Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an online master’s in hospitality management is Southeastern Oklahoma State University, followed by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
- Earning an online master’s in hospitality management can enhance career prospects in the growing hospitality industry.
- These programs offer flexibility, allowing completion in as little as one year while maintaining current professional commitments.
In this article, we profile top value online master’s in hospitality degree programs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of management occupations is projected to grow eight percent through the year 2026, approximately as fast as the average for all occupations. The growth is expected to be driven by the formation of new organizations, such as hotels and restaurants. These businesses will require hospitality managers. To stand out among often fierce competition for management jobs, individuals may consider earning a master’s in hospitality management online degree. We’ve got a great article breaking down the ins and outs of the hospitality industry.
Featured Programs
Hospitality Master’s Degree Online: Top 25 Values Methodology
We looked at approximately 60 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) that offered at least one master’s in hospitality management online degree program. We narrowed our school selection by applying criteria such as school and/or program accreditation by a regional or national governing body, graduate tuition/fees of less than $30,000 per year, and institution and/or program ranking with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our top 30 schools according to raw affordability. Tuition and fees were gathered from the most recent numbers published by NCES College Navigator.
Below is our list of the top master’s in hospitality management online degree programs.
#25 – George Washington University
Online Master’s in Tourism
Washington, District of Columbia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,840
George Washington University’s master’s in hospitality management online focuses on teaching and training students to go on to rewarding careers in hospitality, tourism, event planning, and sports management. Housed within George Washington’s top ranked business school, online students have the same curriculum and privileges as on campus students. The program is geared toward working professionals seeking additional education as a means to increase occupational mobility. Graduates are prepared for top positions within the industry and work for some of the most prestigious hospitality and tourism organizations. U.S. News and World Report ranks George Washington University #63 in national universities and #19 in best online graduate business programs.
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#23 – Roosevelt University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,879
Roosevelt University offers a master’s in hospitality management online through its Heller College of Business that can be earned entirely online in just one year. Sample courses may include applied research methods in hospitality management, executive leadership, human capital management and development, and strategic innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. Admission requirements include official transcripts, resume/cv, and letter of intent. In addition to core curriculum, students can choose from a variety of concentrations, including corporate social responsibility, leadership/management and human resources, financial analysis, marketing, and research and tourism administration. Roosevelt University is ranked #88 in regional universities Midwest by U.S. News and World Report.
#22 – Schiller International University
Online Master’s in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Largo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,800
Schiller International University offers a hospitality MBA online for individuals seeking graduate preparation and training for top hospitality and tourism positions. The program is a master’s in business administration geared specifically for the hospitality and tourism sector. The 45-credit program can be completed in just 15 months. Courses include applications in business, case studies in hospitality and tourism management, food and beverage control, hotel and restaurant accounting information systems, and methods of research and analysis. Schiller University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. Admission requirements include application, transcripts, undergraduate degree, and signed high school attestation.
#21 – Temple University
Online Master’s in Travel and Tourism
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,054
Temple University offers a master’s in hospitality management online for prospective students seeking to accelerate their tourism career trajectory or break into the hospitality and tourism sector. The program’s structure is such that students take just one course at a time over the course of 5 weeks and can graduate from the program in as little as 13 months. Courses may include cultural intelligence, destination management and marketing, quantitative methods for business, tourism analytics pre-req OMBA quantitative methods for business, and understanding tourism in the 21st century. The program is delivered under the auspices of the Temple School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple #106 in national universities.
#20 – Monroe College
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Bronx, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,768
Monroe College’s online master’s in hospitality management provides one of the best value online master’s degree in the industry through its rigorous curriculum taught by well-qualified and trained faculty members who possess industry experience. The program features an accelerated format that can be completed in just one year. Monroe’s program is conducted almost entirely online aside from two one-week residencies occurring at the beginning and end of the program. During the residencies students are able to stay in New Rochelle, which is a short 30-minute train ride from the heart of Manhattan. Courses include contemporary problems and issues in hospitality, global tourism in emerging markets, hospitality information systems, qualitative research application for hospitality, and strategic management and leadership in hospitality. U.S. News and World Report ranks Monroe #90 in regional universities North.
