What is a Hospitality Management Bachelor Degree?
A bachelor's degree in hospitality management aims to prepare students for several global hospitality careers that focus on management, operations, and providing exceptional customer service across hospitality and tourism fields.
Typically, undergraduate hospitality management programs require the completion of 120 credits (general education requirements, core requirements, and electives) with many programs covering several business topics, such as accounting and finance, leadership, marketing and communications, and hospitality law. Students can also expect the opportunity to take a concentration in a more specialized area of hospitality. We will discuss concentrations in the next section.
Oftentimes, students pursuing a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and related subject areas will obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an emphasis on hospitality management. Upon completion of their degree program, students should gain organizational, interpersonal, communication, and managerial skills that will prepare them for gainful employment in lodging, culinary arts, theme park or club management, as well as event planning.
Best Hospitality Management Bachelor's Degrees
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | Cornell University | $57222 | 11% | 95% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $7396 | 55% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8171 | 81% | 45% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 6 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 10 | Florida International University | $6565 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 14 | Michigan State University | $15555 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 15 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | $5720 | 97% | 65% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | San Francisco State University | $7266 | 67% | 57% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Florida Gulf Coast University | $6118 | 67% | 50% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | California State University-East Bay | $7000 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | $9463 | 91% | 60% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 23 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $12688 | 69% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Missouri-Columbia | $10477 | 81% | 71% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 26 | Auburn University | $11492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | $12186 | 58% | 61% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi | $8560 | 72% | 48% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | San Diego State University | $7510 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 31 | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $18879 | 84% | 76% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | California State University-Long Beach | $6834 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 33 | Stockton University | $14048 | 76% | 77% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $9028 | 70% | 65% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | $16389 | 64% | 82% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 36 | Temple University | $16970 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $9366 | 78% | 66% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 38 | Northern Arizona University | $11142 | 85% | 57% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 39 | University of Mississippi | $8828 | 88% | 66% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Kansas State University | $10800 | 95% | 65% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | University of Kentucky | $12360 | 96% | 66% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $11901 | 81% | 70% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 43 | Florida Atlantic University | $4879 | 63% | 50% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | University of North Texas | $11044 | 74% | 56% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $11084 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 46 | Southern Utah University | $6770 | 78% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | California State University-Northridge | $6977 | 59% | 55% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | College of Charleston | $12939 | 78% | 66% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Endicott College | $34154 | 69% | 74% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | East Carolina University | $7238 | 79% | 66% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Hospitality Management Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
While students may have the ability to enroll in a general hospitality management curriculum, many bachelor's degree programs allow students to concentrate on a specific area of the hospitality sector. Choosing a concentration enables students to customize and center their education to meet their intended career goals. For example, choosing to concentrate on hotel management will entail several classes in that field.
The following concentrations are typically found in bachelor-level hospitality management programs:
- Hotel and Lodging Management
- Food Service
- Travel and Tourism
- Beverage Management
- Event Management
- Entertainment Management
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management
Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for hospitality management typically begin their studies with general education requirements (e.g., math, reading, writing, etc.), followed by core hospitality courses and electives. In most undergraduate hospitality management programs, students must also complete one or more internships or work practicums in the field.
Variations of the following course titles are commonly found in hospitality management bachelor's degree programs:
- Customer Experience
- Hospitality Marketing
- Hotel Operations
- Hospitality Financial Accounting
- Spirits and Mixology
- Event Planning and Management
Customer Experience
This course is designed to introduce students to the hospitality guest experience, including strategic planning and how to address concerns that may arise in the service industry. Students will gain expertise regarding the necessities and expectations of customers, how to render feedback, and ways to develop solutions that improve the guest experience for both customers and employers.
Hospitality Marketing
This course is designed for students to learn marketing principles in the hospitality industry, often including topics like consumer behaviors, advertising, public relations, digital marketing, and brand awareness.
Hospitality Financial Accounting
This course aims to provide introductory learning of accounting principles as it relates to the hospitality industry. Course topics may include bookkeeping, balancing statements, analyzing operations, budgeting, and anticipating revenue necessities.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management?
Students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate hospitality management program can typically complete their degree in about four years, while part-time students may take five years or more. Other factors that may further determine the duration of a program include summer course offerings, internships, or the number of classes taken each semester.
Additionally, students may have the option to enroll in an accelerated hospitality management degree program in which they can obtain their bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter amount of time.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Degrees
Higher education institutions and individual degree programs may receive accreditation for having met high academic standards, such as providing innovative curriculums, exceptional instruction, and several resources to its students.
The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) provides programmatic accreditation to hospitality management programs in the United States. To receive ACPHA accreditation, a college or university's hospitality management programs must meet a stringent set of criteria that includes clear learning outcomes, a strategic plan that measures the success of the program, academic and professional support services to students, etc.
Programmatic accreditation is not always necessary, however. When choosing a school for hospitality management, students should ensure their college or university has received accreditation by a regional accrediting organization. For example, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits higher education institutions in seven Northwest states, while the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits schools in six New England states. Students should bear in mind that they must attend an accredited college or university if they are seeking federal financial aid, are looking to apply for scholarships, and even obtain gainful employment.
