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25 Best MBA in Hospitality Management Programs

If you’re looking to break into the hospitality industry or advance in your hospitality career, getting an MBA in hospitality management is a great way to go. An MBA in hospitality management will expand your skill set in the world of hotels, restaurants, and resorts. When you go for an MBA in hospitality management, you’ll dive into the basics of business, like accounting, finance, marketing, and management. But you’ll also explore aspects of the hospitality industry, like maximizing revenue and creating unforgettable experiences for guests. Many MBA programs in hospitality management also include hands-on learning experiences like internships and real-world consultations, so you’ll get a taste of working in the industry.

Develop your MBA Stack in Hospitality Management

Once you graduate with an MBA in hospitality management, you’ll have a strong stack of skills and knowledge to be successful in the hospitality industry. We’ve compiled a list of 25 top-notch MBA programs specializing in hospitality management. These programs are spread across the country, offering different formats and options to fit your needs and give you the best MBA experience.

Methodology

To find the top 25 Best MBA in Hospitality Management programs for 2023, we considered the best and most respectable schools as well as the relevancy of their curriculum.

In order to determine the position in rankings, data was collected from four highly esteemed ranking systems: the  Wall Street Journal ,  Forbes ,  Quacquarelli Symonds , and  U.S. News and World Report . A Stacked Score was calculated by finding the average of all the rankings, and then adjusting it to a 100-point scale for each MBA in Hospitality Management.

The Best MBA in Hospitality Management Degree Programs

1 tulane university – new orleans, louisiana.

The Professional MBA at Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business offers a concentration in entrepreneurial hospitality. Students in this concentration take entrepreneurship, strategic consulting, and product design classes in New Orleans, a hotbed for the hospitality industry.

The PMBA at Tulane is a part-time program that students can complete in three years. This program is aimed at “rising professionals” who have at least two years of working experience. Courses in the PMBA are held in the evenings to allow students to continue working while enrolled in the program. In addition to the entrepreneurial hospitality concentration, students can travel abroad during the PMBA program to explore the impact of economics, politics, and culture on the business world.

The Freeman School of Business is AACSB-accredited. Tulane holds the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges accreditation.

MBA Website

Stacked Score: 73.52

2 University of Delaware – Newark, Delaware

The Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics at the University of Delaware offers a concentration in hospitality business management as part of its MBA program. Students in this concentration take the following three required courses in addition to two electives of their choosing for a total of 15 credits:

• Customer Experience Management.
• Hospitality Industry Foundations.
• Revenue Management in Hospitality.

The Lerner MBA in hospitality management program is a 44-credit program that students can complete in two years when enrolled full-time. Students may also enroll as part-time students, making this a three-year program. Classes are available online, in person at the University of Delaware’s Newark campus, and as a hybrid of the two formats. 

The Lerner College of Business & Economics holds its accreditation from the AACSB. The University of Delaware is accredited by the MSCHE.

Stacked Score: 65.07

3 University of Hawaii at Manoa – Honolulu, Hawaii

The Distance Learning Executive MBA program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a travel industry management track for its MBA students. The following courses make up the travel industry management track, which the AACSB-accredited Shidler College of Business runs: 

• Current Issues in Hospitality and Tourism Organizational Behavior.
• Innovation and Strategic Applications of IT in E-Commerce.
• Service Management and Operations.
• Strategic Hospitality Marketing and Service Innovation.
• Sustainable Tourism Concepts and Practices.

The Distance Learning EMBA program at the University of Hawaii is a 48-credit program that students can complete in 22 months. While this is a predominantly online program allowing students to attend from other islands, students begin the program with an in-person intensive at the Honolulu campus. Online courses are held synchronously to facilitate engagement. 

The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Stacked Score: 59.03

4 Washington State University – Pullman, Washington

The Carson College of Business at Washington State University offers its students an option to take a hospitality and tourism concentration as part of WSU’s online MBA program. This concentration is made up of the following three courses:

• Hospitality Operations Analysis.
• International Tourism Strategy and Planning.
• Services Management.

The Online MBA at WSU is done entirely online. Students can earn their MBA degrees in 22 to 29 months. Students with non-business bachelor’s degrees can also earn a Certificate in General Business Administration when they complete at least five of the seven foundation courses required for the Online MBA program. Students also have the option of participating in a study abroad experience while fulfilling Special Projects or Independent Study requirements.

The AACSB accredits the Carson College of Business. Washington State University holds Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accreditation.

Stacked Score: 55.96

5 Temple University – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Temple University offers a concentration in Travel and Tourism for both its Online MBA program and its Full-Time MBA program, which the AACSB-accredited Fox School of Business runs. This is a 12-credit concentration made up of the following five courses:

• Crisis, Risk, and Disaster Management.
• Cultural Intelligence.
• Destination Management and Marketing.
• Sustainable Tourism Development.
• Understanding Tourism in the 21st Century.

The Full-Time MBA program is a two-year program with classes held both at the Philadelphia and Temple Center City campuses. Full-Time MBA students must also complete a non-credit internship of between 400 and 1,000 hours during the program. There is also an optional one-week Global Immersion that students may choose to participate in.

Online MBA students must attend an on-campus residency for one week at Temple’s Philadelphia campus at the start of the program. The remainder of the courses are synchronous online courses. Students can complete the Online MBA in 24 months but have up to six years. The program concludes with an immersion consulting capstone course. 

