The Best Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Online
Updated September 9, 2021 | Staff Writers
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Not only do professionals in the Hospitality Management field need fundamental business knowledge, but they also need a knowledge base of the various sectors of the hospitality industry such as hotel & lodging, restaurant, foodservice, and tourism. And because this industry is service-based, practitioners of this field also need sound interpersonal skills in order to manage teams or customer service issues. Thus, many programs in hospitality offer comprehensive programs that blend business, management, hospitality, and service-based coursework. An associate’s degree in the field works for those learning technical skills and working entry-level positions, but for those desiring supervisory or managerial positions, a Bachelor’s degree online in Hospitality Management will be necessary. In addition to learning general knowledge about the hospitality industry, students will also take classes to prepare them for the new fiscal and management responsibilities that come along with leadership positions in this industry.
Ranking the Top Bachelor’s Degrees in Hospitality Management Online
To compile this ranking, our editors began with an initial pool of over 50 online Bachelor’s Degrees in Hospitality Management programs offered by colleges and universities across the US. We then narrowed the pool to include only those schools that were below $30,000 (out-of-state) tuition per year. Finally, we applied the rating and ranking methodology above, and the result was the ranking you see below of the top 20 online programs for a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. We used affordability to break any ties, listing the more affordable program higher in the ranking.
#20 USC Palmetto College
Online B.S. in Hospitality Management
Websitebr>The University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College issues degrees through its upstate campus USC Beaufort, including an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. This program is a degree completion program, meaning students should enter with 45-60 general education credits, and can be completed in about two years. Areas of emphasis include hotels, food service, or tourism. Sample course offerings are Management by Menu, Club Management, Hotel, Restaurant, & Travel Law, and Hospitality Financial Management. All students will be required to complete a 3-credit hour practicum for real-world application of classroom theory. Graduates will be prepared for supervisory or mid-management level positions in various areas of the hospitality industry.
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,962
#19 California State University-East Bay
B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Online
Websitebr>California State University-East Bay’s Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism online features both hybrid and fully online delivery methods. In this 180-unit program, 98-units are reserved for the major classes, including required courses like Hospitality Information Technology, Fiscal Leadership for Operational Managers, Issues in Hospitality and Tourism, and Legal Environment of Business. All students will participate in an internship experience, as well as complete a Senior Project. Graduates will be ready to enter the workforce as food suppliers, cruise ship managers, executive housekeeper, or eco tourism professionals.
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,714
#18 University of Utah
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management
Websitebr>The online Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Bachelor’s degree is an emphasis area through the University of Utah’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program. In addition, students can earn the Hospitality Operations Certificate. Through this flexible, asynchronous class structure, students will work indecently on their own time and pace to complete the work, but will also have the opportunity for collaborative learning through avenues like group assignments, interactive discussions, and peer reviews. Students will take 42-credit hours of core Parks, Recreation, and Tourism classes, then complete 9-credit hours of general core Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management courses like Intro to Hospitality and Tourism, Electronic Marketing, and Sustainable Tourism & Protected Area Management. Next students will hone in on a desired emphasis area by taking 15-credit hours in one of three areas: Sustainable Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, Tourism Enterprise and Marketing. This program is a very unique perspective on this list, and might be best suited for the student seeking a career in a specific area of the hospitality and tourism sector.
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,127
#17 North Carolina Central University
BS in Hospitality & Tourism Online
Websitebr>Though their School of Business, North Carolina Central University offers a 128-credit online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism. This program at NCCU is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), as well as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). Graduates of the program will be work-ready for supervisory positions in lodging, restaurants, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, and more. Currently, NCCU is ranked #131 for all online Bachelor’s degrees programs by the US News & World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,106
#16 Troy University
Online B.S. in Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management
Websitebr>Troy University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. Students will take general core in management courses, but can also choose to specialize in one specific area: hospitality, sport, or tourism. Courses are taught by renowned faculty known for their research an expertise in many areas of hospitality and tourism industries. Dynamic careers include gaming managers, travel guides, or event planners.
