5 Best Online Masters in Hospitality Management

Updated October 22, 2021 | BestCollegeReviews.org Staff

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The United States is an international leader in global tourism, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office. International spending in the U.S. has increased over the last several years. Travel here will only grow, so hospitality and tourism management has become an increasingly important and profitable profession. Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for those providing administrative services was $94,020 per year with a projected 10 percent job growth through 2026, faster than average for all occupations.

Students with graduate degrees in hospitality management can be a part of this growth in a variety of roles, including as a hotel general manager, conventions manager, purchase director, casino manager, and many more. These jobs are all centered around guest experiences, making it an apt profession for those who love travel and have great interpersonal skills. With a master’s degree in hospitality management, students can also learn about the financial aspects of the industry, making them more attractive to prospective employers. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree and some experience in the field, and completing a degree online allows for individuals to still work full-time while pursuing their studies.

Methodology

Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the Best Online Master's in Hospitality Management Degrees, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:

25% – Student Satisfaction

30% – Earning Potential

15% – Retention Data

20% – Affordability

10% – Acceptance Rates

For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.

#1 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

ORLANDO, FL

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

Visit Website | Points: 12

With its world-class commitment to research in the field of hospitality and tourism management, University of Central Florida provides professionals with the opportunity to complete a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management within UCF hosts major research summits each year, providing its students with exposure to the top trends in hospitality and tourism management. The university is home to several research journals on the subject as well. This offers students an excellent setting in which they can study and succeed in the online 33-credit degree. They also have a thesis or non-thesis option, and success coaches are available to offer additional support through the course of study. Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semester.

Tuition: $15,533

#2 UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS, NV

MASTER OF HOSPITALITY ADMINISTRATION

Visit Website | Points: 10

The University of Nevada in Las Vegas balances research with practice in their Master of Hospitality Administration program. Students can begin this 30-credit program at the start of any of the five eight-week sessions that are offered. They also choose either a hospitality management or gaming management sub plan. For hospitality management, students can opt for either a hospitality entrepreneurship experience or a professional paper. Gaming management students must do the latter. While in the program, students are advised by a faculty adviser. In addition, the program can be completed in one year.

Tuition: $11,432

#3 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

MIAMI, FL

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY

Visit Website | Points: 10

With its career-oriented curriculum, Florida International University’s Master of Science in Hospitality requires 33 credits on a flexible schedule that can be completed in a year. No prior industry experience is needed. The school provides the tools for its students to make professional connections through a required internship and a variety of partnerships around the world. These relationships offer funding, employment, and resources to students and graduates of the program. FIU also annually partners with Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits for the Food Network and Cooking Channel South Beach Wine and Food Festival, integrating this real-life hospitality experience with the curriculum to form a well-rounded program for students.

Tuition: $12,966

#4 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

DENTON, TX

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Visit Website | Points: 9

The University of North Texas offers a Master of Science in Hospitality Management that has a variety of customizable options for students. It can be completed either residentially or online, and students can also do coursework to earn graduate certificates in Hospitality Management or Event Management. There are also thesis or non-thesis tracks. Additionally, faculty members in the program are actively engaged in their research interests, allowing students to learn about cutting edge practices in the hospitality industry. Further, the 36-credit program has built in a number of networking opportunities for students, including a Hospitality Career Expo each year (where vendors include Aimbridge Hospitality and Freeman, Travelocity, and Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center).

Tuition: $10,424

#5 JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

PROVIDENCE, RI

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

Visit Website | Points: 8

In less than two years, students can finish their Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree at Johnson and Wales University. Courses are divided into eight-week segments and are geared toward the working professional. JWU offers a career-focused curriculum that leads to growth in traditional industry skills and interpersonal skills. This allows students to become culturally competent and socially prepared for leadership in the hospitality industry. The university has also partnered with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, and students are able to earn additional professional certifications from this institute upon graduation.

Tuition: $8,871

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