2024 Best Online Associate’s in Hospitality Management Degrees [College Programs]
By Molly Doyle
Edited by Briana Sukert
Updated on October 1, 2024
Pursuing an online associates degree in hospitality management can be a strategic way to develop communication, financial, and marketing skills.
Hospitality management graduates often go on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including event planning, restaurant ownership, and hotel and resort operations.
If you enjoy collaborating and communicating with teams of people, a hospitality associate degree may be a good fit for you. Not only will you have the opportunity to work closely with diverse groups of people, but you can also have a positive impact on customers’ experiences.
Editorial Listing ShortCode:
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Public University offers an Associate of Arts in Hospitality. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering hospitality essentials, like purchasing, sanitation, safety, marketing, food preparation, and legal considerations. This is a fully online program with new classes starting monthly. Students may transfer in up to 45 qualifying credits toward the degree’s 60 required credits.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Atlantic Cape Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management that can be earned online. It is designed for students interested in hospitality careers in hotel, restaurant, casino, and tourism businesses. In addition to general education courses, the curriculum covers fundamentals like management, operations, marketing, food service, and sanitation.
Atlantic Cape Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. This 39 credit program may be attended at one of three campuses or fully online. It aims to teach students in-demand skills in management, business, and finance that will complement their existing passions for service, food, event planning, and general hospitality.
Bryant & Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Casper College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This program aims to provide students with marketable expertise to meet staffing demands and excel in the ever-growing hospitality and tourism industry. All courses are offered online. Students may also be able to receive credits for their work experience.
Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Central Texas College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management that can be earned online. Students may specialize in Baking, Culinary Arts, Food and Beverage Management, Room Scheduling, Hotel Management, and Restaurant Operations.
The curriculum includes general course requirements in humanities, behavioral sciences, computer competency, and mathematics. After finishing these, students are required to take major-specific courses in their chosen concentration.
Central Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Chemeketa Community College offers an Associate in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The program boasts flexible online instruction, several hands-on development opportunities, and expert faculty members who are active in the industry. Students may customize their course schedules around their professional interests, and the program’s 92 credits can typically be completed in just 2 years.
Chemeketa Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers an Associate in Hospitality Management with two tracks to choose from: Operations or Food and Beverage. The food and beverage track includes a culinary certificate. Graduates of the program may pursue a variety of entry-level and supervisory roles in the hospitality industry.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Mountain College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Resort Management. Students pursuing careers in premium hospitality areas like Aspen, Vail, and Steamboat Springs often find this program to be a good fit. In addition to flexible online instruction, the program emphasizes hands-on job experience prior to graduation.
Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Delgado Community College offers an Associate in Hospitality Management with six different high-demand concentrations. The program boasts 100% online courses and a curriculum recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. Topics covered include daily operations, hospitality technology, leadership and human resources, interpersonal communication, and diversity.
Delgado Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fayetteville Technical Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in hospitality roles in hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, and other service venues. The program is housed entirely online and can typically be completed in 2.5 years of full-time study.
FTCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Genesee Community College offers an Associate in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. Graduates of the program may pursue entry- and mid-level roles within the hospitality field or continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree at a 4 year institution. Students may complete at least 75% of their degree through online coursework.
Genesee Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Hillsborough Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Hospitality Administration Management. The program is designed to provide students hoping to pursue bachelor’s degrees with foundational knowledge in the discipline. This online, 60 credit program covers general requirements for most bachelor’s degrees and can typically be completed in 2 years of full-time attendance.
Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Madison Area Technical College offers an Associate in Hospitality Management program that is designed for students who are passionate about helping others through hospitality industries. Students can attend class fully online or in a hybrid model. The curriculum covers studies in team building, communication, cost control, and other hospitality operations topics.
Madison Area Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Massachusetts Bay Community College offers an Associate of Science in Hospitality Management. The program offers on-campus day and evening courses and asynchronous courses online.
While this program is often an excellent choice for students intending to enter the hospitality field, graduates often pursue careers outside the industry as well. Many become entrepreneurs, marketers, accountants, event managers, and even interior designers.