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,276
#15 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Online B.S. in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Websitebr>Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), the University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers a fully online 120-credit B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students can tailor their degree to their specific aspirations through elective courses like Gaming and Social Policy, Convention Sales, and Special Event Management. Note that this program does not accept applications from students in Alabama, Arkansas, or Oregon at this time. UMass-Amherst is impressively ranked #16 for all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News & World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,477
#14 Madonna University
Online Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Websitebr>The Hospitality and Tourism Management Bachelor’s degree from Madonna University is available 100% online. In addition, students will graduate with a minor in Business Administration, giving graduates of this program a leg up on their competition. Sample course offerings include Principles of Retailing, Travel and Tourism, Facility Design and Event Management, and Visual Merchandising. Students will also complete a real-world experience internship as well as create a portfolio to showcase all culminating work.
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,700
#13 Robert Morris University
B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism
Websitebr>Robert Morris University’s School of Business offers a online Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism. The business portion of the degree will focus on general principles of business, the international marketplace, management, and marketing. Next, students will learn how the hospitality and tourism industries connect to business within those perimeters. Graduates will be able to confidently enter to workplace in various areas of hospitality and tourism, including resorts, attractions, hotels, casinos, retirement centers, and more. For interested students, RMU also offers a 4 in 1 integrated program where students can earn a Master’s degree in Business and a Bachelor’s degree in only 5 years.
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,420
#12 University of Wisconsin-Stout
Online B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Websitebr>With 3 convenient start times per year, the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management is available fully online. Students will benefit from support and guidance through a student services coordinator and a faculty mentor. UW-Stout has an impressive number of partnerships with businesses and institutions in the hospitality industry to give students a hands-on internship experience. Currently, UW-Stout is ranked #153 for all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News and World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,423
#11 Monroe College
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management
Websitebr>The Monroe College School of Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts offers an online B.B.A in Hospitality Management with the opportunity for 2 minors, Tourism & Destination Management or Culinary Management. After completing general and business core classes, students will take major courses like Customer Service for Hospitality and Culinary Managers, Travel and Tourism, and Beverage Management. Interesting electives include Employee & Labor Relations, Sales and Marketing for Hotels and Restaurants, and Hospitality Law. Graduates will be prepared for positions as front dest agents, office managers, resort managers, and more.
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,976
#10 Fort Hays State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Websitebr>Fort Hays State University offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Students will first fulfill 55 credits of general education, then 24 credits of business core. Next, students will complete 21 hours of the major core featuring courses like Tourism and Hospitality Marketing. Management Information Systems, and Service Operations Management. Three concentrations are available (Hospitality Operations, Events Management, and Health & Wellness Tourism Operations) where students will take 12-credit hours of specialized coursework. The Health and Wellness Tourism Operations concentration is very unique—and they only one like is on this list. This path might be best suited for a students desiring to work in spas, gym, or healthy living aspects of tourism. FHSU is ranked #35 of all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News and World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,832
#9 Granite State University
Bachelor of Science in Service and Hospitality Management Online
Websitebr>Granite State University’s extremely flexible online, hybrid, and blended distance education has the most course delivery options of any other school on this ranking list. Very impressively, students can choose from a variety of options that provide maximum flexibility for the busy modern day student. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), GSU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Service and Hospitality Management. Although, it is important to note that this is a degree completion program and requires an associate degree in a hospitality-related field. Students can expect to take courses like Hotel and Restaurant Management, Food Service Systems and Control, and Quality Management.
