[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A hospitality management degree may be your ticket into an array of fields like food service, tourism, lodging, and recreation. With a degree in hospitality, you’ll qualify to work in a wide range of settings. Interested in working with people and navigating interpersonal issues? You might be cut out to manage a hotel. Have an affinity for far–off, exotic places? You might enjoy a career as a travel agent. Enjoy creating memorable dining experiences for your guests? Then you might look at a career in catering or the culinary arts. Depending on the concentration you choose, a hospitality management degree could make those dreams come true.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A hospitality management degree will center on tourism, culinary arts, and event planning, as well as the business practices, marketing, and ethics of the industry. Hospitality management focuses on the operational and administrative policies of several establishments, including hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, casinos, and convention centers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because the field of hospitality is so diverse, your exact program could take on several different forms. Your courses and research might center on accounting or bookkeeping, on client service and the study of leisure, or on food preparation and techniques. The determining factor will be what you want to do with your hospitality degree after your program is complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a fair amount of overlap with the field of business administration. You might work behind the scenes, keeping up with inventory or payroll at a hotel, or providing one–on–one service to clients at a restaurant or bar. Your job options range all the way from a server or front desk clerk to upper management. It all depends on what degree you choose and how many years of education you are willing to undertake. Taking some business courses or programs could improve your professional prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-tertiary”]Featured Online Schools[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”what-can-you-series” class=”font-bold”]The “What Can You Do With This Degree?” Series[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]What Kind of Accreditation Should My Degree Program Have?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation is the process by which colleges and universities are evaluated and validated . Colleges and universities that have earned accreditation have met the standards set by accrediting organizations. These organizations are comprised of faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. Legitimate regional and national accrediting organizations are recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/”]U.S. Department of Education[/hen-ui-link] (ED). Typically, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link] (CHEA) recognizes the same institutions, although CHEA recognition isn’t mandatory. A college or university must be accredited by a Department of Education-recognized accreditor in order for its students to receive federal financial aid.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For a detailed look at the differences between regional and national accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]What Do I Need to Know About College Accreditation?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text]
What is Regional Accreditation?
Regional accreditation is the signifier of quality education; this includes the currency of curriculum, credentials of educators, and credibility of degrees. Regional accrediting agencies only accredit institutions in their geographical area.
The Six Regional Accrediting Agencies
[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.msche.org/”]Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.neche.org/”]New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hlcommission.org/”]The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nwccu.org/”]Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”http://www.sacscoc.org/”]Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wscuc.org/”]WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To find out if a college or university on your list is regionally accredited, check the Department of Education’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/”]Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What Is National Accreditation?
National accreditation is often perceived as a less rigorous standard than regional accreditation and is governed by educational accreditors agencies that are not restricted by region or geography. This means that one such agency can provide accreditation to any college or university in the U.S. that meets its criteria. National accreditation is commonplace among trade schools, religious schools, and for–profit colleges. Most regionally–accredited colleges do not accept or recognize credits or degrees earned from colleges that lack regional accreditation. However, national accreditation may be a useful indicator of quality for students pursuing vocational training, competency-based education, or other education models that operate under a for-profit model.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn more about National Accreditation, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Understanding National Accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For help safely navigating the For–Profit Sector, check out our [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/for-profit-vs-non-profit-colleges/”]Guide to For–Profit Colleges: What You Need to Know[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text]
What is Programmatic Accreditation?