#19 – University of Toledo
Online Master’s in Recreation and Leisure Administration
Toledo, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,984
The University of Toledo offers one of the top value hospitality master’s programs online offering a unique blend of tourism and recreation courses. Aside from online courses, students can choose from an internship, thesis, or project to complete the degree. Courses include community event planning, financial resources in recreation and recreation therapy, issues and trends in recreation and recreation therapy, principles of travel and tourism, and statistics and research for HSHS. Admission requirements include three letters of recommendation, transcripts, proof of health and accident insurance, and application fee. International students must also submit TOEFL scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks Toledo #230 in national universities.
#18 – Stratford University
Online Master’s in International Hospitality Management
Fairfax, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,515
Stratford University offers an online master’s in hospitality management accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The program prepares students for leadership positions in the highly competitive industry of international hospitality. The degree prepares students for a variety of tourism and hospitality contexts including hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, resorts, and more. The degree includes 54 credits spread over 12 courses. Classes run from 5-10 weeks with time to completion being 15 months. Classes include facilities and assets development, financial management in hospitality, human resource management, and issues in hospitality management. Students can also select from a variety or concentration areas according to their career aspirations and interest.
#17 – Lynn University
Online Master’s in Business Administration Hospitality Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,420
Lynn University provides a hospitality MBA online designed for individuals seeking graduate level education while maintaining their current obligations. The Lynn program’s curriculum focuses on core business functions as they relate to the hospitality and tourism industry. Additionally, classes and experiences focus on leadership and management development and acumen. Students work on analyzing high stakes complex case studies to learn real-world skills and concepts. The goal of most students is to develop additional competencies and move into top management positions. Classes may include food service administration, resort development and management, and service management. Lynn is ranked #100 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report.
#16 – Johnson & Wales University
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,008
Johnson & Wales University offers a master’s in hospitality management online for those seeking a rigorous accredited graduate degree focusing on preparing students for top management and leadership positions within the tourism and hospitality space. The program is a blend of practical job-related functions with current theory. Additionally, the program adds in leadership and management development courses and experiences. Courses are 8 weeks in duration with the time to completion of the degree being less than two years. Courses include benchmarking and operations analysis in the hospitality industry, corporate financial accounting, information technology in hospitality and tourism, and strategic marketing in service dominant logic. J&W is ranked #74 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.
#15 – Washington State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality Business Management
Pullman, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,799
Washington State University’s Carson College of Business offers a hospitality MBA online for individuals seeking a graduate education from a nationally ranked institution. The hospitality concentration is a piece of the overall WSU eMBA that is one of the top ranked in the country. The program features courses such as hospitality operations analysis, international tourism strategy and planning, and services management, in addition to the core MBA curriculum. The program provides students with in-depth coverage of the critical business-related skills and concepts as they relate to the unique context of hospitality and tourism. Moreover, the program also includes coursework designed to help students learn leadership and management principles, as one of the main goals for graduates is to be prepared to move into top positions. WSU is ranked #140 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
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#13 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Restaurant and Hospitality Management
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The University of Alabama offers one of the top value online hospitality master’s degrees for students seeking distance education from a flagship state university. The 30-credit program includes a thesis or non-thesis track. Students are required to have taken an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course within the last three years. Courses may include financial management and hospitality relations, leadership in the hospitality industry, seminar in hospitality management, and strategic management in the hospitality industry. Admission requirements include a 3.0 undergraduate GPA on the last 60 credit hours or acceptable MAT/GRE scores and statement of purpose. Alabama is ranked #129 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#12 – Purdue University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
West Lafayette, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992
Purdue University offer’s an online master’s in hospitality management designed for existing hospitality and tourism managers to add additional skills, concepts, and leadership acumen. Graduates from the program are then prepared to advance to top industry careers. In addition to theoretical development, the program focuses on developing practical business and leadership applications through complex problem solving and case study analysis within the context of the hospitality and tourism sector. Courses include advanced hospitality accounting and finance systems, business statistics and quantitative analysis, economics of travel and tourism, and leadership in hospitality and tourism. Purdue is ranked #56 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#11 – University of Houston
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,046
The University of Houston offers one of the top value online hospitality master’s degrees to students seeking flexible yet rigorous graduate education from a regionally accredited institution. Students are able to set their own educational pacing and complete the degree in one or two years’ time all while maintaining their current obligations. Delivered through the UH Conrad N. Hilton College, the program includes courses such as hospitality financial assets and planning management, hospitality marketing analysis, human resources in hospitality, and strategic decision making in the hospitality industry. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Houston #171 in national universities.
