What is Hospitality Management?


You can fulfill your aspirations of leading in the hospitality sector by pursuing a hospitality management degree in Oregon. Universities in Oregon stand out as beacons for those looking to become a hospitality manager in Oregon, offering a comprehensive education grounded in the principles of guest service excellence, food safety regimes, and effective human resources and technology management. Acquiring a degree from a reputable institution connects you to Oregon's dynamic hospitality industry, providing practical training and the possibility to secure job offers even before your graduation.

Featured Online Programs

Understanding Hospitality Management in Oregon


In the picturesque state of Oregon, the hospitality industry is not just a prominent economic sector but also a vibrant field offering diverse opportunities and careers, whether you're looking to create customer satisfaction or lead a team of professionals based on your hands on experience in the field. Through its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Oregon attracts numerous tourists each year, making hospitality a critical aspect of the state's economy. Those interested in forging a career in this sector can benefit greatly from exploring various hospitality management programs available in the state.

Oregon's allure as a top tourist destination elevates the importance of well-rounded hospitality services, which in turn emphasizes the significance of quality hospitality education. Academic institutions in Oregon provide students with unique educational experience through their hospitality management programs. These degree programs enable students to immerse themselves directly in the industry via internships at premier local establishments, integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

Key Attributes of a Successful Hospitality Manager

To succeed in the dynamic field of hospitality, aspiring managers must develop a robust skill set that includes an in-depth understanding of guest service excellence, professional service management, and technological applications tailored for the hospitality industry. A hospitality degree that focuses on these core competences can prepare you to meet the diverse needs of this sector. Exceptional interpersonal skills, an understanding of food production principles, and human resource management are essential skills for many aspiring hospitality managers aiming to thrive in Oregon’s flourishing tourism and hospitality market.

Online Hospitality Management Programs


Embarking on an online hospitality management degree in Oregon introduces you to a dynamic blend of in-person core courses and specialized online hospitality classes. This format can not only increase your engagement with industry-specific knowledge but can also conveniently fit into a busy schedule. Online programs often include a comprehensive suite of courses requiring about 60 credit hours for completion of an associate degree and around 120 credit hours for completion of a bachelor’s degree. In both undergraduate degree options, these courses will cover both general education and core hospitality management subjects and electives.

Key components of an online bachelor’s in hospitality management include business-focused courses, or even a business minor, and the chance to specialize in options such as ecotourism and sustainability. You can find versatile and in-depth hospitality programs online.

Participating in online hospitality classes not only imparts crucial industry knowledge but can also prepare you with practical skills through real-world internships. These internships can be vital components of hospitality management curriculum, are instrumental in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry demands. As you progress through the curriculum of your hospitality program, you should gain firsthand insights into the nuances of hospitality management, making you a prime candidate for potential employment opportunities right here in Oregon.

Online Educational Pathways for a Hospitality Management Degree in Oregon


Embarking on a career in hospitality management means understanding the different educational pathways available to you. Each degree level prepares you for unique opportunities in the hospitality industry, whether you aim to lead management teams or pursue academic research in business hospitality management.

Online Associates (AS)

An associate degree in hospitality management can serve as an entry point into the field. It usually covers basic principles of the industry and sets a foundation for further learning. This degree can be a steppingstone to more advanced studies or to entry-level positions in various sectors like hotels, restaurant management, and event planning.

National online rankings - best online AS in hospitality management

Online Bachelors (BS)

A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is comprehensive, integrating core hospitality courses with business management studies. Institutions in Oregon may even incorporate a business minor and real-world internships, creating a robust curriculum that extends beyond basic knowledge, emphasizing the major in hospitality management. This approach equips you with the necessary skills and expertise for a successful career in business and hospitality management.

National online rankings - best online BS in hospitality management Learn more about the hardest college majors

Online Masters (MS)

Aspiring to positions of higher leadership within the hospitality sector? A master’s degree can provide advanced knowledge and specialized skills that propel your career to the next level. Focus areas might include advanced business hospitality management, policy development, or global tourism strategies, all designed to prepare you for senior management roles within the industry.

National online rankings - best online MS in hospitality management

Online Doctorate (PhD)

If your career goals extend into academic research or high-level consultancy within the hospitality industry, pursuing a PhD is a good option. This degree allows you to contribute to the academic and practical understanding of hospitality management, often focusing on issues like organizational behavior, sustainability in hospitality, or innovative management practices.

Our paying for college guide Our business management resources guide

Online Certifications

Certifications can complement your degree in hospitality management, allowing you to specialize further in areas like hotel revenue management or guest service operations. These certifications are invaluable for professionals looking to enhance their credentials and expertise in specific niches of the hospitality market.

Degree Level Focus Career Opportunities
Associate Foundational Hospitality Knowledge Entry Level Positions in Hospitality
Bachelor's Business and Hospitality Management Management Roles, Business Development
Master's Advanced Management and Leadership Senior Management, Strategic Development Roles
PhD Research and Academia Academic Positions, High-Level Consultancy
Certifications Specialization in Specific Areas Enhanced Professional Expertise

Accreditations, Certifications, and Licensing


When pursuing hospitality management graduate programs, the value of accreditation cannot be overstated. Enrolling in an accredited MBA or any hospitality program ensures that the educational standards meet or exceed the criteria that industry professionals respect and recognize. Accreditation affects not just the quality of education but also your future job prospects.