The MSCHE has accredited Temple University.

Stacked Score: 54.08

6 California State University Long Beach – Long Beach, California

At California State University Long Beach, MBA students in the College of Business can specialize in Hospitality Management or Recreation and Leisure Studies as part of the Evening MBA program. To complete either of these specializations, students must take four elective courses in the relevant area of study.

The Evening MBA is a 16-course program made up of 48 credits. Students have the flexibility to take as many courses as they would like each semester, including over the summer term. Most students earn their MBA in hospitality management degrees in three years, though it is possible to complete the program in two years at full-time enrollment (which includes the summer). This program takes four years for part-time students who do not choose to take summer courses. Students enrolling in the Evening MBA at CSU Long Beach are preferred to have at least three years of professional experience. There is an option to study abroad.

The AACSB has accredited CSU Long Beach’s College of Business. The WSCUC accredits the university.

Stacked Score: 53.58

7 DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois

DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business offers Hospitality Leadership as a concentration for its MBA programs. This is a four-course, 16-credit concentration of which students may choose from the following course options, including a practicum option: 

• Advanced Hospitality Leadership and Performance.
• Hospitality Disruptors, Current Trends, and Their Implications for Leaders.
• Hospitality Research Analysis & Financial Metrics.
• Hospitality Strategy & Operational Performance.
• Managing the Guest/Employee Experience.
• Managing Revenue to Maximize Financial Performance.
• Service & Innovation in Tourism Development.

DePaul offers both a Day MBA for those students who are early in their careers or who are going through a career change, as well as an Evening MBA program for those who are more established professionals. There is also an online Weekend MBA program with synchronous classes for professionals with at least two years of experience. This is a two-year program with courses on two Saturdays per month. 

The AACSB has accredited Driehaus College of Business. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited DePaul University.

Stacked Score: 48.20

8 Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma

The AACSB-accredited Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University offers its students a concentration in hospitality and tourism management as part of its MBA program. Students must earn 12 credits for this concentration by taking two of the following required courses:

• Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Management.
• Hospitality and Tourism Financial Management.
• Hospitality Human Resources.
• Hospitality Strategic Management.

And two of the following offered electives:

• Applied Revenue Management in Hospitality & Tourism Management.
• Big Data Analytics in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Convention and Special Event Management.
• Special Topics in Hospitality Industry.

Students may also choose to pursue a Hospitality & Tourism certificate. This is an analytics-based program with three required courses, including Applied Revenue Management in HTM and Big Data Analytics in HTM. 

OSU’s MBA in hospitality management program can be completed in just 36 credits for those who are enrolled as full-time students as part of the On-Campus MBA. For working professionals in the Professional MBA and online students, only 33 credits are required to earn an MBA degree. Classes for the PMBA are offered at the Tulsa campus, though some are available online for electives. It’s important to note that the hospitality and tourism concentration only offers classes at the Stillwater campus. 

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Oklahoma State University.

Stacked Score: 43.90

9 Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, Florida

At Florida Atlantic University, MBA students may choose to specialize in hospitality and tourism management as part of its Online MBA program, which is run through FAU’s College of Business. This is a 12-credit specialization. Students need to take four of the following offered courses.

• Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Management.
• Directed Independent Study in Hospitality Management.
• Hospitality Operations: A Case Approach.
• Meetings and Event Management.
• Strategies for Excellence in Guest Service Management.

The hospitality and tourism specialization classes may be offered online or on FAU’s Boca Raton campus. 

The Online MBA program is a 16- to 23-month program. This fully online program is also entirely asynchronous and designed for professionals who are continuing their careers while also being enrolled as full-time students. There are no residency or international requirements for the Online MBA in hospitality management program. 

The AACSB accredits FAU’s College of Business. Florida Atlantic University holds accreditation from the SACSCOC.

Stacked Score: 37.01

10 University of New Hampshire – Durham, New Hampshire

MBA students at the University of New Hampshire can specialize in hospitality management in all three of the MBA programs offered through the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. Students enrolled in the Full-Time, Online, or Part-Time MBA programs have a hospitality management specialization. This is a 12-credit specialization that requires the following four courses:

• Hospitality Asset and Financial Management.
• Hospitality Operations and Financial Metrics.
• Human Resource Management.
• Revenue Management and Pricing Strategies.

The Part-Time MBA is an 18- to 42-month program with evening classes available at UNH’s Durham or Manchester campuses, online, or in a hybrid format. The Online MBA is the same duration with asynchronous courses. The Full-Time MBA program is a one-year MBA program. Elective courses can be done with Part-Time MBA students on either UNH campus locations or online.

The AACSB has accredited the College of Business and Economics, and the University of New Hampshire holds its accreditation from the New England Commission on Higher Education.

Stacked Score: 35.74

11 Stockton University – Galloway, New Jersey

At Stockton University’s AACSB-accredited School of Business, students in the MBA program have the opportunity to earn a concentration in hospitality tourism and event management. The concentration requires students to complete three of the following four courses and one additional elective: 

• Current Issues in Restaurants, Resorts, and Event Management.
• Hospitality Analytics for Decision Making.
• Hospitality and Tourism Research Methods.
• Hospitality Entrepreneurs and Leadership.

Stockton University’s MBA in hospitality management program is made up of 12 courses and 36 credits. Classes are held once a week at Stockton University’s Atlantic City campus in the evenings. Additionally, some courses may be offered online. MBA students also have the opportunity to study abroad if so desired. 

