Online Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management (BSHM) - Best of 2024

Get Matched With Hospitality Management Programs

Overview of a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management

If managing a resort or ritzy hotel sounds like your dream job, then a career in the hospitality industry could be perfect for you. This also covers other areas such as restaurant management, hotel and restaurant logistics, food and beverage, spa management, convention and event planning, hospitality and tourism management, marketing, and a host of other jobs. The programs you’ll find vary from school to school, but with some research, you can find the school and degree that suits your needs. Many of these programs are also available online, allowing you to attend and earn this degree from anywhere in the country through an online learning platform, even if you’re already working and just looking to improve your educational resume so that you can advance your career. Getting into this field will require at least a bachelor's degree in hospitality, some understanding of business administration, and great communication skills. Traditional and online bachelor's in hospitality management degrees are available for high school graduates from public universities and colleges as well as private schools all over the United States.

PROS

More Money - As a hospitality worker with a bachelor’s hospitality management degree, you’ll be set to make more money than someone without a degree, even if they have years of experience. That’s because hospitality and hotel management has a large focus on formal training. Experience counts, but when it is combined with formal and general education a worker can significantly increase their chances of landing better jobs and making more money.
More Opportunities for Management Positions - Although it is not impossible to get into management without a degree, education makes it easier. Those who study at a colleges or public universities have the opportunity to make connections in the hospitality field that can help them land lucrative jobs in tourism management or hotel and restaurant opportunities when they’ve completed their education. This is also true for those who go through hybrid programs, where most of their education is online, but there is an effort made to bring students out of the online platform specifically for the purpose of networking.
Hiring Managers Come to You - Students enrolled in a major hospitality management program at schools in the United States can attend job fairs and conventions and be mentored by some of the most influential executives in the business.

CONS

Debt - Going to school costs money, even when you attend online, and many, if not most, students do so with the help of student loans. Although decent money can be earned working in hospitality, your first few years of working will be for lower pay and you’ll have student loans to contend with. Financial aid is available for these degrees, but it's something you'll have to think about before making your decision. Those looking to attend online should be especially careful about making sure their online school of choice is accredited so that they will still have access to funding and scholarhsips.
Balancing Act - If you are currently working in hospitality or are thinking of switching careers to hospitality or hotel management, juggling school and work can be demanding. Hospitality or hotel management often requires long work days if you're already employed full-time, and that can make fitting school and homework into the mix a challenge. It’s not impossible, but it is something that should be considered and one of the main reasons many students choose to earn their degree online.

Compare Popular Online Hospitality Management Programs

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Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Hospitality Management Programs

San Jose State University

Score: 84.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,992
- Out-of-State: $19,872
Net Price: $14,219
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 35,751
Undergrad Students: 26,863
Graduate Students: 8,888
Grads Salary: $91,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Score: 82.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,357
- Out-of-State: $39,293
Net Price: $22,291
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 83%
Total Enrollment: 32,229
Undergrad Students: 24,391
Graduate Students: 7,838
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Central Florida

Score: 80.46

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State: $22,467
Net Price: $13,108
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 68,346
Undergrad Students: 58,662
Graduate Students: 9,684
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 29:1

University of Utah

Score: 80.24

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,315
- Out-of-State: $29,837
Net Price: $12,399
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 34,734
Undergrad Students: 26,355
Graduate Students: 8,379
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Florida International University

Score: 79.86

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Arizona State University

Score: 77.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State: $32,193
Net Price: $14,808
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 80,065
Undergrad Students: 65,492
Graduate Students: 14,573
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Washington State University

Score: 77.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,997
- Out-of-State: $29,073
Net Price: $17,911
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 27,539
Undergrad Students: 22,612
Graduate Students: 4,927
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

San Francisco State University

Score: 76.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,424
- Out-of-State: $19,304
Net Price: $13,267
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 85%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 25,282
Undergrad Students: 21,961
Graduate Students: 3,321
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

West Virginia University

Score: 76.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,648
- Out-of-State: $27,360
Net Price: $12,202
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 24,741
Undergrad Students: 19,059
Graduate Students: 5,682
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Oregon State University

