Essential Information
While there are no master's degree programs that focus specifically on customer service, customer service representatives who are interested in becoming managers of their departments or running customer service centers can learn advanced customer relations skills by earning a Master of Science (MS) in Hospitality Management. These programs are designed to provide students with an understanding of hospitality operations and employee management techniques. Students are trained to oversee staff members, enact management policies, and develop new methods of working with customers. They also gain an understanding of consumer trends and organizational behavior.
In order to apply to one of these programs, students need a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business administration, or organizational management, as well as two years of professional work experience.
Master's Degree in Hospitality Management
Many of the courses included in graduate programs in hospitality management focus on advanced management theories and techniques for management. Common course titles include:
- Customer service operations
- Customer service analysis
- Hospitality enterprise development
- Strategic management principles
- Accounting and financial management
- Hospitality service management
Employment Outlook and Career Info
Graduates of master's degree programs in hospitality management might find work as customer service supervisors or managers. Specific job titles might include the following:
- Hospitality manager
- Customer relations supervisor
- Computer support specialist
- Front desk supervisor
- Store manager
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
Job opportunities for customer service representatives are predicted to decrease by 2% between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As of May 2020, BLS data shows the median annual salary for customer service representatives was $35,830. Sales managers earned a median annual salary of $132,290 in 2020, and employment opportunities within the field are expected to grow by 4% during the period from 2019-2029.
Overall, students who are interested in studying customer service at the graduate level can pursue a master's degree in hospitality management, which can prepare them for a wide range of management careers.
