An online associate’s degree in hospitality management is perfect for students entering the workforce. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a hospitality business successfully. The Accreditation Commission accredits hospitality administration programs.
Students get ready to work in entry-level management jobs such as hotel, restaurant, or catering managers. They also find employment in event planning, tourism, or food and beverage management. With experience, graduates may advance to higher-level managerial positions.
Colleges and universities across the US offer online hospitality associate’s degrees. This article showcases top programs for anyone interested in earning their degree online!
Article Navigation: What Is an Associate in Hospitality Management Program? | Why Pursue an Associate Program in Hospitality Management? | Associate in Hospitality Management Careers | Top 12 Best Associates in Hospitality Management Programs | FAQs | Take the Next Step with a Hospitality Management Degree Online
What Is an Associate in Hospitality Management Program?
You earn an Associate in Hospitality Management degree after completing an undergraduate program at a college. Typically, these programs are two years in length and focus on preparing students for a career in the hospitality industry.
While coursework will vary depending on the school, standard classes include:
- Introducing hospitality management
- Principles of food and beverage operations
- Lodging management
- Tourism marketing
Some students choose to specialize in their degree by completing a concentration in areas such as event planning or hotel administration.
After earning an online hospitality management degree, careers in the hospitality industry, including hotel management, restaurant management, and event planning, become attainable.
Why Pursue an Associate Program in Hospitality Management?
Welcome to the booming hospitality industry! It’s a career path with plenty of upward mobility potential. If you love working with people and places, then a degree in hospitality management may be for you.
There are many different hospitality management programs available at the associate level. Factors of pursuing an online hospitality management degree include:
- You can get started in your career relatively quickly
- An associate’s degree is usually more affordable than a bachelor’s degree
- You’ll gain practical experience that can be valuable in your future career
- You can specialize your studies to match your interests within the hospitality industry
If you’re thinking about a career in hospitality management, an associate degree program is a great place to start. These programs provide the skills and knowledge to succeed in this growing industry.
Associate in Hospitality Management Careers
Theme Park Manager
Salary: $67,280 per year
Theme Park managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a theme park. Customer service skills are a must, and you will be juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Theme parks are a fun and exciting workplace, and an Associate in Hospitality Management is a great place to start.
Marketing and Public Relations
Salary: $62,800 per year
Marketing and public relations are essential aspects of the hospitality industry. You can pursue this type of job with an Associate in Hospitality Management. Universally, hospitality establishments rely on marketing and advertising to reach far away customers. Public relations specialists work with hotels, tourist attractions, theme parks, and restaurants to boost and protect their reputations. An Associate’s degree is the perfect place to start one of these fast-growing careers.
Restaurant Manager
Salary: $61,220 per year
As a restaurant manager, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Your tasks will be plenty, and you must work with both employees and customers.
With an Associate in Hospitality Management, you can pursue a career as a restaurant manager. The degree will provide the industry knowledge you need to succeed in high-pressure, high-paying jobs.
Sous Chef
Salary: $50,160 per year
A sous chef is responsible for assisting the head chef in the kitchen. You’ll need culinary skills and must work well under pressure. An Associate in Hospitality Management can help you develop these skills and prepare you for a career as a sous chef.
Event Manager
Salary: $49,470 per year
Your responsibilities as an event manager include planning, coordinating, and executing events. You’ll work with a team to develop creative solutions to make each event successful. Excellent communication and organizational skills are a must to succeed in this career.
Event management is a field for opportunists. If event management interests you, an associate degree in hospitality management will offer you the skills you need to succeed.
Concierge
Salary: $37,520 per year
A concierge is responsible for providing guests with information about the area and helping them with any needs. You’ll need excellent customer service skills to succeed in this career.
Wedding Planner
Salary: $29,240 per year
Wedding planners help couples plan their perfect day. They serve clients on an individual basis or work for venues. Duties include walking couples through ceremonies, helping pick out aesthetics, coordinating with photographers, caterers, and more.
