University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for hospitality management in Pennsylvania.
What is Hospitality Management?
Have you ever wanted to lead a team, plan a big event, or run a famous restaurant? Then a career in managing hospitality venues might be the right career for you. Jobs in this field are growing by 9% in coming years, making it a perfect time to get a hospitality management degree in Pennsylvania. Universities and colleges in Pennsylvania would be a great place to start with a variety of programs that can teach you how to lead in the diverse world of PA tourism.
In just two years with an associate hospitality management program, you could learn a lot. This may include how to manage events, lead food and beverage departments, and run whole hotels. These programs, whether you choose an associate or bachelor’s degree, can not only help you become a hospitality manager, they can also provide you with access to a stable career with jobs that can pay well. Salaries can be rewarding depending on your education and skills as you move up in your career.
Featured Online Programs
Overview of the Hospitality Management Field
Completing education for hospitality management in Pennsylvania can open many career paths for you in hospitality and related sectors. There are a variety of programs that can provide a solid educational base, as well as advanced programs and certifications like ServSafe and TIPS, key for various roles in the industry.
A hospitality major often mixes marketing, managing people, and event preparation into your education. You may learn about lodging, food service, and tourism from industry experts. It may also dive into casino management.
Online programs can also give students the option to work in real hospitality jobs while they complete their education. They may find entry-level roles or internships on cruises, at restaurants, and in hotels. This real experience helps students get ready for management roles once they graduate.
Graduate programs go beyond book learning. They teach students to think strategically, handle stress, and make smart choices. These skills are crucial in the fast-moving world of hospitality. The Department of Tourism has recently noted a need for skilled hospitality managers in Pennsylvania. Graduates can find jobs like front desk assistant, hotel manager, or event coordinator shortly after graduation.
An online hospitality management degree in Pennsylvania is flexible, allowing students from any background to join the industry. And, with options for international study, students can prepare for jobs around the world.
Online vs. Campus Program Benefits
Advancing in hospitality management in Pennsylvania is easier than ever. You can choose from many online and on-campus programs. An online program is a great choice for flexibility, allowing you to study from any place with an internet connection, on your own schedule.
Online vs. On-campus Educational Platform
You’ll want to think about your lifestyle and career goals when choosing where and how to gain your education. Online programs are made for flexibility. They allow you to balance work, family, and school more easily. However, on-campus programs offer benefits like meeting classmates and teachers in person, which helps with networking and makes it easier for some students to learn.
| Program Features | Online | On-campus |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | High, with asynchronous options | Low, scheduled classes |
| Interaction Level | Virtual discussions | Face-to-face engagements |
| Networking Opportunities | Limited to online platforms | Direct interactions, on-site events |
| Pace of Study | Self-paced, flexible deadlines | Fixed semesters, structured schedule |
| Access to Resources | Online databases, digital libraries | Physical libraries, on-campus facilities |
In the end, whether you choose online or on-campus, a hospitality management degree should prepare you well for your future career. You may be able to find a job right away in the hospitality field, or you can use your credits to study more.
Online Educational Pathways for a Hospitality Management Degree in Pennsylvania
Starting a career in hotel and hospitality management in Pennsylvania is an exciting journey. You can choose from different educational paths to match your aspirations. From an associate degree to doctoral studies, each step can prepare you for your future career.
Online Associate Degree in Hospitality Management (AS)
Getting an associate degree can be a great first step into hospitality management. An associate degree in hospitality management is a two-year undergraduate program that provides students with foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in the hospitality industry. This degree covers various aspects of hospitality management including hotel and restaurant operations, event planning, customer service, and marketing. These degrees can teach you all the foundational skills needed for jobs in hotels and restaurants.
National online rankings - best online associates in hospitality managementOnline Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management (BS)
A bachelor’s degree takes you deeper into hospitality management. These are four-year undergraduate programs that provide students with the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the hospitality industry. These degrees can focus on various aspects of hospitality management including hotel and resort operations, food and beverage management, event planning, tourism, and customer service. Programs in Pennsylvania often mix real-world experience with classroom learning. This prepares you for top roles in hotels, event planning, and more. And the inclusion of business courses can broaden your understanding of the industry.
National online rankings - best online bachelors in hospitality management Hardest majorsOnline Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management (MS)
For higher roles in the industry, a master’s degree is invaluable. These programs focus on cutting-edge research and real-world solutions. They aim to make you a leader in the field, ready to face challenges with creativity. This includes a strong emphasis on economic and social aspects of hospitality. Students at this level may also complete a Master of Business Administration ( MBA) with a focus in hospitality to gain a more solid foundation in business as the degree offers curriculum with courses in subjects such as human resources, sales, leadership, etc.
National online rankings - best online masters in hospitality managementOnline PhD Degree in Hospitality Management (PhD)
A PhD in hospitality management is the pinnacle of your education. This is a doctoral-level program that typically requires several years of study and research beyond the undergraduate and master's levels. A PhD in this field is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, consulting firms, and executive leadership positions within the hospitality industry. These programs produce world-class leaders who are trained at the highest level to serve in critical roles with industry and academic institutions around the world.
Our business management resources guide Our financial aid guideOnline Hospitality Management Certifications
Pursuing additional certifications is one of the most effective ways to grow your career. The hospitality profession offers a variety of certificates that can help you advance your career and potentially earn a higher salary. Options include Certified Hospitality Administrator (CHA), Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Certified Food and Beverage Executive (CFBE), Certified Revenue Management Executive (CRME), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), etc.
