The best online MBA in Hospitality Management programs are training grounds for business and hospitality professionals with career advancement ambitions. Most, if not all, students in these best online MBA programs are already working professionals in the leisure and hospitality industry and, thus, possess the necessary work experience and skill sets.

The MBA degree with a hospitality management specialization becomes their competitive leverage for promotions, usually to managerial positions – or in some cases, even to C-suite positions.

The career opportunities for MBA graduates in the leisure, tourism and hospitality industry are, indeed, among the best for many reasons! For one thing, it’s the world’s largest service industry – it’s called a supersector – that consists of two primary sectors – first the arts, entertainment and recreation sector; and second, the accommodation and food service sector.

For another thing, industry professionals can choose the employment and self-employment path, and there’s plenty of space in the $ 4.7 trillion global hospitality industry for both types with its 5.5% compound annual growth rate.

At a Glance

The best online MBA in Hospitality Management programs usually admit working professionals who want convenience, flexibility and affordability, but still want the challenge that comes with pursuing graduate education.

The coursework in these online MBA programs starts with core courses in business administration followed by concentration and elective courses that reflect contemporary practices in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Graduates with an MBA degree will find plenty of career advancement opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry, partly because of the combination of their work experience, skill sets and graduate degree.

But, as with any master’s degree, the importance of effective personal marketing – leveraging your online MBA degree and grabbing opportunities, among others – cannot be overemphasized.

10 Best Online MBA in Hospitality Management

The online MBA in Hospitality Management programs featured here are considered among the best because of their excellent quality of instruction, learning outcomes and graduate outcomes. These are also offered by accredited colleges and universities, a demonstration of their compliance with standards.

Most of these online programs also have programmatic accreditation from one of three agencies, namely:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration

Online MBA in Hospitality Management Program

Tuition per credit: $387.88
Units Required: 33 credits
Program Length: 15 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

Louisiana’s MBA in Hospitality Management program features industry-specific coursework with sufficient flexibility in adapting to the hospitality and tourism industry’s ever-changing practices. Students are then assured of up-to-date training that empowers them to identify and address current and emerging issues in the domestic and international markets.

There’s an emphasis on practical learning through the preparation of business plans and feasibility studies that allow students to immediately apply their learnings to the workplace. The AACSB-accredited MBA with a concentration in Hospitality Management online program also has an international focus, a must considering the impact of globalization on the hospitality and tourism industry.

The core courses in the hospitality business management program cover international business, financial management, and human resources management, among others. Hospitality management students can avail of the affordable payment plan, too.

Courses:

Organizational Behavior and Leadership
International Business
Feasibility Studies in Hospitality and Tourism
Global Contemporary Issues in Hospitality and Tourism

University of New Hampshire

Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

Online MBA in Hospitality Management Program

Tuition per credit: $800 (in-state); $910 (out-of-state)
Units Required: 48 credits
Program Length: 18-42 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

UNH’s MBA in Hospitality Management program welcomes professionals already working in the hospitality and tourism industry and those who want to shift careers. Such flexibility is matched by its flexible and convenient delivery of online courses and affordable tuition, while its excellent quality of instruction ensures world-class business education. The AACSB-accredited hospitality business management program has two start dates – spring and fall – with a selective admissions process.

Students praise the exceptional student support and career services that contribute to their success in and out of the hospitality management program. The diverse student body, which has a 10-year average professional experience, brings interesting perspectives to the virtual classroom. Students in the hospitality management online program may take electives for a customized learning experience.

Courses:

Hospitality Operations & Financial Metrics
Hospitality Asset and Financial Management
Revenue Management and Pricing Strategies

North Carolina Central University

School of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality Management Program

Tuition per credit:
Units Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 18-24 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

The AACSB-accredited MBA in Hospitality Management program features a world-class curriculum where students receive advanced business education combined with specialized training in hospitality and tourism management. While graduates can pursue general C-suite positions, the concentration enables them to pursue more industry-specific leadership positions.

Students assert that the flexible schedule, thanks to self-paced learning, enables them to earn the MBA in Hospitality Management online degree on their own time. Note, nonetheless, that there’s a 24-month maximum time to completion. Prospective students must also have a minimum of five years of post-baccalaureate professional work experience.

Before moving forward to the hospitality management specialization courses, students must complete the core courses in managerial accounting, economic analysis, and marketing strategy.

Courses:

Global Hospitality and Tourism Operations
Service Marketing and Consumer Behavior
Special Topics and Trends in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry
Service Management

Washington State University

Carson College of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Program

Tuition per credit: $876
Units Required: 36 credits
Program Length: 22-29 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, military benefits, scholarships, grants and loans

Students in the AACSB-accredited MBA in Hospitality and Tourism program can earn a graduate certificate that will boost their competitive edge in the job market. While there are no mandatory in-person meetings, students are encouraged to attend in-person networking events and the on-campus commencement ceremonies.

