In this article, we profile the top 30 most affordable online master’s in hospitality management degree programs.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Outlook Handbook), the job outlook for management occupations is expected to grow eight percent through the year 2026. Steady growth measures about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth includes jobs in hospitality management, lodging management, and restaurant management. Options for earning a master’s in hospitality management online are now available from some of the nation’s top colleges and universities.
We reviewed 130 accredited colleges and universities that offer master’s in hospitality management online degree programs. We looked at regional and national accredited colleges and universities that offered at least one online master’s in hospitality management degree, or a closely related program. We collected tuition and location data from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator) and listed schools in order of affordability. We selected schools with graduate tuition/fees of less than $30,000 per year. Also, as an added indicator, we selected schools that had received rankings with at least one major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
Below is our list of the 30 best online master’s in hospitality management degree programs.
#30 – George Washington University
Online Master’s in Tourism Administration
Washington, District of Columbia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,840
George Washington University’s master’s in hospitality management online is a graduate level degree program designed for working professionals unable to take traditional on-campus courses. In addition to online classes, students have the opportunity to study abroad. Students watch recorded lectures and participate in weekly discussion groups with faculty and peers. Assignments and tests are administered through the Blackboard learning management system. Courses include conference and exposition marketing, destination marketing, quantitative applications in tourism and hospitality management, tourism and hospitality management research, and travel information management systems. George Washington University is ranked #56 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#29 – Widener University
Online Master’s in Business Administration with Concentration in Hospitality Management
Chester, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,600
Widener University’s hospitality management degree online is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) to confer graduate level degrees to students who successfully complete degree requirements. The program’s curriculum is designed to teach and train students with the knowledge and skills necessary for management and leadership positions within the hospitality and tourism sector. While students can earn their MBA online through this program, the hospitality management concentration is available to students in an on-campus format with courses offered in the evenings and on weekends. U.S. News and World Report ranks Widener University #192 in national universities and #205 in best online MBA programs.
#28 – Roosevelt University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,879
Through its Heller College of Business, Roosevelt University offers a hospitality management program online for students interested in obtaining top management and leadership positions within the tourism and hospitality industry. The fully online program is designed for busy working professionals and has a practitioner-based curriculum where skill building is a salient factor in the coursework. Students can finish the degree in just one year. Admission requirements include official transcripts, resume/cv, and letter of intent. Students who are accepted may choose from five different terms to begin their coursework. U.S. News and World Report ranks Roosevelt University #109 in regional universities Midwest.
#27 – Schiller International University
Online Master’s in International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Largo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,800
Schiller University’s online master’s in hospitality management is a graduate level degree in business designed to teach students the necessary skills to become effective leaders and managers within the tourism and hospitality industry. Graduates go on to work in a wide variety of contexts including hotels and restaurants, cruise lines, resort destinations, convention centers, and more. The 45-credit program can be completed in just three regular semesters and one summer session. Classes include food and beverage control, hotel and restaurant accounting information systems, human resources management, international traveling and tourism, and tourism planning and marketing. Schiller University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
#26 – Temple University
Online Master’s in Travel and Tourism
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,054
The School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management at Temple University offers a master’s in hospitality management online for working professionals seeking an upward career trajectory into management and administration within the hospitality and tourism sector. Unlike some programs, the Temple University curriculum is delivered entirely online and requires no residential visits to campus. Classes may include destination marketing and management, sustainable tourism development, tourism analytics, tourism economics and policy, and understanding tourism in the 21st century. U.S. News and World Report ranks Temple University #115 in national universities and #12 in best online graduate business programs for its 2018 cohort.
#25 – Monroe College
Online Master’s in Hospitality
Bronx, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,768
New York City-based Monroe College offers a unique hospitality management degree online for students seeking management and leadership opportunities within the travel and hospitality sectors. The program is delivered almost entirely online, but requires two-week residency opportunities at the beginning and end of the program where students are able to network with peers and industry professionals within the setting of midtown Manhattan. The residency costs are included as part of the program. Courses include contemporary problems and issues in hospitality, global tourism in emerging markets, hospitality management information systems, qualitative research applications for hospitality, and strategic management and leadership in hospitality. Monroe College is ranked #146 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report.
#24 – University of Toledo
Online Master’s in Recreation and Leisure Administration
Toledo, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,984
The University of Toledo’s hospitality management program online is designed specifically for students who desire to focus on recreation administration. The program offers a unique blend of recreation and tourism courses where students have the latitude to choose classes they deem appropriate for their career trajectory and interests. University of Toledo is a regionally accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission. Classes include financial resources in recreation and recreation therapy, issues and trends in recreation and recreation therapy, planning and promotion of sport tourism, and recreation and adaptation for special education. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Toledo #231 in national universities.