Funding Your Education
Starting a hospitality management program in PA can open many career doors, but it's key to handle the inevitable education costs well. Thankfully, many financial aid options and scholarships are out there to help students.
Find Online Hospitality Management Schools
Knowing your funding options can help lower the stress of studying hospitality or earning any degree. Pennsylvania schools can offer you a great education, and many have scholarships available for students studying at any level. These scholarships help with your money needs and push you to do well in school. To start, it's wise to fill out the FAFSA form to find out more about federal grants and loans, and to gain access to even more scholarship opportunities.
Looking for scholarships for your hospitality program can cut the financial load and make getting the education of your dreams easier. Don't shy away from getting help financing your education; contact your school's financial aid office for advice and help with your choices.
Accreditations, Certifications, and Licensing
When you want a career in Pennsylvania's exciting world of hospitality and tourism, it's key to pay attention to the accreditation of any degrees or hospitality management certification programs you choose to complete. These accreditations make sure your education is top quality and will provide you everything you need for success. All programs in Pennsylvania should be accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and some programs may be endorsed by the Accredited Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). You might also consider programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), known for its very high academic standards for business programs.
If you aim to stand out in various parts of the hospitality field, certifications can be very important in boosting your professional standing. This can make you more attractive for top jobs in Pennsylvania's lively hospitality sector. For example, a certificate like the Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) is well valued in this sector and is something many soon-to-be hotel managers and department heads work toward.
Accreditations and certifications can raise the worth of your degree and your future job options. They show your hard work and learning have readied you well for the hospitality industry's challenges.
If you want to reach for more opportunities in your career, making sure you start out with the right accreditations and certifications is a must. These marks of recognition not only enhance your learning but also ensure your qualifications are respected in the hospitality sector, everywhere in the world.
Potential Careers and Salaries for Hospitality Management Graduates
Got a hospitality management degree in Pennsylvania? Hospitality management graduates have a wide range of potential career options in the hospitality industry including hotel management, restaurant management, event planning, tourism management, and food and beverage management. Graduates may work in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues, travel agencies, cruise lines, or other hospitality-related businesses. Salaries for hospitality management graduates vary depending on factors such as job role, location, experience, and employer. Here are just a few roles you might be prepared for and their average income and educational requirements.
Buyer and Purchasing Agent:
Job description: A buyer or purchasing agent is responsible for sourcing and procuring goods and services for an organization, ensuring that the company obtains quality products at competitive prices and within established timelines. They collaborate with vendors, negotiate contracts, analyze market trends, and maintain inventory levels to meet the organization's operational needs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Evaluate suppliers on the basis of the price, quality, and speed of delivery of their products and services
- Interview vendors and visit suppliers’ plants and distribution centers to examine and learn about products, services, and prices
- Attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences to learn about new industry trends and make contacts with suppliers
- Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices
Median Salary: $77,850
Learn moreFinancial Risk Specialist:
Job description: A financial risk specialist is responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks within an organization. They analyze market trends, evaluate investment portfolios, and develop risk mitigation strategies to protect the organization's financial assets and optimize risk-return profiles.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree, Growth Potential 8% (Faster than average)
- Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization
- Conduct statistical analyses to quantify risk, using statistical analysis software or econometric models
- Confer with traders to identify and communicate risks associated with specific trading strategies or positions
- Consult financial literature to ensure use of the latest models or statistical techniques
Median Salary: $118,950
Learn moreGambling Manager:
Job description: A gambling manager oversees all aspects of gambling activities within a casino or gaming establishment, ensuring compliance with gaming regulations, maximizing revenue, and delivering exceptional customer service. They manage gaming floor operations, supervise staff, and implement strategies to enhance the gaming experience for patrons.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent – Associate degree or higher may be preferred
- Plan, direct, or coordinate gambling operations in a casino
- Resolve customer complaints regarding problems, such as payout errors.
- Remove suspected cheaters, such as card counters or other players who may have systems that shift the odds of winning to their favor
- Track supplies of money to tables and perform any required paperwork
Median Salary: $98,270
Marketing Manager:
Job description: You could be a marketing wizard in hospitality, with the ability to craft stories and brands that bring people and business to Pennsylvania. Through smart strategies, you’ll be expected to boost the standing of local spots in the tourism scene.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, Growth Potential 6% (Faster than average)
- Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers
- Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors
- Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers
- Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections
Median Salary: $166,410
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What steps do I need to take to become a hospitality manager in Pennsylvania?
First, you’ll probably want some kind of degree in hospitality management in Pennsylvania. You can aim for an associate, bachelor's, or graduate degree based on your career aims and current career. It's also good to get work experience through internships and entry-level roles. These could be in restaurant or hotel management. Knowing about PA tourism trends and standards is crucial too as this will help you keep up with an ever-changing industry.
What will I learn in an online Hospitality Management Degree program?
You'll study various subjects in a hospitality management degree. This includes how to run places, managing food and drink, planning events, handling tourists, and running hotels. You'll also learn basic business knowledge and how to lead. These programs are designed with the tourism department to stay current.
How do online hospitality management programs compare to on-campus ones?
Online programs give you more flexibility and may cost less than being on campus. The aim is for you to get the same quality education but from home. This works well if you have other things going on in your life. Make sure the online program is good and meets the same standards as regular ones.
What are the average salaries for careers in hospitality management?
The pay in hospitality management changes with the job and your experience. On average, managers in lodging and food services make competitive salaries each year, but top earners can make over $100,000. Jobs like financial risk specialists and marketing managers also pay well because they're specialized.
Search All Programs