2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Hospitality Management

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Tourism and Hospitality Management totaling 33 credit hours. The Tourism and Hospitality Management concentration focuses on the skills that are necessary for advanced careers in tourism and hospitality. Full-time students typically take around two years to complete this graduate degree online.

At FHSU, online students complete coursework on the learning platform Blackboard, which delivers the classes in asynchronous and synchronous formats. This flexible program covers business fundamentals so students can become organizational leaders. Sample courses include Tourism & Hospitality Marketing, Service Operations, and Hotel & Resort Management. Potential career options range from cruise agents and airport managers to tour managers.

Missouri State University is a public institution that offers an online Master of Professional Studies - Hospitality Administration requiring 33 credit hours. The program is divided into 21 core hours with 12 credit hours for a graduate certificate. Full-time students generally spend two years finishing this program, whether it's through Missouri State Online or in-person classes.

Missouri State Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Blackboard. The Hospitality Administration concentration helps students enhance their skills in the tourism industry, with courses like Hospitality Change Management and Leadership, Risk Management and Legal Compliance in the Hospitality Industry, and Organizational Communication. A seminar and field experience are both required for graduation. Master's graduates may pursue careers as directors of housekeeping, park managers, and travel consultants.

At the University of Alabama (UA), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Hospitality Management, equaling 30 credit hours. The program is offered with either a thesis or non-thesis track. It may take students two years to complete this degree with a full class schedule.

At UA, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. A master’s in hospitality management can help students advance their careers in this field. The program’s courses include Leadership Management Hospitality Industry, Sport and Hospitality Financial Management, and Hospitality Law and Risk Management. Students must complete a seminar or research hours with the thesis track. Future careers for graduates may include corporate controllers, directors of events, and hotel revenue managers.

New Mexico State University (NMSU Online) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences - Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, which totals 30 credit hours. The program has several specializations students can choose from, including tourism, food service, culinary arts, and hotel operations. It can take two years to finish this program at a full-time pace, but part-time students may take longer.

NMSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the learning management system Canvas. This online master's program prepares students to assume leadership roles in the field, with courses that include Contemporary Global Issues in Hospitality, Applied Project Management, and Advanced Services Management. Students must also finish an oral or written exam and an internship. Potential career options include the heads of food and beverages, operations and planning analysts, and restaurant sales managers.

Kansas State University (K-State Online) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Hospitality Administration that totals 30-36 credit hours. Students have the option to complete a thesis or perform additional coursework. Prospective students can expect to take two years to complete this degree with a full courseload.

At K-State Online, distance learners complete classes on Canvas. Depending on the instructor, these courses are delivered in either asynchronous and synchronous formats. To prepare students for future careers in hospitality, this master's program features the following core courses: Business Strategy, Managing Organizational Behavior, and Advanced Lodging Management. Additionally, thesis students must complete 6 credit hours of research to graduate. Graduates may become cruise directors, banquet managers, and directors of resort facilities, to name a few options.