#23 – Union Institute & University
Online Master’s in Business Management with Concentration in Hospitality Management
Cincinnati, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,828
Union Institute and University’s online master’s in hospitality management is a graduate level business degree where students learn leadership and management theory and skills designed for a wide variety of career contexts including tourism and hospitality. The organizational leadership program is geared towards busy working professionals seeking online course delivery where they are able to keep their personal and professional obligations while attending graduate school. The curriculum is appropriate for current or emerging leaders who desire to learn best-practice leadership and management applications within the context of their own leadership style and personality. Union Institute and University is recognized by U.S. News and World Report in it cohort of national universities.
#22 – Stratford University
Online Master’s in International Hospitality Management
Fairfax, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,515
Stratford University’s online hospitality master’s degree is delivered entirely online and can be completed in just 15 months. Classes range in length from 5-10 weeks. Total credit hours needed to graduate are 54, which equates to 12 courses. Students receive a broad overview of the hospitality and tourism sectors while also drilling down into specific areas appropriate for the student’s career path and interests. Additionally, courses take special consideration in preparing students with the requisite leadership and decision-making skills required for fast-paced tourism and hospitality jobs. Core requirements include classes such as facilities and assets development, financial management in hospitality, strategic business marketing, and strategic planning in hospitality.
#21 – Lynn University
Online Master’s in Hospitality
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,420
Lynn University’s hospitality management degree online is offered through its MBA curriculum where students learn the necessary business and leadership functions and knowledge within hospitality and tourism contexts and situations. The advanced degree is an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to qualify for and earn advanced leadership and management positions. Courses include food service administration, resort development and management, and service management as part of the 36-credit hour degree. Faculty members have extensive professional experience working in high-level management and administrative positions. Lynn University ranks #95 in regional universities South and #189 in best online MBA degrees by the ranking agency U.S. News and World Report.
#20 – Johnson & Wales University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Hospitality
Providence, Rhode Island
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,008
Johnson & Wales University’s online hospitality master’s degree is a business degree that emphasizes management and leadership skills for the hospitality industry. Graduates are specifically positioned for top positions within the tourism and hospitality sector at the end of their educational journey. Admission requirements include transcripts, two letters of support, and a 500-word statement of purpose. Applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 2.85 or above are not required to submit GMAT scores. Courses include business information and decision-making, corporate social responsibility and the law, event leadership and planning, and hospitality and tourism global issues. U.S. News and World Report ranks JWU #64 in regional universities North.
#19 – Washington State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality Business Management
Pullman, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,799
Through its Carson College of Business, Washington State University offers a hospitality management program online for busy working professionals seeking a graduate business degree specific to the hospitality and tourism industry. The program provides a comprehensive business curriculum within the context of hospitality knowledge and skills deemed critical to be a successful manager and leader. Courses include hospitality operations analysis, international tourism strategy and planning, and services management. The pedagogical philosophy of the program asserts that students will develop and conduct business analysis and create actionable plans grounded in current theory and research. The 36-credit program can be finished in 22-29 months. U.S. News and World Report ranks WSU #12 in best online MBA programs.
#18 – University of Kentucky
Online Master’s in Retailing and Tourism Management
Lexington, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,726
University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment offers a master’s in hospitality management online designed for professionals from a variety of backgrounds seeking to advance their career through a 100% online graduate degree program. Regardless of state of residence, students pay in-state tuition rates and can select from concentrations in hospitality and tourism management and merchandising, apparel, and textiles. Students can also mix and match courses from either concentration. Courses include advanced seminar in lodging and tourism, event planning and coordination, strategic management in the hospitality and food service industry, and trend analysis for hospitality industry. U.S. News and World Report ranks UK #133 in national universities.
#17 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,024
Thomas Edison State University’s online master’s in hospitality management program is designed for working professionals with at least two years management experience in a hospitality and tourism related industry. The 36-credit program’s admission requirements include transcripts, recommended 3.0 GPA, completion of essay questions, and regionally accredited bachelor’s degree. GMAT scores may be requested on a case-by-case basis. Core classes include finance and accounting for managers, hospitality industry law and labor relations, human resource management, and strategic planning and operations in the hospitality industry. The practitioner-based curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to make effective business and personnel decisions as they relate to hospitality and tourism related occupations.