MassBay Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Monroe College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. The program offers online, in-person, and hybrid course options to provide students with the flexibility needed to earn an education at the pace and location that works best for them. Courses cover key topics like room division, food and beverage management, and interpersonal communications.
Monroe College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At NHTI Concord’s Community College, the Associate in Hospitality and Tourism Management program allows students to cater their education to their professional goals. It offers specialties in Digital Communications, Event and Conference Management, Hotel Administration, Travel and Tourism, and Wedding Planning. The program consists of 63 credits and can be completed entirely online.
NHTI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Associate in Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Management program at Ocean County College is designed to be a launching point for careers or educational aspirations in hospitality. Most students can complete this online program in 2 years. Graduates often continue their education in bachelor’s degree programs in hospitality or enter management roles in the industry.
Ocean County College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Peninsula College offers an Associate in Hospitality and Ecotourism. The program aims to help students learn the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. The curriculum covers collaboration, communication, customer relations, industry operations, and event management. The program admits new students three times a year and offers courses in online, in-person, and hybrid formats.
Peninsula College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration program at Purdue University allows students to choose from several industry specializations. Options include Customer Service, Meeting and Event planning, Retail Management, and Hospitality Management. Students in the program typically need to devote 15 to 18 hours to their studies weekly, and most can complete the online, 90 credit program in 2 years.
Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
St. Louis Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management. The online program is intended for students entering the field or looking to advance in their existing hospitality careers. The curriculum covers core concepts such as procurement, tourism, safety and sanitation, culinary essentials, guest relations, and event planning.
STLCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Hospitality managers are responsible for supervising the administrative and operational tasks of a business in the hospitality industry. There’s a wide variety of fields that fall under the category of hospitality, including event planning, lodging, food and drink businesses, and theme parks.
In addition to helping with daily operations, hospitality managers also work to ensure that all guests and customers are satisfied with the services provided. This may include fielding and addressing customer complaints and feedback or greeting them when they arrive at the door. In order to make sure that business is running effectively, it is necessary to have an understanding of the structure of different companies.
An associate’s in hospitality management online program can provide you with this information while teaching you leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
A typical curriculum for an associate degree program in hospitality management may also include:
These courses are designed to leave you with both the project management and customer service skills needed to be an effective hospitality manager in your chosen field.
Earning an associate’s degree in hospitality management is appealing to many individuals for a variety of reasons. This introductory degree provides a relatively quick way to learn essential skills, and an associates is generally satisfactory for entry into the industry.
Additionally, there are many career opportunities for those with a background in hospitality management. Associated career paths include:
Because this degree focuses on acquiring transferable skills, like delegation and budgeting, you can likely apply your knowledge to an area that you are drawn to. This might include careers in hotel management, tourism, or culinary arts.
One of the most appealing aspects of a degree in hospitality management is the option to select an area of specialization that aligns with your interests and career objectives.
Common hospitality management concentrations include:
While these are common specializations, there are plenty more areas to choose from. Selecting the path that aligns with your career expectations can help tailor your professional qualifications.
Hospitality and tourism management encompasses a diverse range of industries. Selecting a concentration that matches your career aspirations could help you qualify for specific positions post-graduation.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, here are some common hospitality management positions, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Food Service Managers | $59,440 |
| Lodging Managers | $59,430 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $59,230 |
| Chefs and Head Cooks | $50,160 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $49,470 |
| Travel Agents | $43,810 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $36,920 |
While an associate’s degree can help you enter into many hospitality management careers, it does not ensure a specific job title or salary. Other graduates may decide to pursue an on campus or online hospitality management certificate. With increasing experience, you may progress towards roles in management as well.
Some of these professional positions may require additional schooling or experience. For example, human resource managers tend to have a bachelor’s degree and many years of work experience. In addition to previous experience, factors that can contribute to your eligibility for certain jobs within the hospitality industry include your skill sets, degree specialization, network, and location.