Galloway, New Jersey-based Stockton University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Stacked Score: 32.94

12 Georgia State University – Atlanta, Georgia

The AACSB-accredited J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University offers a concentration for its MBA students in hospitality administration as part of its Flexible MBA program. The following courses are required for the hospitality administration concentration:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Services Marketing.
• Financial Management Applications for Hospitality Enterprises.
• Human Resources Management.
• Economic and Cultural Impact of Travel and Tourism.
• Trends in the Hotel Industry.
• Trends in the Food Service Industry.

Classes for Georgia State University’s Flexible MBA in hospitality management program are available in multiple formats. They are available to students on GSU’s Atlanta campus, its Buckhead Center, and online, and they are held one day each week in the evenings. This class schedule allows students to continue their careers while enrolled. Students may choose to be full-time, making this a 24-month program. They may also choose to enroll as part-time students. Part-time MBA students typically complete the program in 36 months.

Georgia State University has been accredited by the SACSCOC.

Stacked Score: 29.51

13 East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina

Students in the Eastern Carolina University MBA program can also choose to add a certificate in hospitality management as part of their program. To earn this certificate, students must take the following four courses, which are all offered only in an online format:

• Critical Analysis of Food Service and Beverage Management Systems.
• Current Issues and Strategies in Hospitality Management.
• Strategic Management of Lodging Operations.
• Strategic Management of Conventions and Special Events.

The AACSB-accredited College of Business runs ECU’s MBA in hospitality management program. This two-year program can be completed in as little as 11 classes. Students may choose to complete their MBA degree in person at the Greenville MBA, online, or a hybrid of the two. This program has been designed for both those with business undergraduates and those who do not. 

The SACSCOC has accredited East Carolina University.

Stacked Score: 26.93

14 College of Charleston – Charleston, South Carolina

The College of Charleston’s School of Business offers an emphasis area in hospitality and tourism development as part of its MBA program. This emphasis area has three required courses which make up a total of nine credits:

• Channel Management Strategies in Hospitality.
• Forecasting and Business Analytics in Hospitality.
• Principles of Revenue Management in Hospitality.

The MBA in hospitality management at the College of Charleston is a one-year program with classes in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a 39-credit program; students also take three Harvard Business School Online classes in advance of the program commencing in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods. Students complete the program with an integrated capstone project, which rounds out the required 11 core courses.

The College of Charleston is accredited by the SACSCOC, and its School of Business is AACSB-accredited.

Stacked Score: 21.92

15 Roosevelt University – Chicago, Illinois

Walter E. Heller College of Business at Roosevelt University offers a hospitality and tourism management concentration as part of its MBA program at its Chicago, Illinois, campus. The nine credits that make up this concentration are earned through the following three classes:

• Applied Research Methods in Hospitality Management.
• Issues/Trends in the Hospitality Management Industry.

Students in the Roosevelt University MBA in hospitality management program can opt to take classes entirely online or in person at either its Chicago or Schaumburg campuses. Students may enroll in either a full-time or part-time capacity depending on their needs. This is a 33-credit program. Students take at least 11 courses, made up of seven core courses, one elective, and three from the concentration. Students may also pursue a second concentration if they so wish, increasing the program to 43 credits.  

The Walter E. Heller College of Business has accreditation from ACBSP. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Roosevelt University.

Stacked Score: 13.34

16 Marymount University – Arlington, Virginia

Students at Marymount University may pursue a hospitality innovation specialization as part of their MBA program. This 12-credit specialization is made up of four courses:

• Entrepreneurial Thinking.
• Hospitality Industry: Analytics and Business Intelligence.
• Hospitality Industry: Innovation, Strategy, and Design Thinking.
• People Analytics.

Students in this specialization may apply for the Dean’s Innovation Fellowship, which provides recipients with funding to support their experiential learning and application of course materials. 

Arlington, Virginia-based Marymount University’s MBA program is run by its School of Business and Technology. This is a 36-credit program, which students can complete in 12 to 15 months. Students may choose to take classes either on campus or online. In-person classes are held at Marymount’s new facility at the Ballston Center in Arlington. Classes are run on evenings and Saturdays for eight weeks at a time. 

The ACBSP accredits the School of Business. Marymount holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Stacked Score: 12.57

17 University of Louisiana at Lafayette – Lafayette, Louisiana

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a hospitality management specialization as part of its MBA program. This is a 21-credit specialization, which is run by the B. I. Moody, III School of Business Administration. To earn the hospitality management specialization, students must complete the following seven courses:

• Advanced Financial Management and Policy.
• Analytical Methods for Planning and Control.
• Data Analytics.
• Managerial Economics.
• Management of Information Technology.
• Marketing Management.
• Policy Formulation, Strategy, and Administration.

The MBA in hospitality management at UL Lafayette can be done either full-time or part-time, with students choosing to take classes at the Lafayette, Louisiana campus, entirely online, or a hybrid of both options. This is a 33-credit program, though for those who do not already have the required undergraduate business classes, another 15 credits may be required for the foundation courses. 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accredited by the SACSCOC. The Moody School of Business holds AACSB accreditation.

Stacked Score: 10.03

17 University of New Orleans – New Orleans, Louisiana

At the University of New Orleans, students may complete a concentration in Hotel-Restaurant-Tourism as part of their Traditional MBA program in the College of Business Administration.