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,505
#8 Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Business Management
Website
Though the school of Hospitality Business and Management, Washington State University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Business Management. This fully online program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, with general education courses following a 16-week format and business courses following a 7-week format. Specific major coursework includes Hospitality Systems, Operational Analysis, Personnel and Human Resources Management, and Foodservice Systems and Control. A study abroad experience is also available in Switzerland. WSU is ranked #23 of all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News and World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,817
#7 East Carolina University
BS in Hospitality Management Online
Website
East Carolina University’s School of Hospitality Leadership offers an online B.S. in Hospitality Management. Three concentrations are available: Convention and Special Events Management, Food and Beverage Management, and Lodging Management. For those interested in continuing their education, two Master’s degrees are available as well: Master of Science in Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality and a Master of Business Administration with an added Hospitality Management Certificate, a program that only adds one year of additional study to the BS degree. Students can expect to take courses such as E-commerce in Hospitality Management, Cost Controls for Hospitality Operations, and Advanced Food Production and Service Management.
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,420
#6 Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Business with a concentration in Food Industry Management
Website
Accredited by the AACSB, the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in food industry management. Because this hospitality degree is specific to the food industry, this degree could be best suited for the student who already knows the food aspect of this industry is what they desire to pursue. This program includes 120-credit hours, with 41 courses following a 7.5 week delivery format. Sample courses include Strategic Pricing in Food Markets, Food Retailing, and Food Product Innovation and Development. Interesting careers opportunities include Food Scientist, Farm Owner Operator, and Restaurant Manager.
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,691
#5 Missouri State University-Springfield
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Leadership
Website
There are two paths towards a degree in hospitality at Missouri State University: a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management or a 2-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality Management, meant for students who already hold an associate degree in a hospitality related field. In either path, upper level required coursework include some business background and major courses like Analyzing Financial Performance in Hospitality Operations, Hospitality Law, and Hospitality in Human Resource Development. All students will also fulfill a public affairs capstone experience and an internship. MSU is ranked #115 of all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News and World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,746
#4 SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Website
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi’s online BBA in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree program focuses on coursework in leadership, finance, law, lodging, and foodservice management to prepare graduates for mid-level managerial positions in the hospitality industry. Major courses include Purchasing for the Hospitality Industry, Hotel Maintenance and Engineering, and Managerial Accounting. All students in this program have the opportunity to complete a 6-month internship at Walt Disney World Resorts for college credit. Graduates will be prepared for dynamic careers as human resource managers, bed and breakfast owners, housekeeping supervisor, or hotel sales director.
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,290
#3 Johnson and Wales
Online B.S. in Hospitality Management
Website
Johnson and Wales provides an extremely flexible online hospitality degree program designed specifically for working professionals in the hospitality industry. A minor in Human Resources Management is also available, and would be an impressive add-on for those students desiring managerial positions upon graduation. This four year degree utilizes an 11-week class format structure and offers a real-world focused curriculum. Students will take classes such as Menu Planning & Cost Control, Hospitality Strategy Design and Execution, and New Media Literacy in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management.
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,365
#2 Northern Arizona University
Online B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), Northern Arizona University’s online B.S. degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management is a 120- credit program that takes an average of 4 years to complete. One feature that makes this program stand out is that students must take two foreign language classes to help graduates excel in multi-lingual job situations. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher to be considered for graduation. Within the major requirements are 12-credit hours of core business courses and 45-credits in Hospitality Administration, featuring classes like Hotel Operations and Management, Foundation in Kitchen Operations, and Facilities and Sustainability Management for Hotels. All students will complete an internship to connect classroom instruction and real-world application.
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,841
#1 Florida International University
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Online
Website
Though the Chaplin School, Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management with 4 related minors: Beverage Management, Hotel/Lodging Management, Restaurant/Foodservice Management, and Travel & Tourism Management. All students must complete a 1,300-hour industry related internship experience. A study abroad opportunity in China is also available for students. For interested students, there is a 4 in 1 Bachelor’s + Master’s degree program that overlaps beginning senior year. FIU is ranked #60 of all online Bachelor’s degree programs by the US News and World Report.
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,954
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
- Under $30,000—1 point
- Under $25,000—2 points
- Under $20,000—3 points
- Under $15,000—4 points
- Under $10,000—5 points
US News and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Bachelor’s Degrees:
- Top 50 —4 points
- Top 100 —3 point
- Top 150 —2 point
- Top 200 —1 point
Customization Options
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us