2023 Best Online Hospitality Management Degrees

Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management, totaling 120 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend four years completing this program. TTU’s acceptance rate is 70%, with a graduation rate of 62%.

TTU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system (LMS) Blackboard. The school's bachelor’s degree in hospitality management explores various aspects of resorts, restaurants, and hotels. Sample courses include Introduction to Accounting for Hospitality and Retailing, Consumer Behavior in the Service Industry, and Operations Management. Importantly, 1,200 hours of paid work experience are required to graduate. Prospective career opportunities include food and beverage directors, brand analysts, and room voyagers.

California State University - East Bay (CSU East Bay) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism that totals 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete the program if students maintain a full-time schedule throughout their studies. The program has three concentration options, which include (1) Event Planning and Management; (2) Food and Beverage; and (3) Lodging, Resort, and Club Management. CSU East Bay’s acceptance rate is 73%, with a 66% graduation rate.

CSU East Bay facilitates asynchronous and synchronous distance learning on Blackboard. The program’s curriculum helps students develop the skills necessary to advance in the hospitality and tourism industry, with courses that include Professional Preparation, Lodging Management, and Food and Beverage Management. Additionally, students must complete an internship to graduate. Potential careers for alumni include customer service managers, restaurant managers, and directors of human resources.

American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, which requires 120 credit hours. It typically takes full-time students four years to complete this program. Students are required to select one of the four concentrations for their degree: (1) Food Service, (2) Meeting and Event Planning, (3) Business and Hospitality Financial Analytics, and (4) Lodging and Tourism. APUS accepts all students who apply, but its graduation rate is considered low at 18%.

APUS students complete online coursework through D2L Brightspace in an asynchronous format, meaning they can study at their own pace. This program helps students develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills to assume leadership roles in the hospitality industry. Sample courses include Foodservice Sanitation, Hospitality Law, and Management Ethics. A senior seminar is also required for graduation. Career opportunities for graduates include accommodation managers, restaurant managers, and human resources officers.

At Washington State University (WSU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business Management requiring 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program if students study full time. The university accepts 80% of applicants, with 65% of students graduating.

WSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the Blackboard LMS. A bachelor’s in hospitality management combines business tactics relating to restaurant, tourism, and resort operations. The program’s courses are Professional and Career Development for the Business World, Hospitality Systems, and Service Operations. In addition, students are required to finish both a capstone course and 1,000 paid hours of experience in the hospitality industry. Alums may pursue careers like tourism officers, customer service managers, and marketing executives.

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Hospitality and Tourism Management, which totals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program within four years. WVU’s acceptance rate is 84%, and it has a 60% graduation rate.

WVU's online students complete coursework, which is delivered asynchronously and synchronously, on Blackboard. The program’s curriculum focuses on the marketing aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry. Sample courses are Buyer Behavior, Customer Relationship Marketing, and Services Marketing. In order to graduate, students may also need to participate in experiential learning, a seminar, independent study, and a practicum. Potential careers for graduates are catering managers, conference center managers, and housekeeping directors.