Programmatic accreditation certifies that an institution’s program, department, or college has met the standards of the programmatic accrediting agency. While programmatic accreditation agencies often have national jurisdiction, programmatic accreditation is not institutional national accreditation. In fact, programmatic accreditation often coexists with regional accreditation. In some disciplines, a degree with programmatic accreditation may even be required to earn a license or enter professional practice. Hospitality is a broad discipline, and the accreditation needed will vary based on your field of focus. There is no single programmatic accreditation agency for hospitality degree programs. However, there are a few reputable accreditation groups that can be a positive indication of quality and credibility. These include: [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acpha-cahm.org/”]Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://iftta.org/content/commission-accreditation-hospitality-management-programs”]Commission for Accreditation of Hospitality Management Programs (CAHM)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Education/Accreditation/ACF/Education/Accreditation/”]Postsecondary and Secondary Accreditation for Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Programs [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.collegeatlas.org/association-to-advance-collegiate-schools-of-business.html”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] While these accreditations are useful, they aren’t necessarily mandatory—and your program almost certainly will not have all them. Absence of one of these accreditations is not a deal–breaker if your hospitality program is housed within an institution that is accredited by one of the regional accreditation associations listed in the section above. To reiterate, regional accreditation should be treated as mandatory.
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The easiest way to determine accreditation status is to contact your school of choice. You can also look at the [hen-ui-link href=”https://ope.ed.gov/DAPIP/”]Department of Education’s database[/hen-ui-link] of all recognized accreditors within its purview.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To learn a little more about navigating the tricky accreditation landscape, check out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Accreditation of Colleges and Universities: Who’s Accrediting the Accreditors?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”degree-types”]Types of Hospitality Management Degrees.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality degrees cover a wide range of related businesses, such as food, tourism, lodging, and human resource management. While not all entry–level jobs in hospitality require a degree, it’s always a good idea to become educated in your field so that you can progress into bigger and better–paying positions. You should also be aware that different schools have multiple names for their hospitality degrees. For instance, hospitality, hospitality management, and culinary arts are all different but overlapping programs. It’s important to research your specific degree program to be sure it will give you the opportunities you want.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hospitality-associate”]Associate of Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in hospitality management is a good starting place. An associate hospitality degree is typically a 60–credit degree, or two–year program, combining general education classes with classes in management, introduction to business, purchasing and cost control, and ethics in hospitality management. This level of hospitality degree can prepare you for a range of jobs, including in the food and beverage industry, casinos, and travel and tourism.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”hospitality-associate-courses”]What Hospitality Courses Will You Take in an Associate Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business Principles[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Convention & Events Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ethical Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technology in the Hospitality Management Industry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Workplace Mathematics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”as-vs-aas”]What’s the Difference between an AS and an AAS in Hospitality?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate of science (AS) degree in hospitality typically combines discipline–specific courses with some humanities and liberal arts requirements. By contrast, the associate of applied science (AAS) in hospitality is geared towards practical vocational education, with fewer liberal arts classes. Which you choose will depend upon your overall goals for your career in hospitality. If you plan to continue into a bachelor’s degree program in hospitality, make sure the program that you choose will allow you to transfer credits to your four–year degree. Otherwise, you may find yourself having to take the same class multiple times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hospitality-bachelor”]Bachelor of Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in hospitality management degree gives you a more advanced and thorough education. To achieve a bachelor’s hospitality degree, you will need to complete 120 credit hours, which will take at least four and possibly five years. The bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is important if you want to pursue a career in management. In fact, many jobs look specifically for a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management. These programs will give you a stronger grasp on business practices and ethics in hospitality management. This is also the time for you to specialize in one area. Choices include lodging management, events and conventions coordination, restaurant management, and hospitality and tourism management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be aware, as you’re looking for hospitality management degrees, that some of these programs are classified under [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]business administration degrees[/hen-ui-link]. At the bachelor’s level, a hospitality management degree may be called a business administration degree with a concentration in hospitality or tourism.