The hospitality industry brings in billions of dollars annually, and it couldn't do that without effective managers at all levels. This includes hotel managers.
Many employers require their hotel managers to hold degrees in a relevant field. Keep reading to discover our list of best U.S. schools with programs for hotel management.
Top Hotel Management Schools
Those who are interested in hotel management can earn a degree in hospitality management.
Many colleges and universities offer these degrees, but a few programs stand out above the rest.
We've listed our top picks for hotel management schools below in alphabetical order.
1. Boston University
Boston University is a private research university in Boston, MA. It offers hospitality programs through its School of Hospitality Administration.
Students interested in hotel management can earn a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration. This is a flexible program that includes courses like:
- Hospitality Analytical Problem Solving
- Hospitality Asset Management
- Hospitality Leadership
- Hospitality Sales Management
This program prepares students for careers in hospitality administration. It includes 800 hours of on-the-job experience to complete the program.
At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Management in Hospitality. It includes courses such as:
- Hotel Development and Deal Making
- Hospitality Operations
- Hospitality Organizational Leadership
- Hospitality Revenue Management Strategies
The program is available in an accelerated format that allows students to earn their degree in just one year, although a part-time option is also available.
2. Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, MI. Its School of Hospitality Business offers a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business.
This program prepares students to enter management positions in a variety of fields and venues, including lodging and hotels.
The degree offers courses such as:
- Hospitality Human Resources
- Hospitality Lodging Systems
- Hospitality Management and Leadership
- Hospitality Professional Development
The program requires a total of 120 credits, which includes two paid internships.
3. New York University
New York University is a private research university in New York City. It offers hospitality degrees through its Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality.
At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management. It includes courses like:
- Advanced Hotel Operations Management
- Hotel and Tourism Accounting
- Hospitality and Travel Technology and Innovation
- Leadership in the Hospitality Industry
The program also provides students with study-abroad opportunities as well as internships at leading NYC hotels.
The school also offers a Master of Science in Global Hospitality Management. This is a 36-credit degree program that can be done online or on campus. It includes courses such as:
- Current and Future Hospitality Technologies
- Data Analytics for Hospitality and Travel
- Hotel Operations Analysis
- Managing through Failure and Success
Like with the bachelor's program, students have access to study abroad opportunities and internships at leading hotels and resorts.
4. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a public research university in West Lafayette, IN. Its White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers hospitality programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management equips students with valuable skills to prepare them to become well-rounded hospitality professionals. Courses include:
- Hospitality Facilities Management
- Introduction To Lodging Management
- Revenue Management In The Lodging Industry
- Sanitation And Health In Foodservice, Lodging, And Tourism
The program also includes a 320-hour paid internship and the opportunity to work at the on-campus Union Club Hotel.
The Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management is an online program that takes two years to complete. It includes courses like:
- Advanced Personnel Systems in Restaurants, Hotels, and Institutions
- Advanced Service Management for Hospitality and Tourism
- Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism
- Management Challenge Analysis
The master's program is ideal for managers who have three to five years of experience in hospitality and want to develop their leadership style.
5. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public research university in Blacksburg, VA. It offers hospitality degrees through its Howard Feiertage Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Undergraduate students can earn their bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management. This program prepares students for management positions in the hospitality and tourism industry.
It includes courses such as:
- Financial Management and Cost Control for Hospitality Organizations
- Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry
- Introduction to Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
- Lodging Management
Graduate students can earn a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism management. Courses include:
- Financial Management in the Hospitality Service Industries
- Franchising in Hospitality Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Strategy and Policy
- Revenue Management for Hospitality Services
The program requires 30 credits and provides flexibility to tailor the degree to focus on particular areas of interest.
FAQs About Hotel Management Programs
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about hotel management programs below.
What Level of Degree Do I Need to Work in Hotel Management?
The level of degree you need to work as a manager in a hotel setting will depend on your employer, but most prefer candidates to have at least a bachelor's degree.
How Long Are Hotel Management Programs?
The length of a program for hotel management will depend on the level of degree you're earning. Bachelor's degrees usually take four years while master's can range from one to three.
Can I Complete a Program for Hotel Management Online?
Most programs for hotel management are primarily offered in person, but a few, including some listed above, are available online. There are even free hotel management courses available.
Find the Best Hotel Management Programs
Several excellent colleges and universities in the United States offer degree programs for hotel management. Check out the ones listed above and start your career journey today!