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ArticlePerhaps more than any other MBA degree holders, experts in hospitality management have opportunities to work anywhere in the world. Hospitality is the third-largest sector of the U.S. economy, and for many nations it’s the primary source of revenue. Hospitality managers take on mid-level and senior positions with casinos, cruise companies, hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other businesses that cater to tourists. They also work with university catering and housing facilities.
What will I study in a hospitality MBA program?
When hospitality students start traditional or online MBA programs, they first explore the foundations of general business. Typical courses cover accounting, finance, human resources, marketing, etc. When students have gained a solid understanding of general management issues, they are ready to specialize in hospitality and tourism. A concentration in this area usually includes four or five required courses with titles such as “Consumer Behavior and Marketing within the Hospitality Industry” and “Franchising and Chain Management within the Hospitality Industry.” Students might also focus on a particular tourism region (e.g., the Caribbean Islands or the Middle East).
What types of jobs are available?
Popular titles for graduates include hospitality manager, hospitality franchiser, and hospitality finance director. An MBA graduate with an especially independent streak may choose to work as an independent hospitality management consultant.
The U.S. government projects that job growth in this field will be about average over the next decade. Earning an MBA gives a job candidate an important advantage in this somewhat competitive field.
How much can I earn in hospitality management?
Salaries and perks in hospitality management vary widely by location and the manager’s experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average hospitality management salary ranges from about $40,000 to about $75,000 per year. However, this does not account for annual performance bonuses (which are common in the industry) and perks such as free meals and housing.
Which schools offer online MBAs in hospitality and tourism management?