#10 – San Diego State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,894
San Diego State University provides one of the top hospitality master’s programs online for students seeking value and efficiency. The program’s timeline includes seven days of on-campus instruction followed by 17 months of online courses and concluding with another seven-day residential experience on campus. The program provides depth and breadth into the unique business and leadership aspects within the tourism and hospitality spaces that students need to be successful. The program is geared towards mid-level managers with 5-15 years experience who are seeking upward mobility into top management and executive positions. U.S. News and World Report ranks San Diego State University #127 in national universities.
#9 – University of Central Florida
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Orlando, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,872
University of Central Florida offers an online master’s in hospitality management appropriate for current or aspiring tourism and hospitality practitioners seeking to build knowledge and leadership skills within the industry. The ideal candidate is a working professional with a career related to the hospitality and tourism industry and who possesses an undergraduate degree. The program provides business theory and skill development as it relates to the hospitality sector as well as leadership and management development. The majority of graduates have the goal to ascend to top management positions upon graduation. UCF is ranked #165 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – University of Wisconsin
Online Master’s in Hospitality Strategy
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,316
The University of Wisconsin Stout offers a master’s in hospitality management online for individuals seeking an analytic-based curriculum. Here students learn to leverage data-driven decision making within the context of driving positive customer experiences in tourism and hospitality spaces. The program also integrates management and leadership development to assist students in leading consumer-driven organizations. Admission requirements include a one-page statement addressing competency of consumer strategy, one letter of recommendation, resume, and bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Courses include consumer value creation for hospitality, data interpretation and hospitality forecasting, and strategic alignment of hospitality human capital. U.S. News and World Report ranks UW-Stout #80 in regional universities Midwest.
#7 – University of New Orleans
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
New Orleans, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,298
The University of New Orleans offers one of the quickest hospitality master’s programs online that can be completed in just one year. The program is designed for practitioners with industry experience seeking to build upon that industry experience. The program is delivered via five 8-week sessions over the course of 12 months, which runs from January to December (10 courses total). Classes include change management for hospitality and tourism, hospitality and tourism industry strategic management, marketing applications for the hospitality and tourism industry, and technology for hospitality and tourism management. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of New Orleans #230 in national universities.
#6 – Louisiana State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Casino Management
Shreveport, Louisiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,349
Louisiana State University offers a unique hospitality MBA online with a focus on hospitality and casino management. It is one of the few online degrees focusing on the gaming industry. In addition to the rigorous curriculum, the degree can be finished in just 10 months’ time, making it a convenient option for individuals seeking a graduate degree within a short time frame. In addition to learning universal business functions, students will engage in complex business case studies within the unique context of the casino and gaming sector that requires specialized skills and knowledge. LSU Shreveport is ranked #107 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report.