The University of New Orleans Traditional MBA program is open to both those with and without undergraduate business degrees. However, those who come to the program without a business background will need to take additional nine credits of foundation classes. The core coursework for this program is a total of 33 credits. Students may choose to enroll in the Traditional MBA as either full-time or part-time students. For those enrolled full-time, the program can be completed in three semesters. Classes are held on the University of New Orleans campus with some online learning as well. Students complete a Seminar in Business Policies capstone at the program’s end.

The College of Business Administration holds the elite AACSB accreditation. The SACSCOC accredits the University of New Orleans.

17 University of Southern Mississippi – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The College of Business and Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi offers a unique emphasis in sport event security management designed to give students the skills needed to maintain secure sporting venues. Students complete nine elective credits to earn their emphasis in sport event security management over the following three courses:

• Introduction to Sport Security Management.
• Sport Event Emergency Response Planning.
• Threat and Risk Assessment of Sport Venues.

This MBA in hospitality management program is a 33-credit program made up of eight core classes and an additional nine credits, three courses, of electives. Classes for this MBA program with the sport event security emphasis are available entirely online, at USM’s Hattiesburg campus, and in a hybrid format. 

The AACSB has accredited the College of Business and Economic Development. The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the SACSCOC.

20 Endicott College – Beverly, Massachusetts

The Endicott College Experienced Professional MBA program offers a concentration in global hospitality management through the Van Loan School of Graduate and Professional Studies. It emphasizes digital events management, leadership and communication, marketing, and revenue management within the global hospitality market through the completion of the following four courses: 

• Events Management in a Digital World.
• Leadership & Communication in Global Hospitality.
• Revenue Management in the Global Marketplace.
• Strategic Marketing in Global Hospitality.

This 42-credit MBA program is available entirely online or at Endicott’s campuses in Beverly and Boston, Massachusetts in the evenings. Most students can earn their MBA in hospitality management degrees in just 22 months. However, it is possible to complete the program in as little as 18 months and as much as 24 months. Courses are set up in six-week groups with eight start times throughout the year. 

Endicott College holds accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Stacked Score: 8.32

21 Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Neil Griffin College of Business at Arkansas State University offers a STEM-designated MBA program with a hospitality management concentration. While the Griffin MBA in hospitality management program can be completed either fully online or at Arkansas State’s Jonesboro campus, the hospitality management concentration is only available in an on-campus format. The Griffin MBA is made up of 24 core credits and an additional nine electives, which are covered by the hospitality management concentration, making this a 33-credit program. Students may choose to take a three-credit internship course mid-way through the program.

Arkansas University holds accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. The Griffin College of Business holds its accreditation from the AACSB.

Stacked Score: 5.86

22 Johnson & Wales University – Providence, Rhode Island

Students in the hospitality concentration at Johnson & Wales University must take Hospitality and Tourism Global Issues in addition to three of the following course options offered by the College of Business:

• Benchmarking and Operations Analysis in the Hospitality Industry.
• Competitive Strategies in Hospitality.
• Corporate Social Responsibility.
• Event Leadership and Planning
• Event Operations & Risk Management.
• Experience, Adventure and Education Tourism.
• Franchising and Licensing.
• Information Technology in Hospitality and Tourism.
• Organizational Behavior in the Hospitality Industry.
• Strategic Marketing in Service Dominant Logic.

The Johnson & Wales MBA in hospitality management program is typically a two-year program. It is available both with on-campus classes in Providence and Harborside campuses or entirely online. However, students are able to complete the program in an accelerated format of just 12 months. Students in the One-Year MBA will follow the same course path as their two-year counterparts. Classes are offered in a hybrid model of eight-week terms, with students taking two classes at a time and attending class once per week for each class. Students in the One-Year program must complete all the foundation courses before enrolling. 

The AACSB has accredited the College of Business, and Johnson & Wales is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Stacked Score: 5.02

23 Alliant International University – San Diego, California

Alliant International University offers a hospitality management concentration as part of its MBA program through the California School of Management & Leadership. This concentration works to equip students with the important skills and knowledge for a successful career in the extensive hospitality field, with a particular focus on the hotel industry and the travel and tourism sectors.

Alliant International’s MBA in hospitality management program can be completed at either its San Diego or Los Angeles campuses. There are two formats to choose from. Students can opt for the evening/weekday track with on-campus evening classes or the practical training executive track with on-campus classes that meet one weekend each month. Regardless of the track chosen, the courses are the same. With a total of 36 credits, the MBA program can be completed in 14 to 16 months. Students in the MBA program are matched with mentor executives who provide networking experiences for six months as part of the Executive-in-Residence mentorship program.

Alliant International University holds regional accreditation with the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The California School of Management & Leadership is accredited by the ACBSP.

Stacked Score: 5.01

23 Husson University – Bangor, Maine

The College of Business at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, offers a hospitality management concentration for its MBA program. Coursework for this concentration includes the following four classes plus a Hospitality Graduate Directed practicum for a total of 12 credits:

• Advanced Front Office Operations.
• Advanced Sales and Marketing in Hospitality.
• Legal Issues in Hospitality Management.
• Managing Service.

The Husson MBA in hospitality management program is a 36-credit program. Students may earn their MBA degrees in two years with part-time enrollment. Classes are available at Husson’s Bangor and Northern Maine campuses, at other off-campus locations, and online, although hospitality management courses are only available for in-person classes. On-campus MBA classes are held in the evenings to allow students to continue their working careers while enrolled. 

