Online Master’s in Hospitality Management

Students who pursue a hospitality management master's will learn what it takes to succeed as managers, restaurateurs, concierges, and directors. Throughout their degree, students will enroll in courses that teach them the professional and interpersonal skills required of hospitality professionals. Though each college's curriculum setup is different, hospitality courses often include topics in tourism, marketing, public relations and customer and food service.

Why a Master’s Degree?

For those who want to move up the professional ladder, enrolling in hospitality management masters programs is a great way to do so. In a graduate hospitality management program, students will dive into a plethora of research and analysis that will help them propel their hospitality careers. On-the-job training is crucial for those who work in hospitality careers. However, master’s degrees are helpful in attaining executive or management positions, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Common career titles pursued by individuals holding a master’s in hospitality management include executive chef, restaurant manager, catering specialist, guest services manager, food and beverage manager, or hotel owner.

Inside a Hospitality Management Master’s Degree Program

Two years is usually all it takes for a full-time student to complete their hospitality management master’s. Throughout their program, students will spend time researching various specialties in hospitality management. The most common specialties featured in a master’s degree program include management, public relations, human relations, hotel operations, event planning, financial accounting, tourism sales, and baking and pastry arts. However, these are just a few of the many concentrations students can pursue.

An online master’s in hospitality management is offered at many schools. In addition to completing their online courses, students may also be expected to complete semester-long internships in hotels or restaurants. Coupled with master’s courses, these professional experiences will serve as the ideal preparation for professional hospitality careers.

What’s Next for Hospitality Management Degree Holders?

Although hospitality management opens up students to any number of careers, a number of graduate students go on to become food service managers. Other common positions accepted by hospitality graduates are hotel managers and restaurant consultants. The salary for these careers varies by location and experience level. For instance, general and operational managers of restaurants and other eating places, as termed by the BLS in May 2014, earn an average of $71,740 annually. Lodging managers, meanwhile, make an average annual salary of $57,230.