#16 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Sustainable Tourism
Tempe, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,938
Arizona State University’s hospitality management degree online is a unique offering focusing on sustainable tourism development and its impact on economic, environmental, and social factors. Students will learn skills and knowledge needed to develop, implement, and maintain sustainable programs and practices within hospitality and tourism organizations and entities. As environmental impact and awareness becomes more important, today’s business organizations require these specific skills from their employees and managers. Courses include advanced tourism and recreation studies, managing the sustainable tourism business, and sustainable tourism destination planning and management. U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU #115 in national universities and #1 in most innovative schools.
#15 – Florida International University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Management
Miami, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,097
Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism offers an online hospitality master’s degree that is fully online and can be completed in just 12 months. The program includes 33 core credits that must be completed. Classes include contemporary global issues in the hospitality industry, globalization and competitive methods of multinational hospitality companies, organizational behavior in the hospitality industry, and research and statistical methods. The program emphasizes a practitioner-based curriculum designed to teach students specific knowledge and job functions needed to be effective decision-makers and leaders within the tourism and hospitality sector. Students learn a variety of core business functions including accounting, finance, human capital management, and marketing. U.S. News and World Report ranks FIU #216 in national universities.
#14 – Auburn University
Online Master’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Auburn, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,974
Through its department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Hospitality, Auburn University provides a hospitality management program online for those interested in leveraging graduate education from a regionally accredited institution towards a career in management and administration. The minimum number of credits to graduate is 33. Students watch the same lectures as on-campus students and receive the same exact degree as traditional students. Students typically take 3-9 credits per semester. Courses include advanced tourism analysis, current issues in hospitality management, design and analysis in education, and science of quality service in hospitality. U.S. News and World Report ranks Auburn #103 in national universities.
#13 – Lasell College
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Event Management
Newton, Massachusetts
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,960
Lasell College offers an online master’s in hospitality management through its School of Graduate and Professional Studies. The 36-credit program includes 21 credits in core classes, 9 credits in a concentration, 6 elective credits, and a capstone project. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. Courses may include 21st century global leadership, financial management, organizational theory, and strategic information management. Admission requirements include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from employers or academic faculty, one-page statement of purpose, and a current resume. A 3.0 UGPA is recommended for recent college graduates or those with less than three years of experience in the field. U.S. News and World Report ranks Lasell #130 in regional universities North.
#12 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Restaurant & Hospitality Management
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
University of Alabama provides interested students with a master’s in hospitality management online. Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA on last 60 credit hours or an acceptable MAT/GMAT/GRE score as well as three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (SOP). The 30-credit program includes a thesis and a non-thesis option. Sample courses include financial management and hospitality operations, leadership in the hospitality industry, seminar in hospitality management, and strategic management in the hospitality industry. Students who have not completed a course in statistics within the last three years are required to take an undergraduate or graduate level statistics course. U.S. News and World Report ranks Alabama #110 in national universities.
#11 – Purdue University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
West Lafayette, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,992
Purdue University’s hospitality management degree online is a business-focused degree focusing on core functions within the hospitality and tourism sector. The program is geared towards industry professionals seeking to leverage graduate education towards upper-level management and administrative positions. More specifically, the program is designed for managers with 3-5 years of industry professional experience. Curriculum includes advanced hospitality accounting and finance systems, business statistics and quantitative analysis, and economics of travel and tourism. Admission requirements include phone interview with advisor, resume, 3-5 years professional experience, regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA, transcripts, and a 500-word statement. U.S. News and World Report ranks Purdue #56 in national universities.
#10 – University of Houston
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Houston, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,046
The University of Houston offers experienced managers a hospitality management program online with a specific focus on increasing the customer experience through engagement and value. The 30-credit program includes ten 3-credit courses starting every January and can be completed in December of the same year. Admission requirements include resume, five-plus years of management experience, statement of intent, and three letters of recommendation. A 3.0 UGPA is recommended. The program provides a comprehensive overview of business practices including accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, and more. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Houston #192 in national universities.
#9 – Colorado State University
Online Master’s in Tourism Management
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Colorado State University’s online master’s in hospitality management provides students with an in-depth look at fundamental business practices within the context of the tourism space. The program consists of 30 credits including 24 required courses and a minimum of 4 elective credits. Students can also replace up to six credits within the regular curriculum by substituting courses in ski industry tourism. Core classes include communication and conflict management in tourism, financial management in tourism, natural resource management and tourism, sustainable tourism development foundations, and tourism industry concepts and practices. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado State University #124 in national universities.