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”hospitality-bachelor-courses”]What Hospitality Courses Will You Take in a Bachelor’s Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Destination Marketing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial Analysis in the Hospitality Industry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality and Tourism Law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality Managerial Accounting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality Marketing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Conventions and Special Events[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Microeconomics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Operational Analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personnel/Human Resources Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Restaurant Operations Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Service Operations Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”bs-vs-bba”]What’s the Difference between a BS and a BBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the bachelor’s level, degrees in hospitality or hospitality management are either a bachelor of science (BS) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]bachelor of business administration [/hen-ui-link](BBA) with a concentration in hospitality and tourism. If your school offers either of those degrees, you’re in luck; both of those are the primary types of bachelor’s in hospitality degrees. However, a general BBA can also be a fine choice if you’re looking to go into management in hospitality, although you may not learn about the specific businesses associated with hospitality and tourism.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hospitality-masters”]Master of Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to pursue a leadership or executive role anywhere in hospitality and tourism management, you may benefit from a master’s degree in hospitality management. A graduate degree in hospitality management or business administration can make you much more desirable to future employers—or to your current employer if you’re already working in the industry. In order to enter a master’s degree program for hospitality management, you will need to have your bachelor’s degree in a related field. Your master’s program will ask you to complete one to two years of coursework and you may have to complete a thesis as well. Many of these programs are offered online, making it easy and convenient to get your master’s degree in hospitality management from wherever you happen to be.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ id=”hospitality-masters-courses”]What Hospitality Courses Will You Take in a Hospitality Master’s Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applied Research Methods in Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Crisis and Risk Management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Executive Leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Global Tourism[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hotel and Restaurant Accounting Information Systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Capital Management and Development[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leisure Theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sport Tourism[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”hospitality-phd”]Doctorate in Hospitality Management[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Ph.D. in hospitality management is for those who want to conduct academic research. With your Ph.D., you might choose to be a professor yourself or go into upper management. While some universities offer Ph.D. programs in hospitality or hospitality management, this is also a level at which you may undertake a degree in business or business administration and concentrate your studies and research on an aspect of hospitality management. Typically, a Ph.D. program will include coursework, independent research, and culminate in a dissertation. How long your program lasts depends largely on your area of focus. With a Ph.D in hospitality management, you will be at the top of your field and in line for the most lucrative jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For some possibilities in related fields, check out The Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs or The Best Online Doctorate in Management Programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]What Can You Do with a Hospitality Management Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are wondering, “What can I do with a hospitality management degree?” there are plenty of options. Because the field of hospitality management is so broad, any list of possible careers is going to be merely representative of the breadth of actual positions available. Your job possibilities include, but are certainly not limited to:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/management-careers/#advertising-promotions-and-marketing-manager”]Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/#bartenders/”]Bartenders[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/#chefs-head-cooks”]Chefs and Head Cooks[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/#food-service-managers”]Food Service Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gaming Services Workers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/management-careers/#lodging-managers”]Lodging Managers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Travel Agents[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”salary”]What Kind of Salary Can You Earn with a Hospitality Management Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the hospitality sector generally has a projected job growth outlook that is higher than the average field of employment. Though your earning potential will vary depending upon the level of degree you seek, the Bureau offers a largely positive salary outlook for hospitality management professionals. The following data reflects median annual salaries as of 2018:[/hen-ui-text]
Career
Median Salary
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/food-and-beverage-serving-and-related-workers.htm”]Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers[/hen-ui-link]
$21,750
[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/waiters-and-waitresses.htm”]Waiters and Waitresses[/hen-ui-link]
[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”organizations”]Are There Professional Hospitality Associations or Societies You Should Join?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional associations in hospitality management are a fantastic way to make connections in your field, learn about valuable seminars or certifications, and improve your own credentials. The association or associations you choose to join will depend to an extent on the career path you take. Look for hospitality associations that correspond with your professional concentration. Below are a few key associations. Check these out for key resources, literature, and networking opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ahlei.org/”]American Hotels & Lodging Educational Institute[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hftp.org/hospitality_organization_governance/”]Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hospa.org/”]Hospitality Professionals Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://global.hsmai.org/”]Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.instituteofhospitality.org/”]Institute of Hospitality[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-link href=”#top/”]Return to the top[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The 30 Best Hospitality Programs in the United States[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-hospitality/,/degrees/hospitality-tourism/,/resources/hospitality-degree-expert-john-murtha/”][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]