Online MBA students develop an international perspective of the wide range of business operations in the hospitality industry, from entertainment and event management to accommodations and food service. Their coursework covers the industry’s diverse aspects, too, from international tourism to hospitality marketing, finance and human resources.

Courses:

Services Management
International Tourism Strategy and Planning
Hospitality Operations Analysis

Johnson & Wales University

College of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality Program

Tuition per credit: $842
Units Required: 36-42 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans, and military benefits

JWU’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Hospitality program is known for its exceptional overall quality, partly thanks to the collaboration between its colleges – the College of Business and the College of Hospitality Management. Students then get the best business and hospitality management education and, as a result, are highly sought-after by top industry companies like Darden, Marriott, and Compass Group.

Students in the 100% online program learn the knowledge and skills vital in industry-specific research for informed decision-making at the strategic and operations levels. Their soft skills, such as cultural awareness, analytical thinking, and communication skills, enable them to cross international boundaries in their career advancement track.

Courses:

Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Law
Hospitality and Tourism Global Issues
Event Leadership and Planning
Franchising and Licensing

Arkansas State University

Neil Griffin College of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality and Event Tourism Management Program

Tuition per Credit: $500
Units Required: 33 credits
Program Length: 12 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

A-State’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Hospitality and Event Tourism Management program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies with an international perspective. Students learn not just the theories that underlie the hospitality and tourism industry but also the best practices that make it the world’s largest service industry. Such is their strong foundation in business administration that their coursework in hospitality and event tourism management makes more sense and results in better applications.

Students learn the ins and outs of the industry, too, particularly the principles and practices behind service operations management, project management, and strategic marketing.

Courses:

Issues and Trends in Hospitality and Event Tourism Management
Quality Service Operations Analysis
Law and Ethics in Business

Florida Atlantic University

College of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management Program

Tuition per credit: $800
Units Required: 40-46 credits
Program Length: 16-23 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans, tuition reimbursement, military benefits

Yet another AACSB-accredited program is FAU’s MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management program where the industry’s future leaders receive topnotch business education. Students learn about the primary segments of the hospitality and tourism industry, such as meeting and event planning, recreation and entertainment venues, and sports facilities.

Here, students also prepare to become service industry leaders ready to conquer the competitive industry in the domestic and international sectors. The intensive preparations in the cohort-based, full-time online MBA degree program in Florida cover core courses in strategic and operations management.

Courses:

Hospitality Operations: A Case Approach
Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Marketing
Strategies for Excellence in Guest Service Management
Meetings and Events Management

Louisiana State University

E. J. Ourso College of Business

Online MBA in Hospitality and Casino Management Program

Tuition per credit: $416
Units Required: 30
Program Length: As few as 10 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

LSU’s AACSB-accredited MBA in Hospitality and Casino Management management has a specific focus on the hospitality and gaming industry, but graduates can also use their MBA degree in other business areas. Students learn the advanced skills necessary for effective and efficient casino management, a discipline of hospitality management with excellent employment opportunities.

In the US alone, the growth in the casino gaming market size – by $90.22 billion from 2022 to 2027 – will be driven by increased consumer spending.

Students also qualify for two of the tourism and gaming industry’s most prestigious certifications – Certification in Advanced Hotel and Tourism Analytics (CAHTA) and Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA). Students also learn key concepts about resort development including finance and human resource management.

Courses:

Casino and Resort Management
Hospitality and Casino Marketing
Quantitative Methods in Business
Hospitality Analytics

Fort Hays State University

Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship

Online MBA Tourism and Hospitality Management Program

Tuition per credit: $350
Units Required: 33 credits
Program Length: As few as 12 months
Financial Assistance Options: Federal financial aid, scholarships, grants and loans

Engaging learning opportunities await the students of the MBA Tourism and Hospitality Management program at FHSU! Online students are encouraged to learn and lead by applying their lessons in the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as take advantage of the student and career support services available.

The core curriculum in the hospitality management online program is instrumental in the students’ excellent business education. The eight-week courses are intensive and students can choose to participate in the optional on-campus graduate teaching assistantships. But this is a 100% online program without in-person requirements.

Courses:

Principles and Practices in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Tourism and Hospitality Marketing
Service Operations
Meetings, Conventions and Events Management
Hotel and Resort Management
International Hospitality: Problems and Planning

Schiller International University

Online MBA in International Hospitality and Tourism Management Program

Total Tuition: $13,500
Units Required: 45 credits
Program Length: 15 months
Financial Assistance Options: Scholarships, grants, loans and veteran benefits and aid for medically disabled students

SIU offers a top-notch MBA in International Hospitality and Tourism Management program for working professionals in and out of the industry. Students learn the skill sets to gather, analyze and interpret information related to their present or future jobs as hospitality managers or as leaders of hospitality operations in their companies.

