[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The hospitality industry covers economic output related to hotels, restaurants, cruises, and more. The Business Research Company projects the hospitality sector’s global market size [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/hospitality-global-market-report” target=”_blank”]will grow to almost $5 trillion[/hen-ui-link] in 2024. Earning a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/hospitality-management-degree/”]hospitality management degree[/hen-ui-link] can help workers qualify for careers in this field.[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/hospitality-management-degree/”][/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The hospitality industry attracts workers with its large size, fast growth, and variety of jobs. Some roles require specialized skills, including accounting, marketing, and planning. Consequently, pursuing a degree in hospitality management can build these skills for aspiring professionals, giving graduates a competitive advantage when pursuing specific roles or advancement opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students who wish to pursue a degree or career in hospitality management can review this page to discover degree benefits, admission requirements, and career opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Hospitality Management Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking list is from 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get a Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Stability: Hospitality has seen stable growth in the last few decades, COVID-19 impacts aside. Graduates of top hospitality management programs may stand out among peers. These individuals can pursue entry-level management jobs and careers at growing international corporations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Versatile Skills: Hospitality management degrees teach a variety of skills, including accounting, sales, marketing, and leadership. These competencies have applications in a wide array of roles and industries.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diverse Career Paths: The hospitality industry spans an array of subfields, including hotel management, event planning, and international conferences. Gaining a foundation of hospitality management knowledge can help graduates pursue multiple kinds of jobs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From a Hospitality Management Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality management degree programs help prepare students for leadership roles in the field. Learners study topics like finance, operations, and human resources to understand how large corporations work internally and what they require to continue running.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s programs in hospitality management usually consist of 120 credits, which full-time learners can complete in four years. Some schools offer generalized degrees, while others offer concentration options so enrollees can specialize in subfields like gaming, event design, or human resource management. Programs may include hands-on experience like internships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants should ensure their prospective learning institution holds accreditation — acknowledgement from an accreditation agency that the school meets standards of academic excellence. In addition to institutional accreditation, hospitality management degrees can hold programmatic accreditation from agencies like the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. This designation verifies that a program’s curriculum adequately prepares graduates for careers in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Degree, Concentration, and Format Options[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality management degrees may come in bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) formats. BA programs usually focus more heavily on humanities concepts, while BS degrees typically emphasize technical concepts. In addition to programs called “hospitality management,” these degrees use names like:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality and tourism management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hotel and restaurant management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Food and hospitality management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality and event management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality and retail management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some hospitality management degrees may specialize learners’ knowledge toward specific industry sectors. While researching programs, prospective students should ensure programs align with their career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools may also offer accelerated bachelor’s/master’s combined programs that allow learners to earn two degrees more quickly — typically in five years. Often, these programs require learners to take graduate-level courses during their third or fourth years of study, and these classes often count toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degree requirements. These options can help students save time and money.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admissions Process[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each hospitality management program maintains its own admission requirements. Often, students have to submit materials like:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online form with an application fee[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High school diploma or equivalent with official high school transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ACT or SAT scores[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Possible prerequisites include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Minimum 3.0 high school GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Previous relevant work experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All students must submit an application, usually through the school’s website or [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.commonapp.org/” target=”_blank”]Common App[/hen-ui-link]. Common App provides a single application that learners can submit to over 1,000 cooperating schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Popular Hospitality Management Undergraduate Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality management curricula vary by school; prospective enrollees can investigate each program’s courses before applying. Learners usually take a combination of general education, major-specific, and elective courses. Attendees may complete a capstone project to synthesize their knowledge, tackling theoretical issues or working as consultants to solve real-world issues. We explore popular hospitality management courses below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Introduction to Hospitality: This class explores the hospitality industry’s history, trends, and organizational structures. Enrollees learn about management, accounting, maintenance, and engineering. The course may also discuss potential career paths and strategies to help professionals succeed.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hotel Operations: The hotel industry is a crucial piece of the hospitality sector. Consequently, many programs include a class dedicated to teaching the operations, finances, and management of hotels. Students learn about the various staff who run hotels, including front desk, housekeeping, and kitchen workers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Revenue Management: Revenue management courses discuss the importance of revenue maximization and forecasting. Attendees learn to utilize pricing, discounts, capacity management, and duration control to achieve revenue goals.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced Wines: Students pursuing food service specializations can take courses about wines of the world, learning about wine types and pairings as well as the history and geography of wine production. As these classes often include hands-on experience sampling wines, learners need to be of legal drinking age to enroll.