The Husson College of Business is IACBE-accredited. Husson University holds accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education.

23 Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University offers a tourism management concentration for its MBA students through its School of Business. There are four classes in this concentration, which account for 12 credits:

• Current Issues and Theories for Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Strategy.
• Intercultural Communication.
• Setting Social and Interactive Goals.

The hospitality management concentration is available for both Liberty’s Residential MBA and Online MBA programs. This is a 45-credit program, with 33 credits of core courses and the remaining 12 from the tourism management concentration. Students in the Residential MBA program take three classes at a time, which allows them to graduate in just five semesters. MBA classes are held at Liberty’s Lynchburg, Virginia campus. The Online MBA program at Liberty is a fully online program that students can complete in two years. 

The SACSCOC accredits Liberty University, while the ACBSP accredits its School of Business.

Hospitality Management Stack

Building a strong career in hospitality management can go beyond acquiring a traditional MBA degree. While an MBA undoubtedly provides valuable knowledge and credentials, developing a comprehensive talent stack is equally essential. One great place to start is with our free  hospitality management online course , but here are some other suggestions as well.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is invaluable in the hospitality industry. Seek opportunities to work in various roles, such as front desk, food and beverage, or event planning. This exposure allows you to understand different aspects of the industry, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and develop a customer-centric mindset. 

Cultivate Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in hospitality management. Focus on developing exceptional verbal and written communication skills, as well as active listening. These are important, so you can convey information clearly, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and foster strong relationships with your colleagues and guests. 

Here are some key communication skills to develop from hospitality powerhouse, Les Roches. These communication skills will help you  master your customer service  acumen as well, which is the cornerstone of successful hospitality management. Learn to anticipate and fulfill guests’ needs, deliver personalized experiences, and handle challenging situations with grace. Develop empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations.

Foster Cultural Competence

Cultural awareness is crucial in hospitality management, where customers and staff come from diverse backgrounds. It includes recognizing and respecting cultural differences and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. Businesses can promote cultural sensitivity by considering diverse dietary requirements, providing spaces for prayer or rituals, accommodating staff needs, and creating an inclusive atmosphere.

Cultural awareness expands the customer base, prevents discrimination, and enhances the overall experience for everyone involved in the hospitality industry.  This research looks at the importance of cultural competency in hospitality. This tool can be a helpful starting point as you consider your cultural competency. As you consider your answers, be truthful; cultural competency is never something you arrive at. It is, as they say, a journey. If you want to go further,  MIT offers a five-week Cultural Awareness for Global Leaders course . 

Embrace Technology

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, and technology plays a vital role in enhancing guest experiences. Stay updated with industry-specific software, reservation systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. Proficiency in using technology effectively will make you a valuable asset to any organization.  Here are some of the current technological advances  that are impacting the industry right now that you’ll want to be aware of and perhaps dig into further. 

Building a talent stack in hospitality management requires a combination of practical experience, soft skills, industry-specific knowledge, and a commitment to ongoing learning. While an MBA in hospitality management degree can provide a solid foundation, focusing on developing a diverse range of skills will enable professionals to excel in this dynamic industry and stand out among their peers. We trust that this compilation of the top 25 MBA in hospitality management programs has provided you with a helpful resource for selecting the most suitable MBA program to enhance your hospitality management stack.

Written by: Tammie Cagle

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Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism

Why earn your online mba in hospitality and tourism.

The “experience era” of hospitality is here—and it’s driving consumer behavior an spending in exciting ways. Which means modern hospitality executives must know how to pivot, adapt, and respond in a way that supports the industry’s vibrant future.

WSU’s Hospitality and Tourism concentration can prepare you to do this by offering a global perspective on lodging, restaurant and food service, event management, and entertainment management.

Choose the MBA in Hospitality and Tourism program, and you can graduate prepared to:

• Gather and interpret data to make informed business decisions and propose strategic solutions in domestic and global organizations.
• Apply industry-specific skills in finance, marketing, human resources, leadership, and risk management to effectively implement best practices in hospitality businesses.
• Evaluate the cultural, psychographic, and demographic attributes of today’s global consumers.
• Lead essential business functions—from hiring and motivating staff to navigating and growing the bottom line.
• Assess the social, multicultural, and environmental issues that impact the global hospitality industry.

Take Your Next Step

Get program details by connecting with an advisor to discuss curriculum and career outcomes or to have your questions answered.

What Does the Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Curriculum Cover?

The in-depth courses of WSU’s Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism expertly blend the unique principles, practices, and trends of the tourism and hospitality industry with the core fundamentals of the business world.

As you move through the concentration’s curriculum, you’ll learn about operations within the hospitality sector through courses in service management and international tourism strategy.

You’ll explore topics such as revenue management, information technology, human resources, and strategic marketing. And you’ll develop the critical thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lead the future of the global hospitality industry.

Service businesses are an increasingly dominant force in world economics. Approximately 79% of our labor force, 76% of the GDP, 45% of the average American family’s budget, and 32% of all U.S. exports are accounted for by services. This course explores concepts, principles, and issues within the service management area. We will study service management from an integrated viewpoint with a focus on service quality and customer satisfaction. The material will integrate operations, marketing strategy, information technology, and organizational and human resources issues.