Find Online Hospitality Manager Schools

If you're considering a path in hospitality, specific certifications can significantly enhance your employability. These certifications ensure you have the skills that are in high demand within the industry. Similarly, for some advanced positions within hospitality, such as hotel or restaurant management, certain licensing may be required, which further underscores the necessity of choosing an accredited online program for your studies.

  • Hospitality Management Graduate Programs: It's crucial to check if the program has been endorsed by a recognized accrediting body.
  • Online MBA: This can include specializations in hospitality management, offering advanced business skills tailored to the hospitality industry.
  • Online Hospitality Certifications: These can range from food safety management to customer service excellence, each designed to boost your professional profile.

Potential Career Options and Salaries for Hospitality Management Graduates


Hospitality management grads will open doors to a diverse range of job opportunities with rewarding financial prospects. With a hospitality management degree from an esteemed Oregon institution under your belt, you are positioning yourself for success in a sector known for its dynamic and lucrative career paths. The job outlook for hospitality management careers indicates a robust market eager to welcome well-prepared graduates, especially in places like Oregon, where tourism and service industries flourish.

Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist:

Job description: Should your interests align with understanding consumer behavior and driving business strategies, roles such as market research analysts or marketing specialists could be your calling. These careers with a hospitality management major are deeply tied to maximizing a company's positive exposure and guiding important decisions through data-driven insights. Here, your ability to analyze market trends and craft compelling marketing campaigns can position you at the forefront of hospitality service innovation.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree, Growth Potential 13% (Much faster than average)
  • Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets
  • Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand
  • Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text
  • Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction

Median Salary: $83,190

Learn more

Purchasing Manager:

Job description: A keen eye for quality coupled with astute negotiation skills can serve you well as a purchasing manager within the hospitality industry. This role ensures operational efficiency through the strategic acquisition of supplies, from food and beverages to linens and technology. The hospitality management salary for purchasing managers reflects the critical nature of their responsibility in maintaining the high standards expected in Oregon's hospitality sector.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services
  • Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures
  • Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales
  • Prepare bid awards requiring board approval

Median Salary: $146,710

Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Manager:

Job description: For those with leadership aspirations, positions such as property, real estate, or community association managers offer the chance to take charge of entire establishments or residential areas, ensuring that guest and tenant experiences are second to none. Your ability to manage operations, personnel, and finances effectively is crucial.

Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, Less than 5 years work experience
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties
  • Meet with prospective tenants or owners and show them properties
  • Discuss the lease and explain the terms of occupancy or ownership
  • Collect monthly fees from tenants or individual owners

Median Salary: $78,400

Learn more

Training and Development Manager:

Job description: If empowering others is where your passion lies, you might want to consider the role of a training and development manager. This position emphasizes the ongoing professional growth of an organization's workforce, a cornerstone for success in hospitality management careers. Cultivating a culture of excellence by enhancing the skills and knowledge of staff is invaluable, and the investment in human capital is mirrored in the competitive salaries earned by those who undertake this vital role.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in business management or related field, 5 years or more work experience
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization
  • Oversee training and development staff
  • Assess employees’ needs for training
  • Align training with the organization’s goals

Median Salary: $138,450

By choosing a career within hospitality management, your potential extends far beyond the conventional. Graduates are equipped to pursue these and other engaging professions, reflecting the high regard for Oregon's comprehensive and practical approach to hospitality education. Whatever path you select, the industry's job placement confidence and regional economic growth signal a future as bright as the services you're poised to deliver.

Check out all hospitality management careers and salary outlooks

Frequently Asked Questions


What do I need to become a hospitality manager?

To become a hospitality manager in Oregon, you will need business administration or hospitality management majors from a recognized institution, where you'll learn about guest service, professional service management, food safety, and other relevant subjects. You will also benefit from real-world experience through internships in Oregon's hospitality industry.

What are the key attributes of a successful hospitality manager?

A successful hospitality manager should possess knowledge of diverse career paths in the industry, exceptional guest service skills, and an understanding of professional service management, along with proficiency in food production, human resource management, and technology applications in hospitality.

Can I study for a hospitality management program online in Oregon?

Yes, academic institutions in Oregon offer online hospitality management degree programs that can combine core courses specialized classes, as well as hybrid options with offer both online and in-person learning. These formats provide flexible learning opportunities for busy that have other personal commitments. Oregon State University and Central Oregon Community College are just a couple options.

Do I need any special accreditations, certifications, or licensing to work in hospitality management?

Depending on your chosen career within the hospitality industry, you may need additional certifications or licenses for certain positions, which are essential for maximizing employment opportunities. These certifications include options in food management, alcohol serving, and more. Just some of the well-known certifications include Cvent event credentials, destination management certifications, digital event strategist, certified venue executive, certification in exhibition management, destination management professional, etc.

Search All Programs