To learn more about a school's accreditation status, students can visit their college or university's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
Enrolling in a School for Hospitality Management Bachelor's Degree Program
To enroll in a school for a hospitality management bachelor's degree program, first-time students can visit their prospective school's website and fill out the online application. Typically, colleges charge a nominal processing fee to submit the application and supplemental documents. Depending on the college or university, students may also have the ability to submit their admissions materials using the Common Application. After submitting the online application, students must request that their official transcripts from previous schools be sent directly to their intended college or university.
Additional application materials that may be required for admission consideration include:
- SAT, ACT, or other test scores
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Writing sample(s)
- A current resume
Students transferring from another college or university usually follow similar application procedures, including the submission of the online application and mailing of official transcripts. For acceptance into a hospitality management program, transfer students may also need to have met a minimum grade point average and completed several prerequisite courses.
For further assistance with the admissions process, as well as any application deadlines and supplemental materials, students may want to speak with a college admissions representative at their intended school.
Hospitality Management Licensure & Certification
Graduates with bachelor's degrees in hospitality management may opt to pursue voluntary licensure and certification to demonstrate their professional expertise, seek career advancement, or stay abreast of industry trends. Depending on the hospitality field an individual works in, there may be an associated credential they can obtain.
For example, the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) certification is offered through the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE). Eligible candidates can apply for the certification online and pay the accompanying fee to take the exam. Individuals may then prepare for the certification exam by reviewing the CPCE core competencies that include accounting, food and beverage management, contracts, event management, human resources, catering services, marketing, etc. CPCE holders must recertify their credentials every five years.
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) also offers the Certified Hospitality Digital Marketer (CHDM) to individuals who work in marketing and sales in the hospitality industry. After demonstrating their eligibility, individuals must take an exam that covers owned, earned, and paid media; digital interventions, trending topics, and how to measure and manage online performance. Individuals with a CHDM credential must recertify every two years.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management?
Students with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management typically gain the expertise and professionalism in their program to pursue several hospitality manager careers. Although some hospitality careers do not require a bachelor's degree, many employers prefer to hire individuals with some formal education and training. Additionally, obtaining a four-year hospitality management degree could potentially give job applicants a competitive edge when seeking managerial roles.
Graduates with bachelor's hospitality management degrees usually have sought-after business knowledge in marketing, leadership, organization, operations, and sales. Additional skill sets may include problem-solving, interpersonal and customer service skills, adaptability and flexibility, and communication.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2020, the following hospitality management careers had a median salary of:
- Lodging Manager: $56,670
- Food Service Manager: $56,590
- Sales Manager: $132,290
- Purchasing Agent: $72,270
- Human Resources Manager: $121,220
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner: $51,560
How to Become a Foodservice Manager
Although it isn't required for foodservice professionals to hold a bachelor's degree, those seeking food service managerial roles may have more job opportunities at luxury hotels and restaurants with a four-year education.
With an emphasis on customer service, food service managers are responsible for overseeing their kitchen and dining room staff, as well as ensuring customer satisfaction. This may include serving time, presentation, atmosphere, scheduling to ensure there is enough staff to serve patrons, etc. Other duties might include purchasing food, drinks, and supplies; inspecting equipment, budgeting, and setting procedural standards for the workplace.
Foodservice managers likely possess excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Due to having to work long shifts while on their feet, a high level of physical stamina is also important. Additionally, food service managers (particularly those who are restaurant owners) tend to be business savvy and adept in several different areas of the foodservice industry.
Between 2019 and 2029, the job openings for food service managers are expected to increase by 1 percent. While it may become more difficult to obtain a managerial role in food service, those who have a bachelor's degree and several years of experience under their belts will likely have better chances of securing employment.
How to Become a Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner
Meeting, convention, and event planners have a wide range of duties related to all facets of events and gatherings, including scheduling, transportation, and activity arrangement. Planners may provide their services through the coordination of conferences, weddings, trade shows, exhibitions, etc. Other responsibilities typically include building relationships with clientele, strategizing the scope of the event (time, place, budget, etc.), visiting potential event sites, negotiating contracts, coordinating food and activity services, and monitoring the logistics of the event as it's ongoing.
Planners usually possess innate communication and interpersonal skills that allow them to interact and maintain excellent relationships with clients, contractors, and staff. Additionally, planners are also typically seasoned negotiators, well-organized, and adept at problem-solving.
Between 2019 and 2029, employment opportunities for meeting, convention, and event planners are expected to increase by 8 percent. Individuals with degrees in the hospitality management field are likely to have the most opportunities for these types of planning and event management careers.
Professional Organizations in Hospitality Management
Students and graduates of hospitality management degree programs may choose to join a professional organization in the hospitality field. Professional organizations typically provide opportunities to network with industry leaders while gaining access to career resources, the latest field research, and publications.