This course concentrates on techniques and concepts of international tourism, destination management and marketing, and its role in developing customer- and service-oriented managerial approach in a tourism organization. This course is designed to provide you a working knowledge of international tourism, destination management and marketing process, and the interrelationships between destination marketing decisions, marketing research, buyer behavior, product strategy, channels of distribution, promotional activities, and pricing decisions.

Yield/revenue management and managerial accounting concepts within the hospitality industry.

Personalize Your Online MBA with a Graduate Business Certificate

WSU’s Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism concentration is also offered as a nine-credit graduate certificate that can be completed in as few as three courses.

By pursuing this option, you can:

Receive credits that can be applied toward your MBA

Earn a standalone certificate in hospitality and tourism

Pair the certificate with your MBA — and graduate with both

Pair the certificate with your MBA — and graduate with both

What Careers Can You Pursue with an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Online Degree?

Join the next generation of hospitality executives..

The global hospitality industry is one of the largest in the world—and one of the fastest growing for employment. The field is broad and far reaching, which means the opportunities for advancement are, too.

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2024 Best MBA Programs in Hospitality Management

What is an MBA in Hospitality Management?

An MBA in Hospitality is a surefire way to propel your career as a future leader in the hospitality industry. Whether you plan on managing group sales for a luxury hotel chain or manage the seasonal reservations at a ski resort, the sky’s the limit for holders of an MBA in Hospitality.

Providing an optimal customer experience for all guests/patrons is at the core of the hospitality industry. Your MBA studies will include real-world hospitality experiences complimented by a solid foundation in business principles. Hospitality professors will share their personal experiences as top-level managers, and teach the latest technology the industry has to offer prospective B-Students.

Graduates of MBA in Hospitality programs are poised to become leaders within high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, resorts, and corporate settings all over the world. If you love to travel and want a career that takes you to the hottest tourism spots, an MBA in Hospitality is a well-respected credential in the industry. Whether it’s operations, customer service and sales, marketing strategies, or global leadership, B-students are equipped with the latest approaches to lead effective teams. They’ll also learn how to:

• Manage organizational change
• Quantitatively analyze market opportunities
• Strategically analyze Human Resource issues
• Observe challenges in the global hospitality industry

From deepening your knowledge of analytics, financial, marketing and economics to international business studies, Hospitality B-students are well-rounded business professionals groomed for entrepreneurship.

What Is the Career Outlook for Hospitality Managers

Employment of hospitality managers is projected to grow 6% through 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Expected growth in tourism and travel will be the driving force behind the growth of Hospitality Managers. Those with an MBA degree will have ample opportunity to go from middle- to executive level positions, whether it’s working in a casino, a resort, corporate restaurant chain or managing a high-end hotel chain. Those who have real-world experience by way of internship/externship and also have the MBA credential will differentiate themselves from fellow applicants new to the industry. The most reputable MBA programs will have coursework in both international business and hospitality. AACSB-accredited programs understand the importance of globalization and will tailor their curriculums accordingly.

Average Salaries for Hospitality Management MBAs

The median annual wage for hospitality managers is $51,840. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,870 and the highest 10% earned more than $96,570. Those with an MBA in Hospitality will have the greatest opportunity to secure leadership positions in some of the most coveted positions.

What Can I Do With an MBA in Hospitality Management

Graduates with an MBA in Hospitality may seek higher-level positions within global organizations that require international business experience. In the highly competitive hospitality and tourism industry, professionals are needed to manage all functions of a hospitality business (operations, finance, marketing, HR, purchasing and buying). They are also responsible for the recruitment and training of all staff members. From Group Sales Managers to Revenue Managers, the Hospitality industry has an ever-growing list of career paths for MBA graduates.

General managers oversee the department operations of a hospitality business including housekeeping, HR, concierge, marketing and sales, purchasing, security, maintenance, recreational facilities, and other activities. The most effective GM’s have the people-skill to motivate and lead teams and the quantitative skills to analyze the financial health of the business.

Revenue managers are concerned with protecting the company’s bottom line. They are the financial wizards making sound decisions based on profits and losses. A revenue manager works closely with bookkeepers, accountants, and buyers to ensure that expenses are limited and profits are plentiful.

Front-office managers whether it’s training the concierge desk or managing the incoming reservations, front-office managers are responsible for employees that greet hospitality patrons. Most Front-office managers are customer service specialists knowledgeable on how to treat guests as loyal patrons. Most of their day-to-day is spent interacting with guests, training new employees, and handling billing via a centralized customer relationship system.

Convention service managers special events, conferences, and business meetings are usually organized through a convention service manager. They deal with the corporate side of event planning and usually have to coordinate with hospitality staff to ensure smooth operations. These managers are responsible for billing, booking, and organizing large corporate venues.

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Is an mba in hospitality management for me.

Hospitality Managers come from all walks of life. If you love working with people and are a natural problem-solver, an MBA in Hospitality might be the right fit. If you choose the Hospitality concentration, you will receive a world-class business education applicable to industries outside of the Hospitality if you decide to change your career down the line.