With an Associate in Hospitality Management, you can pursue a career as a wedding planner. You’ll be responsible for helping couples plan their perfect day.
Casino Host
Salary: $29,120 per year
A casino host is responsible for providing guests with information about the casino and helping them with any needs. You’ll need supreme customer service skills to succeed in this career.
Catering Assistant
Salary: $26,700 per year
As a catering assistant, you’ll be responsible for preparing and serving food at events. A career as a catering assistant is an excellent opportunity to work within the hospitality industry and learn about food.
Catering assistants play an essential role in making sure that events run smoothly. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, then an Associate in Hospitality Management is a perfect fit for you.
Tour Guide
Salary: $26,520 per year
As a tour guide, you’ll be responsible for leading groups of people on tours and providing them with information about the area. You’ll interact directly with customers and must think on your feet.
With an Associate in Hospitality Management, you can pursue a career as a tour guide. The best skills for a tour guide include customer service and adaptability!
Top 12 Best Associates in Hospitality Management Programs
East Mississippi Community College
Associates of Arts in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
An Associate of Arts in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management degree from DeVry University can lead to a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. Students study specialized themes in hospitality management. Additionally, they’ll take on a firm foundation of primary education classes. Learning is 100% online and institution-paced. East Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
You must have a GED and undergo ACT/SATs regarding the program requirements. You also need to provide an official high school transcript/GED score.
Could not look up degree for "East Mississippi Community College" using "345025"!Purdue University Global
Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration/Health Club Operations
Gain the accounting, computer, and managerial skills to advance your career. Also, you can complete your degree entirely online, on your schedule.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Purdue University Global. The minimum education required is a high school diploma or equivalent. You also need to provide an official high school transcript/GED score. In conclusion, studies cover topics such as:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Networking
- Finance
- Marketing
- Economics
- Negotiation
- Accounting
- Professionalism
American Public University System
Associate of Arts in Hospitality
The American Public University hosts a curriculum ideal for working professionals, taught by hospitality industry experts. Courses are available online, allowing working adult students with varying schedules to fit a high-quality education into their busy lives. This online program is a stepping stone for students looking to advance to more advanced levels in hospitality and business. It covers the fundamentals of restaurant operations, such as:
- Buyers
- Storage
- Food service sanitation
- Legal concerns
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Sales
Monroe College
Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management
Joining the hospitality business exposes you to new individuals and locations. This AAS in Hospitality Management degree prepares you for hotel, food, beverage, and tourism management jobs.
You will focus on enhancing your communication skills throughout the program. After completing the program, you are encouraged to continue your education by getting a bachelor’s degree.
The Middle States Commission accredits Monroe College on Higher Education (MSCHE). Program admission requirements include having a high school diploma or equivalent and providing an official transcript. You may also need to go through an interview and provide an essay/writing sample.
Consider the following studies, such as:
- Staffing
- Scheduling
- Hotel management
- Controls & procedures
- Food management and beverage costs
Ocean County College
Associate in Science in Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Management
The Ocean County College’s online AS in Hospitality, Recreation & Tourism Management program helps students launch careers in the creative, people-oriented tourism industry. The combination of free online courses, work-based learning techniques, and independent research enables students to further their education toward a bachelor’s degree. E-Learning students have access to the same academic resources that on-campus students do. E-Learners can use tutoring, advising, counseling, and library assistance.
The Middle States Commission accredits Ocean County College on Higher Education (MSCHE). Some of the program requirements include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Placement test
- English language proficiency
- Official high school transcript/GED score
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management
Tompkins Cortland Community College offers an online AAS in Hotel & Restaurant Management.
This degree prepares students to work in supervisory positions in hotels, restaurants, and other places that serve food. Well-trained managers are of the highest demand in the hospitality industry.
The program is 100% online and institution-paced. The Middle States Commission accredits Tompkins Cortland Community College on Higher Education. To join this program, you must have a high school diploma, take a placement test, and submit an official high school transcript/GED score.