Membership benefits for the National Restaurant Association include advocacy and representation for restaurants owners and employees, workforce training, peer learning, networking opportunities, research, and discounts and special offers. Individuals can choose their membership category (e.g., Restaurant, Allied, Faculty, Student, etc.), fill out the online application, and pay the associated membership dues.
The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) represents all fields of the U.S.-based lodging industry. Members may benefit from the AHLA's advocacy of lodging policies, networking opportunities with widespread industry professionals, current news and research, and access to lodging and professional development events. Individuals can choose their membership type, fill out the online application, and pay their annual membership dues.
What Other Kinds of Hospitality Management Degrees Are There?
Hospitality management degrees are obtainable at every degree level. Students also can pursue several certificate programs in hospitality and tourism topics to broaden their expertise. We will explore these different degrees and certificate options in the following sections.
Although students may pursue various lucrative hospitality careers with a bachelor's degree, obtaining advanced levels of hospitality management education may lead to even greater leadership and managerial roles in the field.
Associate Degrees in Hospitality Management
Associate degrees in hospitality management are designed to offer foundational learning in key hospitality and tourism management topics. Students who enroll in these two-year programs may intend to continue their education in a four-year bachelor's degree program upon completion, or seek entry-level employment across several hospitality fields, including travel agencies, resorts and hotels, theme parks, cruise companies, and casinos.
Typically, associate degree programs in hospitality management require that students complete 60 credits of general education coursework (e.g., reading, mathematics, writing, and science), hospitality-related courses, and electives. Generally, students graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality Management, although they may also receive an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) instead.
Master's Degrees in Hospitality Management
A master's degree in hospitality management offers an advanced curriculum that encourages students to delve deeper into the business and legal aspects of the hospitality field. Throughout many master's degree programs, students may also have the ability to concentrate on a specialization that may include a particular hospitality sector (e.g., restaurant management, lodging management, etc.) or a more administrative concentration, such as human resources or finance.
Full-time students can expect their master-level hospitality management programs to take approximately two years, with most programs requiring about 30-36 credits. Students may also need to meet other academic requirements to graduate (e.g. an internship, thesis/dissertation, professional paper, and/or comprehensive exam).
A master's degree in hospitality management is usually a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA). Some students may also pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on hospitality management.
Doctoral Degrees in Hospitality Management
A doctorate in hospitality management is the highest level of academic scholarship a student may obtain and is typically ideal for individuals seeking research, business leadership, or higher education teaching positions.
Candidates for a doctoral degree in hospitality management may need to complete approximately 60 credits of rigorous coursework, although credit requirements tend to vary by program. Most programs take about 3-5 years to complete. Similar to a bachelor's or master's degree, doctoral students may be able to choose a concentration to hone in on their studies. Other program requisites may include teaching apprenticeships, a work practicum, a thesis/dissertation and defense, examinations, etc.
Students can expect to culminate their doctoral programs with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Hospitality Management or a related discipline.
Certificates in Hospitality Management
There are several certificate programs available for hospitality management at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In most certificate programs, students can expect to take between 12-18 credits of hospitality and business-related coursework. Many certificate programs take about one year to complete.
Certificates in hospitality management tend to be ideal for students seeking to improve or develop new skill sets, seek entry-level careers, career advancement, or stay informed about industry trends. Examples of certificate programs in hospitality management include Sustainable Tourism Destination Management, Hotel Management, and Hospitality Marketing Specialist.
Another option for students to improve their industry skills and expertise is to enroll in free online hospitality management training courses; however, oftentimes those types of courses do not count towards college or continuing education credits.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Hospitality Management Degrees
Pursuing a hospitality management bachelor's degree can be expensive. However, students who require assistance paying for their education may qualify for several financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Individuals seeking federal financial aid should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the amount of financial assistance they may receive. Eligibility requirements for FAFSA usually involve enrollment at an accredited school, satisfactory academic progress, demonstrated proof of financial need, and U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status.
Additionally, scholarships are widely available online and may even be searched for according to school, major, or personal interests. Other types of financial aid may include an employer tuition reimbursement program through the student's workplace, federal work-study programs, and military benefits.
Students requiring more information regarding tuition, financing, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities should contact their university or college's financial aid office to speak with a representative.
Colorado Hospitality Scholarship
The Colorado Hospitality Scholarship is made up of three different awards for students studying hospitality degrees at accredited, four-year universities in the Denver metropolitan area. Applicants must be enrolled as freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; should be carrying a minimum of 9 credits per semester, and have at least a 3.0-grade point average. Seniors who have been accepted into a graduate hospitality management program may also apply.
Candidates should fill out the online application, as well as submit their academic transcripts, resume, personal statement, letter of recommendation (from their university or college), and a letter of recommendation from the hotel at which they work (if applicable).
South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Scholarship
The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Scholarship is offered to students who are currently working in the hospitality industry and are enrolled in a hospitality program at an accredited college or university full-time. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Candidates must submit the online application, current academic transcripts, and an essay explaining their need for the scholarship and future goals in the hospitality field. Award money will be distributed equally between the student's fall and spring semesters.