Typical Classes for Hospitality Management MBAs

• Hospitality – This MBA course uses the case study methodology to examine different segments of hospitality (resorts, casinos, airlines, restaurants, lodges, and hotels). The course is designed to introduce students to the complexities of managing the operations of a hospitality business.
• Food Service Operations – This is a graduate-level course that introduces the managerial problems and decision-making process a hospitality manager undergoes in order to become an effective leader. Topics are specific to the hospitality industry and cover forecasting, decision trees, quality control, decision support systems, and real-time problem solving. This course is taught using the case study methodology and students will be able to use real-world examples to learn Food Service Operations.
• Hospitality & Organizational – This MBA course examines the managerial process of hiring, training, and motivated staff employed in the hospitality industry. Whether it’s how to lead teams effectively, motivate personnel, or design new policies around employment expectations, the Hospitality & Organizational course teaches students how to build systems around performance.
• High Performance Hospitality – This is a continuation of the MBA-level Hospitality & Organizational course and explores how to effectively motivate teams to reach company-wide goals. From managing sales teams, building marketing campaigns, or running the front desk operations, this course teaches B-students how to implement systematic performance plans to motivate employees to reach their optimal potential.
• International Business – This course explores hospitality as a global enterprise. The course is designed to introduce students to the opportunities available in the global hospitality industry and how to manage employees from different cultures. Using the case study methodology, topics include social responsibility in the hospitality industry, ethical decision making, managing diverse teams, and globalization of economic conditions.
• People & Systems in Organizations – Whether it’s creating a comprehensive Human Resource Strategy for new employees or evaluating different information systems, this MBA-level course examines how different internal systems help managers make sound decisions. This course emphasis information systems as a means of evaluating performance, assisting in the decision-making process, and providing optimal customer service to hospitality patrons.

Campus vs. Online MBA in Hospitality Management Programs

Hospitality employers value work experience. This is especially true if you plan on managing a high-end restaurant chain, a luxury hotel brand, or well-established lodging facility. There are plenty of hospitality managers that have worked their way up through the ranks and have no formal education. They have extensive on-the-job training which some employers value over classroom experience. Whether you choose a traditional on-campus MBA in Hospitality or an Online MBA program, it’s important to work in the industry. An on-campus MBA in Hospitality allows you to interact with like-minded hospitality professionals and will provide ample opportunity to network with professionals already in the industry. On-campus programs will most likely have recruiting events and a career opportunities department to help assist in your job search. You can certainly build relationships with an online community; but most likely, they will be students from all over the world; therefore, it may be a bit more difficult to secure employment via an eLearning platform.

If you plan on completing your MBA in Hospitality online, be sure to ask your B-School about internship/externship/job placement opportunities for Online MBA students. Here is a quick snapshot of the Pros/Cons of online vs. campus-based learning:

• The Pros of online learning include lower overhead cost which includes online textbooks, dormitory expenses, and commuting cost. The convenience and flexibility of choosing your own times for learning, and the comfort of learning in your own home.
• The Cons of online learning include limited social interaction, computer, and software issues as well as the cost of high-speed Internet, often requires the student be self-motivated and disciplined progress through the program.
• The pros of campus-based learning include face-to-face and in-person interaction with instructors and fellow students, regularly scheduled class hours, use of the school’s library, athletic facilities, and laboratories.
• The cons of campus-based learning include the requirement to travel to classes, lack of time flexibility, and housing costs.

One of the benefits to online learning as it relates to tuition cost is that a number of schools offer free textbooks online and include these texts in the price of tuition.

How Much is Tuition for an MBA in Hospitality Management Program

If you plan on attending an MBA in Hospitality program it’s best to start thinking about your finances. A prospective B-Student in Hospitality needs to weigh their options, whether it’s tuition rates, job opportunities, and starting salary. A highly reputable MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary by way of on-campus recruitment from luxury hospitality organizations. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in hospitality. With that being said, the lowest in-state tuition for on-campus MBA in Hospitality programs is $7,176.00 compared to the highest average in-state tuition of $219,688.00 . There’s a significant tuition range for in-state programs. The average in-state tuition is $42,989.01 compared to an average out-of-state tuition of $53,060.18 for traditional on-campus MBA in Hospitality programs. If you have the option of attending a highly reputable in-state program, it may be worthwhile to upwards of $12,000 in tuition costs. If geography is a limiting factor, then a well-respected online MBA program may be the best option for aspiring Hospitality students. The average in-state online MBA program in Hospitality is $38,939.90 compared to the average online out-of-state program of $48,664.75 .

GMAT Scores for Hospitality Management MBA Programs

It’s important to note that not all MBA in Hospitality programs require a GMAT Score for acceptance; but most AACSB programs do. There are other factors that ultimately decide an admissions decision. They include undergraduate GPA, professional hospitality experience, letters of reference, CV, and a personal statement. The GMAT measures a prospective students’ ability to quantitatively analyze data. The MBA in Hospitality is considered a more practical hands-on program because of the requirements needed to enter the industry; therefore, GMAT scores may take a back seat to a strong undergraduate GPA and professional experience. The average GMAT score for on-campus Hospitality programs is 556 compared to an online GMAT of 552 . If you have a specific program in mind, it’s best to boost your GMAT to improve your chances of acceptance. With a GMAT Score range of 265 to 724 , there’s plenty of opportunity to attend a high-quality MBA in Hospitality program.