Curriculum for an associates degree in hospitality management online program covers the necessary subjects to help you meet the needs of customers in any industry.
Depending on your concentration, some of the courses you take may be similar to the following:
You’ll have the opportunity to develop your finance and business skills, which can be highly beneficial for pursuing a business degree or advancing your career in hospitality management.
Admissions requirements are intended to demonstrate your strengths, academic and otherwise, to colleges and universities.
While admissions criteria do vary from school to school, you will often be required to submit the following:
In addition to these items, many schools expect you to meet a minimum GPA or complete pre-requisite courses in English and math. For admission into an associates degree program, colleges will often accept a GED in place of a high school diploma.
If a college or university is accredited, that means it has passed an evaluation for quality by an accrediting agency. Accreditors review educational and organizational systems within a school or program to ensure that they are up to standard.
Attending a regionally accredited institution benefits you in several ways. Not only will your degree be considered valid by, but you can also rest assured that your instructors will be knowledgeable in their fields and your curriculum will cover necessary information.
Employers also tend to prefer candidates who hold a degree from an accredited university, as it demonstrates they have received appropriate training.
Financial aid can provide funding options for individuals from a diverse range of socioeconomic backgrounds. There are several types of aid options available, many with varying application criteria:
Applying for financial aid early can help you better understand your options and stick to your budget.
Yes, hospitality management is a good career for many professionals. Many hospitality management occupations, such as administrative services and facilities managers, have a projected employment growth that’s as fast as the national average for all other occupations.
In addition to a positive job outlook, there is a lot of flexibility within hospitality management careers. You can even choose to tailor your degree to fit your interests, pursuing areas such as culinary arts or event management. Many employees in the hospitality management industry also enjoy job stability and benefits packages. They often get to utilize their creative thinking and problem-solving skills as well.
There are many career options for individuals who hold an associates degree in hospitality management. Because there are different specializations within the field, you can select to study and pursue an area that aligns with your interests.
Many graduates in hospitality management go on to work as lodging managers or administrative services and facilities managers. Others become food service managers, ensuring that restaurants run smoothly on a day-to-day basis.
The interpersonal, organizational, and managerial skills acquired during a hospitality management program could also help you qualify for promotions or leadership roles down the line.
Yes, there are many careers within the hospitality management industry that are experiencing employment growth. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of food service managers is growing at a rate of 15% over the next ten years, which is faster than the average for all other occupations.
Other positions, such as lodging managers and administrative services and facilities managers, have a projected employment growth of 9%, which is on par with the national average. Steady employment growth signifies a strong job market and a continued need for new hospitality management professionals.
If you follow a traditional 16-week semester and attend school full-time, it will typically take 2 years to complete an associate’s degree, similar to the time required to finish a master’s in hospitality management. Some online programs offer accelerated hospitality management degree options that allow for faster completion.
For instance, if you choose to follow an 8 week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, including over the summer, you may be able to finish associate degree in hospitality management online in less time. This is a helpful option for anyone who is on a strict timeline or is eager to begin their professional career.
Yes, an online hospitality management associate degree is worth it for many professionals. There’s a number of industries related to hospitality management, and degree specializations can allow you to focus on the one that most interests you.
For many careers related to hospitality management, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth that’s as fast or faster than the national average. Common careers in this field include food service manager, lodging manager, event planner, and administrative services and facilities managers.
Entry-level roles may consist of serving or customer service positions under the supervision of these management professionals.
Earning your associates degree in hospitality has the potential to equip you for senior or leadership roles in the industry.
Many individuals who earn their on-campus or online hospitality management degree become efficient communicators and problem-solvers. They also learn fundamental marketing techniques that they can put to use in their specific area of work. In addition to interpersonal skills, many hospitality management majors develop a strong understanding of budgeting and financial analysis, which is necessary in any number of fields.
If you’re ready to pursue your chosen specialty in this growing field, you can start exploring accredited schools that offer hospitality management associate degree programs today.
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