NHTI-Concord’s Community College
Associate in Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management
This AAS is a great degree option if you are already skilled in computer science and mathematics. While you get better at using technology, you’ll also learn business-related topics. The school has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education and the ACBSP. AS Hospitality & Tourism Management programs prepare students for entry-level jobs in businesses such as:
- Hotels
- Conference centers
- Sales and marketing
- Guest services
- Tourism associations
- Travel agencies
- Airlines
- Attractions
Albany Technical College
Associate of Applied Science in Hotel/Restaurant/Tourism Management
The AAS degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management is available at Albany Technical College. It’s for students who want to learn more about hotels, restaurants, and tourism.
The program consists of courses on the travel sector, geography, event planning, food and beverage management, hospitality marketing, hospitality law, etc. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Technical College
Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management
The online AAS in Hospitality Management degree prepares students to manage staff and basic operations in hospitality organizations. The courses teach essential topics, such as:
- Customer service
- Supervision
- Software applications
- Human resources
- Event management
- Sales and promotions
- Finance
Accordingly, students get a taste of the business of food and beverage service, travel and accommodation, and leisure and tourism. The program is 100% online, making it convenient for working professionals and long-distance learners. Also, this technical college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Casper College
Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management
The online hospitality associate from Casper College is for food and restaurant operations careers. It also benefits those in the lodging industry, parks, recreation, or conference centers.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Casper College. Subsequently, the program requires you to have a high school diploma and submit an official transcript/GED score. The curriculum consists of a variety of specialized areas, including:
- Food and beverage management
- Sales and customer relationship management
- Hotel operations management
Cayuga County Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Event & Tourism Management
The Middle States Commission accredits Cayuga County Community College on Higher Education. Requirements include a placement test and an official high school transcript/GED score. This online associate’s in hospitality leads to entry-level jobs as:
- Event coordinators
- Destination marketing agents
- Visitor center directors
- And other tourism sector professionals
Wake Technical Community College
Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management
A Hospitality Management education benefits those advancing their careers, such as:
- Event planning
- Hotel and restaurant management
You’ll study accounting, marketing, cost control, and other essential business skills. Hospitality topics include sanitation and safety, food and beverage service, and legal matters relating to the management of hotels.
This associate’s degree is available online, in a hybrid format, or on campus. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredited the technical community college. You also need to provide an official high school transcript/GED score.
FAQs
Is Hospitality Management a Good Career?
The career outlook for hospitality management is very positive. As such, the industry is growing rapidly with opportunities for advancement. Hospitality management is a perfect choice for those looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
Additionally, hospitality management is a demanding field requiring strong leadership skills. Successful people find themselves in high-paying positions with plenty of room for growth.
Which Is Better: Hotel Management or Hospitality Management?
Hotel management and hospitality management are similar choices, but each has advantages. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between these two exciting career options.
Hotel management focuses on the day-to-day operations of a hotel property, such as:
- Supervising staff
- Managing budgets
- Ensuring that guests have a positive experience
Hospitality management, on the other hand, takes a more strategic approach. Hospitality managers focus on:
- Developing long-term plans for their organizations
- Building relationships with clients and customers
If you’re good with people and have a head for business, hospitality management could be a great fit. However, if you want to work with the nuts and bolts of running a hotel property, then hotel management might be the better choice.
You’ll need to be prepared to work hard and put in long hours on whichever path you choose. But if you’re passionate about the hospitality industry, it will all be worth it.
Is Hospitality a Hard Major?
The associate in Hospitality Management is a two-year degree you can complete at many colleges.
While earning a degree is challenging, students who complete the program graduate into a competitive and stable marketplace. They can find good jobs in their field of choice and often earn higher salaries than those without a degree.
Plus, they get to work in an industry that is fun and exciting. Consequently, hospitality management could be the perfect major if you love working with people and enjoy planning events.
Take the Next Step with a Hospitality Management Degree Online
If studying hospitality management is something you’re considering, then you’re in the right place. The field is growing, leading to more opportunities for well-trained employees.
You can also find work in various settings, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning companies, etc. To discover ideal online programs, check out our database, which features many hospitality management online degrees to consider.