Score: 76.66

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,494
- Out-of-State: $35,664
Net Price: $21,163
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 70%
Total Enrollment: 34,292
Undergrad Students: 28,905
Graduate Students: 5,387
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Score: 76.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,688
- Out-of-State: $34,934
Net Price: $22,427
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 35,653
Undergrad Students: 27,343
Graduate Students: 8,310
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Florida Atlantic University

Score: 76.13

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State: $17,324
Net Price: $9,711
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 62%
Total Enrollment: 29,592
Undergrad Students: 24,191
Graduate Students: 5,401
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

American Public University System

Score: 75.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Monroe College

Score: 75.64

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
Net Price: $9,157
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 7,011
Undergrad Students: 5,916
Graduate Students: 1,095
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Texas Tech University

Score: 75.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,852
- Out-of-State: $24,451
Net Price: $17,896
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 40,378
Undergrad Students: 32,579
Graduate Students: 7,799
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

New Mexico State University

Score: 75.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,147
- Out-of-State: $25,271
Net Price: $10,407
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 14,268
Undergrad Students: 11,591
Graduate Students: 2,677
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Kansas State University

Score: 74.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,942
- Out-of-State: $27,816
Net Price: $18,855
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 19,722
Undergrad Students: 15,046
Graduate Students: 4,676
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

East Carolina University

Score: 74.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,361
- Out-of-State: $23,638
Net Price: $14,410
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 27,151
Undergrad Students: 21,688
Graduate Students: 5,463
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

The University of Alabama

Score: 74.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,900
- Out-of-State: $33,200
Net Price: $20,592
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 73%
Total Enrollment: 38,644
Undergrad Students: 32,458
Graduate Students: 6,186
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

California State University-East Bay

Score: 73.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,055
- Out-of-State: $18,935
Net Price: $11,464
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 13,673
Undergrad Students: 10,796
Graduate Students: 2,877
Grads Salary: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Eastern New Mexico University

Score: 73.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,863
- Out-of-State: $8,843
Net Price: $8,702
Acceptance Rate: 28%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 5,106
Undergrad Students: 3,833
Graduate Students: 1,273
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Robert Morris University

Score: 72.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,940
- Out-of-State: $34,940
Net Price: $23,572
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 82%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 3,431
Undergrad Students: 2,767
Graduate Students: 664
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Ohio University

Score: 71.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,746
- Out-of-State: $24,114
Net Price: $20,207
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 24,145
Undergrad Students: 18,113
Graduate Students: 6,032
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Score: 71.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,244
- Out-of-State: $13,244
Net Price: $16,990
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 11,107
Undergrad Students: 8,000
Graduate Students: 3,107
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

University of North Alabama

Score: 71.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,990
- Out-of-State: $22,190
Net Price: $9,837
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 9,830
Undergrad Students: 7,214
Graduate Students: 2,616
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Associate Vs. Bachelor’s

There are several hospitality management programs that offer certificates and can help a worker gain extra skills in the hospitality industry and perhaps make them look more attractive to potential employers. Those enrolled in certificate programs will take the following courses:

Intro to Hotel Revenue Management
Team Building
Building Guest Loyalty
Understanding Financial Statements

But, as helpful as certificates and certifications look, they still pale in comparison to attaining a formal education culminating in a degree in hospitality management. Many opportunities for work are based on the appearance of your resume. Having a management team that consists of college graduates looks better than a team made up of certificate holders, even if those people come with years of experience. A bachelor’s degree makes you more attractive to potential employers and if you intend to attain an upper level management position, the degree is practically a requirement. And there's no problem with earning your degree online. Employers will be paying less attention to where you studied (online or on campus) and more attention to whether or not you succeeded in obtaining a degree.

What Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

Most bachelor degrees in hospitality management are of the Bachelor of Science variety, but a few are Bachelor of Arts. Also, some degrees are standalone programs while others are part of the business department, and you can specialize in different parts of hospitality management. For example, one school might offer a BA in Hospitality Management, while another school might offer a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Hospitality Management. How a hospitality management program is designated depends on the school, but both designations result in an education in hospitality management that will help you land a job.