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Hospitality Management Programs

The best MBA Student/Faculty ratio in Hospitality is 1.00 compared to the worst on-campus Student/Faculty ratio of 63.00 . The lower the ratio, the better it is for students. This is especially true in the field of Hospitality where hands-on practical experience is critical to the B-Students overall success. Students attending a graduate Hospitality program receive personalized one-on-one attention from faculty mentors who have extensive experience in the industry. The Student/Faculty metric is a matter of personal preference and for those students who excel in large groups, may not need the low Student/Faculty ratio. The best Student/Faculty ratio for online MBA programs is 6.00 compared to the worst online Student/Faculty ratio of 30.00 . The combination of cutting-edge eLearning platforms and innovative Blackboard courses make the online experience a rewarding one for prospective Hospitality students. The Student/Faculty ratio comes down to personal preference. For a B-Student interested in networking with professors and fellow students via a cohort style classroom environment, it’s best to look for Hospitality programs with lower Student/Faculty ratios. If you don’t mind the lecture hall environment, then a higher Student/Faculty ratio may be a suitable option for the prospective MBA applicant.

Student Population for an MBA Hospitality Program

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective Hospitality graduate student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision-making process. On-campus recruitment is critical for Hospitality graduates. Hospitality graduates will most likely compete for corporate hospitality positions with their fellow classmates for these positions are highly coveted. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style/hands-on classroom experience and thrives in more intimate hands-on settings, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option. This is especially true for Hospitality cohort MBA programs where students stay together for the entire program. The average MBA in Hospitality full-time enrollment for on-campus programs is 322 compared to the average online MBA program of 272 . The average MBA part-time enrollment for on-campus is 348 students compared to the average part-time online enrollment of 397 . It’s important to note there is a significant difference between the online study experience versus the traditional classroom experience.

Student Population from the United States for Hospitality MBA Programs

The ever-changing global hospitality industry has produced countless corporate managerial positions for those with international business experience. Just like a the employee demographics of a highly successful hotel chain, an MBA in Hospitality program should be a reflection of members of the global hospitality, tourism, and lodging community. The more international students, the better the program – especially for the aspiring hospitality professional. A company that hires employees from other countries evolves into a well-rounded organization. The employee talent should represent the company’s most important asset: its patrons. The average percentage of students from the U.S. in traditional Hospitality MBA programs is 78.48% compared to an average of 51.33% for online MBA programs. If you want to collaborate, network, and learn from global business leaders, it’s highly recommended that prospective B-Students attend an institution that accepts a higher percentage of international students compared to students from the U.S. If you are serious about learning from the global hospitality community, you will most likely learn from industry professionals who have travelled all over the world.

Faculty Information for an MBA in Hospitality Program

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academics and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their Hospitality industry. Most Hospitality, Tourism, and Lodging professors have experienced success in the industry and have written extensively in their chosen field. The number of highly-qualified full-time faculty is directly related to the reputation of most elite MBA in Hospitality programs. The average number of full-time on-campus MBA faculty is 65 compared to 4,472 for part-time on-campus programs. The average number of professors with doctorate degrees is 86 for on-campus MBA programs compared to 85 doctorates for online MBA programs. You want to learn business from industry influencers and academics who are on the front lines of their respective industry. Looking at business professor bios, their published work, and their professional history is a great way to determine if your MBA programs hires quality faculty. You will find that most have worked at luxury hotel chains, managed five-star restaurants, are industry consultants, or have started their own restaurant.

Best MBA Programs in Hospitality Management – GMAT Scores, Salaries, Rankings

• The number of on-campus MBA Hospitality programs offered: 125
• The number of online MBA Hospitality programs offered: 55

Since the MBA in Hospitality concentration is considered a highly specialized concentration, there’s a limited number of programs to choose from in the MBA Guide. There are 125 on-campus traditional MBA in Hospitality programs in the U.S. compared to 55 accredited online programs. As mentioned previously, Hospitality is one of the most specialized MBA concentrations delivering a super concentrated course of study for B-Students. Specialized Hospitality courses are designed to create well-rounded managers in both luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and tourism settings. There are plenty of career paths for an aspiring hospitality student. An MBA in any specialization is a highly respected credential and the perfect gateway for leadership positions in a competitive industry like Hospitality.

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• About the Author
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Jacquelyn has a JD/MBA from Suffolk University, an LL.M from the University of Miami, and a B.A. from the George Washington University in International Relations. Jacquelyn is the CEO/Founder of the Sophisticated Word, a writing company that owns Wilbur Press, which donates a percentage of every article sold to the World Literacy Foundation.

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MBA in Tourism Management Lead the Way in Hospitality

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Our hospitality and tourism concentration is designed to provide you with the skill set employers are looking for. Your online coursework will help you develop skills for this growing field, such as strategic marketing for travel and tourism, planning, and problem solving for both customers and internal human resource needs. Choosing Liberty’s MBA in Tourism Management can prepare you for new career positions, higher pay, and increased job security!

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In Liberty’s MBA in Tourism Management, you can learn about the various methodologies and best practices for the hospitality industry. In addition to courses focused on hospitality, sport, and recreation management, you will explore the broader subjects that will help you in this field.

You will examine the role of marketing strategies and how they can be leveraged to enhance a travel and tourism organization’s strategic plans. You will also learn how to analyze and use social media analytics to measure the effectiveness of your programs. Another invaluable skill you can learn is how to communicate with a variety of generational, racial, ethnic, and international cultures.

Your general MBA courses provide advanced study in major business topics like marketing, finance, accounting, legal, and operations management. Gaining advanced skills in managerial finance, global policies, and strategies will help set you apart from the crowd and chart your course for success.

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