#5 – East Carolina University
Online Master’s in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality
Greenville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,270
East Carolina University offers one of the top value online hospitality master’s degrees with a focus on environmental responsibility and sustainability. Offered through the School of Hospitality, the 10-class 30-credit program is offered 100% online with no residency requirements. Classes are offered asynchronously, which means coursework can be done anytime. Hospitality management courses may include critical analysis of food service and beverage management, current issues and strategies in hospitality management, strategic management of conventions and special events, and strategic management of lodging operations. Admission requirements include 450+ on GMAT and a minimum score of 950 based on formula of (200xGPA) + GMAT. ECU is ranked #194 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – University of North Texas
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,165
The University of North Texas provides interested individuals with an online master’s in hospitality management designed to assist current or aspiring hospitality professionals with increased knowledge, work competencies, and upward career mobility. Upon graduation, students may qualify for leading industry positions. Admission requirements include a completed application, transcripts, three letters of recommendation from former faculty or employers, resume or cv, and professional essay addressing academic and career goals. The program’s curriculum focuses on the development of practical skills needed to succeed in management positions while also developing decision making acumen based on research-based theoretical knowledge. UNT is ranked #230 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#3 – Florida Atlantic University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657
Florida Atlantic University offers one of the top value online hospitality master’s degrees for students seeking flexible online enrollment. Students may matriculate in spring, summer, or fall and may enroll full-time or part-time as their schedule allows. The degree is a true MBA with a large complement of tourism and hospitality classes focusing on core business aspects of the industry. The degree ranges from 31-43 credits depending on academic background. Students with an undergraduate business degree may have up to 12 credits waived. There are 28 hospitality/tourism courses, including contemporary issues in hospitality marketing, hospitality operations: a case approach, meetings and events management, and strategies for excellence in guest service management. FAU is ranked #230 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#2 – University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Hospitality Administration
Las Vegas, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,776
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers one of the top value online hospitality master’s degrees for individuals seeking graduate education from a regionally accredited institution. The 30-credit program typically takes 18-24 months to complete, but can be finished in one year for students who enroll full-time. Additionally, students can adjust enrollment each term and even opt-out for a semester should they need to. Admission requirements include bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 minimum GPA or 3.0 in last two years, a minimum of three-years of full-time management experience in the hospitality industry, resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. UNLV is ranked #230 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#1 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online Master’s in Business with Emphasis in Hospitality Management
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,022
Southeastern Oklahoma State provides a master’s in hospitality management online consisting of 36 credits that can be finished in as little as 12 months. The program is delivered entirely online with no residency requirement, making it an optimal choice for busy professionals seeking graduate education while maintaining their current obligations. Courses may include accounting for managers, data analysis for managers, hospitality marketing, human resource development, and principle-centered leadership and ethics. Admission requirements vary depending on background, although a bachelor’s degree is required for all potential students. GMAT scores are not required. Students with a non-business background are required to take specific business prerequisite courses. SOSU is ranked #96 in regional universities West by U.S. News and World Report.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a hospitality master’s degree online?
Hospitality managers work in a variety of industries. Lodging, restaurant, and tourism management careers require education. Due to competition, management positions in hospitality can be fierce. To help set you apart from competing job candidates, a graduate degree, such as a master’s in hospitality management online degree, can be beneficial.
Food service managers are one occupation in the hospitality management industry. Food service managers are responsible for day-to-day operations of restaurants and other food handling and preparation businesses. Managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and keeping the business on budget are all duties of a food service or restaurant manager.
Lodging or hotel managers are another type of hospitality management role. Lodging managers ensure guests are happy with their stay while on vacation or business travel. They are also responsible for the establishment running efficiently and profitably. Lodging managers oversee staff and most duties carried out by the lodging team.
Other hospitality management jobs might include RV or camp managers, catering service managers, casino managers, or any management role in the hospitality industry. To best leverage your career in hospitality management, earning a master’s in hospitality management online degree can help. Experience is favored in these management roles, which makes an online degree even more valued. You won’t have to give up your day job in hospitality to return to school for your advanced degree.