#8 – San Diego State University
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,894
San Diego State University’s L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers a hospitality management degree online for individuals seeking to develop their leadership and management skills as preparation for upper-level administrative positions within the hospitality and tourism space. The coursework is delivered online with only two one-week residency requirements at the beginning and end of the program. The degree can be earned in just 18 months. Classes include financial analysis in hotel and tourism management, leading in complex human systems, mastering technology in hospitality and tourism operations, and systems problem resolution. U.S. News and World Report ranks SDSU #140 in national universities.
#7 – University of Central Florida
Online Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Orlando, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,872
The University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management provides an online master’s in hospitality management for professionals seeking to advance in their hospitality and tourism careers. The program’s curriculum includes an overview of the hospitality and tourism sector as well as in-depth study of core business functions such as accounting, finance, management, and marketing. Additionally, students develop leadership and decision-making skills needed by top professionals. The typical student is a working hotel and tourism professional and has a bachelor’s degree in hotel and tourism management or a related field. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Central Florida #171 in national universities.
#6 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Sports Management with Specialization in Tourism
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University’s hospitality management program online provides a unique curriculum focused on sports management, tourism, and hospitality. The program prepares its graduates for leadership and administrative positions within a variety of careers and organizations in the tourism and hospitality space. The program, which falls under the auspices of the Liberty School of Education, offers an internship or thesis track for students to choose from. Potential courses taken include current issues and theories for hospitality and tourism management, foundations of sport outreach, economic and financial management of sport, and hospitality and tourism marketing strategy. The degree includes 36 credit hours, 50% of which may be transferred in from other institutions and programs upon approval of Liberty University. Liberty ranks #231 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#5 – University of New Orleans
Online Master’s in Hotel & Tourism Management
New Orleans, Louisiana
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,298
The University of New Orleans offers a master’s in hospitality management online through its Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration that can be completed in just 12 months. Students will take five 8-week sessions consisting of 10 courses on their way to the master’s degree. Courses include change management for hospitality and tourism, hospitality and tourism finance in revenue management, hospitality and tourism industry strategic management, and marketing applications for the hospitality and tourism industry. The program offers two distinct options for application depending on number of years working in the industry as well as management experience. Those with three years management experience must hold a bachelor’s degree, 2.5 GPA, resume, two letters of support, and a writing sample. U.S. News and World Report ranks UNO #231 in national universities.
#4 – University of North Texas
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Denton, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,165
University of North Texas provides an online hospitality master’s degree designed to prepare students for upper-level management positions and careers in academia. The program includes a blend of practitioner based skills and current theory, giving students a well-rounded curriculum. Students can choose from several degree iterations including residential and non residential and thesis or non-thesis. Students must meet the admission requirements outlined on the graduate school website as well as the programmatic specific components including three letters of recommendation, resume, and professional essay. U.S. News and World Report rate the University of North Texas #231 in its cohort of national universities.
#3 – Florida Atlantic University
Online Master’s in Business Administration – Hospitality & Tourism Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,657
Florida Atlantic University offers an online hospitality master’s degree through its FAU College of Business. The degree provides students with a curriculum focusing on core business and leadership functions within the context of the hospitality and tourism industries. Graduates are employed in every hospitality and tourism sector including hotels and resorts, convention centers, casinos, country clubs, theme parks, restaurants, travel agencies, and more. The program consists of 43-55 credits including courses such as contemporary issues in hospitality marketing, hospitality operations a case approach, meetings and events management, strategic finance in hospitality management, and strategies for excellence in guest service management. U.S. News and World Report ranks FAU #231 in national universities.
#2 – University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Hospitality Management
Las Vegas, Nevada
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,776
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers an online hospitality master’s degree for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. The curriculum is designed to assist students with skills needed to successfully complete day-to-day tasks on the job as well as current theories. The 30-credit program is comprised of ten three-credit classes that can be completed in as little as one year. Students typically finish in 18-24 months. The scheduling is flexible and allows students to step out one semester and enroll the next should they need to. The program is fully online, allowing students to take courses from anywhere with an internet connection. UNLV is ranked #231 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#1 – Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Online Master’s in Business Administration with Emphasis in Hospitality Management
Durant, Oklahoma
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,022
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s master’s in hospitality management online is a graduate level business degree focused on teaching and training students with the skills and knowledge needed to function within upper level management and leadership positions in a wide variety of careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. The degree is delivered 100% online, allowing for maximum student flexibility. Courses include accounting for managers, behavioral management, hospitality marketing, and human resource management. The 36-credit degree can be completed in as few as 12 months. Admission requirements are flexible and allow students four different application pathways depending on their academic and professional background. No GMAT or GRE scores are required. U.S. News ranks SEOSU #96 in regional universities West.
BCO Staff
October 2018
This concludes our list of the top 30 most affordable online master’s in hospitality management programs.
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