Best Online Hotel Management Degrees 2021

Get Ranking Seal

Hotel managers oversee a hotel's day-to-day operations, with responsibilities such as developing work schedules, preparing and examining financial documents, and leading teams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a median salary of $56,670 per year, approximately $15,000 higher than the median annual salary for all occupations.

The BLS projects the hotel management field to contract 12% from 2019-2029. Fewer open positions mean job applicants need every advantage. Professionals can stand out from the competition by earning a hotel management degree. Many reputable colleges and universities offer this degree entirely online, which often helps learners work while in school.

Value of a Hotel Management Degree

Why Get a Degree in Hotel Management?

Students earning a hotel management degree online develop the skills that individuals typically hone during entry-level work in the field. Programs may feature one or more specialization areas, such as food service, resorts, or hotel chains. These options allow degree-seekers to customize their educational experience to their career goals. Students also gain transferable skills applicable to nearly all career paths.

Many online hotel management degree programs offer asynchronous courses. Degree-seekers learning asynchronously do not attend classes at specific times. Instead, they review materials and complete coursework around their work and personal schedules.

How Much Does a Hotel Management Degree Cost?

The cost of earning a hotel management degree depends on factors including whether the student attends a public or private school. Public schools usually charge reduced tuition rates to in-state learners. However, many out-of-state public institutions offer in-state tuition rates to all online students.

Online hotel management degree programs often provide more affordable tuition rates and more financial benefits than on-campus options. For example, some schools exempt online degree-seekers from specific fees. School websites typically list these and other exemptions on their financial aid page. Distance learners may also save money on commuting costs, on-campus housing, and meal plans.

Students may reduce the cost of tuition considerably through institutional financial aid packages. This aid supports students with a specific major or an excellent high school or undergraduate GPA. Many institutional grants and scholarships do not require a separate application and may renew as long as recipients remain in good academic standing.

How Much Do Hotel Management Majors Make?

Although the median salary for hotel managers is $56,670 per year, according to the BLS, recent college graduates often earn less. The lowest 10% of workers in this field earn less than $32,980 per year. However, experienced professionals may make more than $108,060 per year, depending on their employer. Managers who work for hotels earn approximately $2,620 more annually than those working at recreational vehicle parks.

Geographic location affects salary significantly. Managers in the District of Columbia, Colorado, and New Jersey earn salaries more than $38,000 higher than the median. Workers in Hawaii and Northern Carolina also make more than lodging managers in other states. However, many of these states feature a high cost of living.

Employees of national or international hotel chains often earn the highest salaries in the field. Large companies not only pay more but typically provide additional avenues for professional growth. Hotel managers can also earn professional certifications to increase their job prospects and qualify for higher salaries.

Courses in Hotel Management

Hotel management degree programs emphasize the skills that employers expect recent graduates to possess, such as effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities. The top programs generally require an experiential learning component, such as an internship at a local hotel or inn. Other curriculum highlights include general education courses in rhetoric, natural science, and economics.

The following sample curriculum introduces three hotel management core courses. These and other requirements introduce students to various facets of the field. Learners should contact an academic advisor at their prospective school for details about how the program's curriculum prepares degree-seekers for careers. Program websites may also contain in-depth curriculum information.

• Food Service in Hospitality and Tourism

  Most hotels offer food services such as a breakfast buffet or on-site restaurants. Hotel managers must understand how these operations complement and interact with other hotel departments. Course topics include relevant regulations and laws, and learners explore financial planning and menu development. This knowledge helps professionals offer culinary options aligning with customers' desires.

• Managing the Hotel Guest Experience

  A successful hotel inspires guests to return for multiple visits. Hotel managers ensure their establishment offers guests an excellent experience. These professionals mentor front-of-house staff, coordinate advertising campaigns, and monitor room cleanliness. This course also prepares students to troubleshoot problems, such as accommodating late guests and issuing refunds.

• Hospitality Strategic Marketing

  Students in this class learn to develop successful advertising campaigns. Degree-seekers create sample advertising campaigns incorporating organizational buying, strategic planning, and consumer outreach. These projects may require students to create websites, email campaigns, and television scripts. Hotel management professionals use these techniques to attract and retain guests.

Certifications and Licensure for Hotel Management

Professionals often need more than a hotel management degree to stand out in the job market. With the BLS projecting a decline in available positions in the field, aspiring hotel managers can earn professional certifications to improve their marketability. Typical certification requirements include a college degree, professional experience, and a passing exam score.

Scholarships for Hotel Management

Students earning their hotel management degree online often save money on tuition. However, many learners still need financial aid to avoid debt. Scholarships such as those below support hotel management majors and other degree-seekers preparing for hospitality careers. Students should review the latest application requirements before applying for scholarships.

Best Online Hotel Management Degrees 2021