What are the admission requirements for a master’s in hospitality management online degree?
Admission requirements vary among master’s in hospitality management online degree programs. Some of the top-ranked programs ask for a strong undergraduate academic record and GRE or GMAT scores, while others have no test score requirement.
Overall, most master’s degree programs require an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. Additional requirements include recommendations from undergraduate instructors or employers who can attest to experience in the hospitality industry. Admission committees might also look for adequate work experience. Candidates with supervisory or leadership experience bring a valuable dynamic to any graduate level hospitality program. But if you do not have experience in the industry, you may still be able to enter a hospitality program. In most cases, experience is recommended but not required.
GRE scores are not always required, though top ranked programs may ask for test scores received within the last five years. If you do not wish to take the GRE, look for programs that do not require or recommend test scores.
In addition to standard admission requirements, industry requirements are important to evaluate. Having good interpersonal skills, strong leadership skills, and a business acumen will prove beneficial when working as a hospitality manager, no matter which industry you’re in.
How long does it take to get a hospitality master’s degree online?
Many factors influence the time it takes to acquire a master’s in hospitality management online degree. The biggest factor that impacts time is whether you plan to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. If you plan to work while earning your graduate degree and have outside obligations that require your time, a part-time program might be well-suited for you. However, many part-time and full-time programs offer flexible classes and coursework designed to be completed in less than two years.
If you want to earn your degree at a more accelerated pace, full-time enrollment is helpful. Some of the master’s in hospitality management online programs on our list can be completed in 12-18 months. In some cases, transfer credits are accepted, which also speed up the completion time of your degree.
If time is the most important factor in choosing which hospitality management online degree program you attend, finding a program with no thesis requirement can help. Some programs require a short internship and do not require a thesis, while others require both an internship and culminating project or well-researched thesis. Overall, plan to spend at least 12 months studying for your master’s in hospitality management online degree.
What is the career outlook for those with an online master’s in hospitality management degree?
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook reports employment of management occupations across the board is expected to grow eight percent over the next eight years. This projection is slightly faster than the seven-percent expected average for all other occupations, and should result in over 800,000 new jobs.
BLS reports food service managers should see an employment growth of nine percent. Individuals with several years of work experience as food service or hospitality management are expected to find work easier than those without adequate experience. Restaurant managers should see a more favorable job outlook than lodging managers, as BLS reports a projected four percent increase in jobs through year 2026. This is a slightly slower than average growth rate than the national average and four percent slower than management positions in the restaurant industry.
To set yourself apart from competition, earning an advanced degree, such as the master’s in hospitality management online degree, can prove to be beneficial. Applicants for management positions can expect strong competition for most hospitality jobs. Having a graduate degree with valuable supervisory experience helps improve the likelihood of finding a hospitality management job.
How much money will I make with a hospitality master’s degree online?
PayScale, a global compensation and salary research organization, reports the average hospitality manager salary is $45,760. Pay increases with experience, and in some cases, organizations and companies view an advanced degree as experience. This means that an individual with a master’s in hospitality is viewed as having more industry experience than someone with a bachelor’s in hospitality management.
PayScale reports a positive trend in compensation as experience increases. An entry-level hospitality manager with less than five years of related experience can expect to earn an average of $38,000. This number is the average total compensation package, which includes salary, bonus, commission, and tips. A hospitality manager with mid-career experience, or five to ten years of supervisory experience, can expect to earn an average total compensation of $40,000. Average salaries remain unchanged for individuals with ten to twenty years of experience. On average, these individuals earn the same as mid-career hospitality managers. However, a hospitality manager with late-career experience or greater than twenty years of experience earn an average total compensation of $50,000.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that lodging managers earn more than restaurant managers, though location and organization size impacts earnings. In 2017, the median annual wages for lodging managers was $51,140, and RV parks and recreational camp managers earned on average $44,780.
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