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Much Do Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Programs Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The price of hospitality management degrees ranges widely. Some schools charge as low as $2,500 for annual tuition, while others charge more than $50,000 per year. Factors that impact tuition include public or private school status, institutional prestige, and student state residency. Attendees should also budget for additional costs like school fees, books, and the cost of living.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners can also help pay for their hospitality management degree with financial aid like:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships: Awardees receive merit-, need-, or demographic-based funds that do not require repayment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Fellowships: Like scholarships, fellowships do not require repayment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grants: Grants are often need-based and do not require repayment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Loans: Public and private lenders offer student loans, which require repayment with interest[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The links below provide additional information on student loans and scholarships.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Should You Get Your Degree Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective hospitality management degree enrollees may consider online programs. Distance education degrees are usually more flexible than on-campus programs because they include asynchronous learning opportunities with no set meeting times. Attendees of the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-hospitality-management/”]best online hospitality management programs[/hen-ui-link] can attend any program without moving across the country.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In contrast, on-campus programs also offer their own benefits, including the ability to more easily network with students, professors, and alumni. In-person degrees feature more rigid learning structures, which some learners may prefer. On-campus attendees can also participate in extracurriculars and student clubs. Regardless of degree type, both in-person and online programs provide high educational quality.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Hospitality Management Jobs and Salaries[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitality management bachelor’s degree-holders can pursue entry-level leadership roles in industries like lodging, restaurants, and event planning. Professionals may obtain new skills or strengthen existing ones as they gain work experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals can also enroll in a master’s program to further specialize their knowledge and pursue more advanced roles, including hotel revenue manager, cruise director, and corporate controller.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We explore common hospitality management careers below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Lodging Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lodging managers work in hotels, motels, and resorts. They ensure that guests have a comfortable experience. Managers direct internal activities to keep the accommodation running smoothly and profitably. These professionals may have a variety of duties, including inspecting the building’s cleanliness, monitoring staff, and reviewing revenue.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook (2023-33): +10%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2023 Median Annual Salary: $65,360[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Food Service Manager[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Food service managers oversee the routine operations of restaurants. Managers organize staff to optimize efficiency and ensure patrons promptly receive their orders. Restaurant managers may also hire staff, inspect equipment, and oversee food preparation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook (2023-33): +2%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2023 Median Annual Salary: $63,060[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/food-service-managers.htm?utm_source=msu.edu&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=certificate&campaignid=70161000001CrbiAAC&vid=1000000″ target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Event Planner[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Event planners arrange weddings, conventions, and corporate events by choosing locations, handling logistics, and working with vendors. Planners discuss event details with customers, including budgets, food, and accommodation choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook (2023-33): +7%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2023 Median Annual Salary: $56,920[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Selecting the Right Undergraduate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools across the U.S. offer programs in hospitality management, each with their own curriculum, concentrations, and flexibility level. Students should explore each program’s details to find degrees that match their needs. The list below covers important considerations when choosing a school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: Most bachelor’s programs require four years of full-time study, but schools may offer accelerated degrees that take less time. Some institutions offer combined bachelor’s/master’s programs that grant students two degrees in five years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Concentrations: The hospitality industry has many subfields. Applicants with specific career goals should ensure programs offer specializations or coursework that aligns with these aspirations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Partnerships: Investigate each program’s partnerships. Some schools may connect students with local organizations, including hotels and event planning companies, for internships and other hands-on opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alumni Network: Students can use alumni networks to make internship, job, and mentor connections. Active alumni groups may provide additional networking opportunities through online meetings and in-person events.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Hospitality Management Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a hospitality degree difficult?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like any field, hospitality management can prove challenging. Individuals who enjoy learning different subjects or obtaining versatile skills in accounting, management, and marketing may thrive in this field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does a hospitality management bachelor’s program cost?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The tuition for a bachelor’s in hospitality management can range from $2,500 to $50,000 per year. Prospective learners should explore the cost of each program before applying.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get a hospitality management bachelor’s degree online?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, multiple hospitality management degrees offer fully online programs. Classes may run asynchronously, allowing students to study and complete assignments at their own pace. Online programs provide the same degrees as their in-person counterparts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a degree in hospitality management worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals with a passion for hospitality management may find a degree in the field worth the time and cost investments. Hospitality management professionals with a degree can often qualify for a wider array of careers, including advanced roles.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]