. Students explore the increasingly connected global hospitality industry and the effects of national and international tourism.
Hospitality Business Law: This course examines the laws and regulations that affect hospitality businesses. Students may explore topics including employment law, product liability, risk management, and the legal rights and responsibilities of hospitality businesses.
Hospitality Capstone: Many online master’s in hospitality management programs end with a capstone project that ties together major program themes. Students often work to identify and solve an issue in the hospitality industry.

What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Hospitality Management Degree?

Hospitality management graduates often find employment in the hotel and restaurant industry, which offers many options. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects careers for lodging managers to grow 7% between 2022 and 2032, a faster growth rate than for all U.S. occupations. Jobs for food service managers are expected to see little to no change during the same period.

Salary rates in the field can be quite high, especially for managerial positions. Human resources managers and sales managers can earn annual salaries over $100,000. Higher-level positions in hotel management, food service management, and gambling management also often earn average annual salaries in the low six figures.

Career Paths

Lodging Manager

Lodging managers run hotels and resorts, overseeing operations, housekeeping, and guest services. They may also take responsibility for broad business functions such as marketing, sales, and human resources. Obtaining a master’s degree may enable graduates to move into the top 10% of hotel managers, who earned more than $127,090 annually in May 2023, according to the BLS.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$65,360

Gambling Manager

Gambling managers coordinate operations at casinos and other facilities. Like lodging managers, they may oversee many different aspects of a casino, such as staffing, maintenance, and operations. They may also take responsibility for determining house rules.

With a master’s degree, candidates can progress to upper-level management positions. The top 10% of gambling managers earned more than $159,440 annually in May 2023, per the BLS.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$82,380

Food Service Manager

Food service managers direct staff and manage operations at restaurants and other food service environments. They may oversee staffing, budgeting, and general operations.

With a master’s in hospitality management, candidates can pursue higher-level management positions in the restaurant industry. According to the BLS, managers who are in the top 10% earned over $101,240 annually as of May 2023.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$63,060

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee sales for all kinds of businesses. In the hospitality industry, they may focus on sales for hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Sales managers may analyze sales data, set new sales goals, determine overall sales strategies, and create training programs for an organization’s sales associates.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$135,160

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers coordinate businesses’ administrative and personnel functions. They may take responsibility for recruitment and hiring practices, employee benefits programs, labor relations, and staff conflicts and mediation. Human resources managers may work for all types of hospitality organizations, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and casinos.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023):$136,350

Hospitality Management Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Hospitality Programs

A master’s in hospitality management usually requires 1-2 years of study. Full-time students may accelerate their path to graduation, while part-time learners often need more time to finish. Many schools require you to finish within seven years of your enrollment date.