Search Programs Offering Hospitality Management Majors

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements to enter a four-year hospitality management program can vary per school but certain elements are universal.

A high school diploma, GED or an associates in hospitality management or hospitality and tourism management is required to apply to accredited colleges and universities.
Research the schools that have the programs that interest you and note their requirements for admission. You might be required to take the SAT or ACT as part of the admission process. You might also need volunteer hours, or some other community service requirement. This is also a good time to check any online school for on-campus requirements, which some online programs still have.
You’ll want to make sure the college has regional accreditation so your degree is recognized, especially if you're attending online. Some online schools don't yet have accreditation and that will limit your degree's effectiveness.
If required, declare your major as hospitality management and apply for entrance into the program. Not all schools require this, but if it is necessary, it normally occurs during your second year of college.
Pass all required courses and graduate. You’ll need to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA (or more depending on the school) to graduate.

How long does it take to earn an online Hospitality Management Bachelor’s?

Earning a four-year degree in hospitality management generally takes the same amount of time as other four-year degrees. Most students complete their degrees in four or five years, while others need less time because they take heavier course loads or attend summer school. Others can only go to school part-time and it can take them five years or more to graduate. If a student opts to study abroad or take on an internship, this can add time (an additional semester or two) to their program. But, the curriculum itself is generally structured to be completed in four years whether you are attending online or in-person.

Potential Careers in Hospitality Management with a Bachelor’s

Hospitality management is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of management positions that exist in the hospitality industry, with other titles including hospitality and tourism management, food and beverage management, food service management, restaurant management, resprt management, hospitality sales, event management, club management, hotel management or lodging management, hotel and resort management, attraction management, convention management, and even something like human resources management within the hospitality industry, or hospitality financial management or hospitality marketing, can be different than regular business administration roles. Although is it a profession of its own, there are other positions that coexist with the same desired end result.

Hospitality Manager
A hospitality manager oversees the employees that serve and accommodate patrons and guests of the establishments. This could be a hotel, spa, restaurant, or other business that serves the public. The hospitality manager is responsible for hiring, scheduling, bookkeeping, and other duties required to keep things running smoothly and guest happy.
Median Income: $50,300
Events Manager
It takes a lot of manpower to plan and successfully execute an event, and the event manager oversees all of it. From hiring the right people to helping work the event; ensuring decorations, needed equipment, and materials are available; the event manager works to ensure the event goes off without a hitch. If there are issues, the event manager is tasked with finding a solution that works for everyone.
Median Income: $53,800
Hotel Manager
Hotels don’t run themselves. They have a lot of staff and departments that have to run smoothly for the entire hotel to run correctly. The hotel manager oversees all this. There could be several other managers such as front desk managers, hospitality managers, maintenance managers, etc. that all report to the hotel manager.
Median Income: $49,600
Restaurant Manager
The restaurant manager is in charge of the entire restaurant. This person oversees hiring and personnel issues, makes sure all orders that are needed to keep the restaurant functioning are made and delivered correctly, makes sure the financial statements are accurate, and takes care of scheduling and payroll. There may be shift managers and front and back end managers that report to the restaurant manager as well.
Median Income: $47,200

Options to Advance

When it comes to the hospitality management field, getting an advanced master's degree in hospitality management could be helpful in the long run if you want to work in a corporate office of one of the major chain hotels, spas, etc. If you want to make it to the position of hotel manager, then a bachelor’s degree, along with experience and good reports about your work, should be sufficient. As with most professions, the more education you have, the more marketable you look to others but if you don’t intend to go the corporate route, attaining an advanced degree while working in a hotel could price you out of that coveted hotel manager position. Investigate a hospitality’s minimum education requirements and decide if getting an advance degree is the best option for you. These degrees can often be earned online by taking a few courses at a time, though even online programs have a max amount of time you can take to earn a degree.

Best Online Bachelors in Hospitality Management Degrees for 2024