Courses:

Food and Beverage Control
International Travel and Tourism
Tourism Planning and Marketing
Hotel and Restaurant Accounting Information Systems

Admission to Graduation: What You Need to Know About Online MBA in Hospitality Management Programs

Professionals interested in MBA in Hospitality Management online programs will find plenty of options and, thus, diversity. The importance of reading the fine print and requesting more information about these online MBA programs cannot be overemphasized, not least because of the significant investments in time, effort, and money required.

Admission Requirements

Online programs usually have the same admission requirements and criteria as on-campus programs, including:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (Foundation courses may or may not be required depending on your bachelor’s degree)
Official transcripts with minimum undergraduate GPA
Professional resume
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
GMAT/GRE scores (Waived or optional in some programs)

Some MBA in Hospitality Management online programs may also require applicants to undergo interviews prior to admission.

Curriculum and Courses

The typical curriculum of online programs in hospitality management consists of core courses in business administration and concentration and elective courses in hospitality management. Of course, every hospitality management online program has its specific sequence of courses and their descriptions and learning outcomes; these are usually stated and are worth the read.

Core courses include managerial accounting, operations management, and marketing management. The concentration courses in these graduate hospitality management online programs include food service management or food service administration, human resources management, and casino and gaming management.

Capstone and/or Dissertation Aspects

Not all MBA in Hospitality Management online programs require students to complete a master’s thesis, but most, if not all, feature a capstone course requirement. If you’re in a hurry to earn the MBA degree, you may want to consider a capstone-based program.

Typical Time-to-completion

Like other graduate degree programs, the typical hospitality management MBA online programs have a time to completion between two and three years of full-time study. Be sure to consider your own schedule and course load, as well as your completion of the capstone project or master’s thesis.

Online Learning Experiences

Students in online MBA programs learn in the same way as on-campus students – through lectures and discussions, individual and group projects, and case studies and research projects.

The main difference lies in the delivery – online students use a learning management system (LMS) like Canvas, Moodle, or Blackboard to participate in their classes and comply with academic requirements. Depending on the program, the classes can be synchronous or asynchronous, or a combination of both.

Residency Requirements

Not all online MBA programs have residency requirements, such as on-campus orientations, workshops, and seminars, in-person internship requirements, or international immersions. If you want experiential learning opportunities, look for hybrid programs instead.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The total cost of attendance in online MBA programs depends on many of the same factors as their on-campus counterparts – public or private institutions, in-state or out-of-state, and financial aid options, among others. The average cost for an MBA degree is $61,800 according to the Education Data Initiative.

Fortunately, online MBA in Hospitality Management programs have financial aid and other resources that result in significant tuition reductions. Be sure to file the FAFSA and look for scholarships, grants and loans from the college and third parties.

Best Online MBA in Hospitality Management - fact

Popular Career Paths

Students of online hospitality management MBA programs have the benefit of maintaining full-time employment while pursuing their studies. Better yet, graduates have plenty of excellent career advancement opportunities that make the MBA degree worth it!

The median annual salary for professionals with the MBA pedigree is $115,000 and it means that it’s possible to recoup your costs a year after graduation.

Hotel General Managers

Day-to-day operations are the realm of hotel managers with their duties covering human resources management, finance management, and marketing and sales management. Of course, customer relationship management is at the top of the list considering clients/guests are the lifeblood of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Hotel Sales Directors

Sales management is a tough job but hotel sales directors are up for it! These hospitality professionals are adept at setting and reaching target revenue sales from food and beverages, rooms and events, and other services.

Casino General Managers

The job responsibilities of casino general managers and hotel general managers are similar, particularly in daily operations management. But casino general managers have more casino-specific responsibilities including game policy implementation, game area monitoring, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between a Master’s in Hospitality Management and an MBA in Hospitality Management degrees?

First, the master’s degree has a more industry-focused education while the MBA degree has a more general business education with applications in the hospitality and tourism industry. Second, master’s degree programs usually welcome fresh college graduates while MBA programs typically require 3-5 years, minimum, professional work experience.

What are the disadvantages of the hospitality and tourism industry?

Be prepared for frequent travel, a fast-changing industry, and an intensely competitive marketplace.

What are the significant steps to establish a successful career in the hospitality and tourism industry?

Aside from putting your MBA training to good use, you should consider finding your niche in the industry and mastering it. You must be on top of the trends, use social media to promote your career, and always be willing to learn.

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