How to choose a bachelors in hospitality management

Written by: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Emma Breitman

Published: March 7, 2025

Working in hospitality and tourism is an exciting career pathway filled with people, food, and events. Whether you're hoping to work in a hotel, run a restaurant, or open your own bed and breakfast, a bachelor's in hospitality management can help you get started.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in hospitality management

There are many bachelor's in hospitality management programs. Some may focus on hotels, while others may focus on restaurants or resorts. Read ahead to learn about some of the most important considerations for programs in the field.

Accreditation

Any reputable bachelor's degree program in hospitality and tourism management will be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). This accreditation ensures that your program meets industry standards. Your degree will garner more respect if it comes with this accreditation. You'll also want to ensure that the institution is accredited regionally at the university level.

Elective options

Going into a field as diverse as hospitality means there are plenty of opportunities for you to pursue a career in different types of businesses. A strong hospitality program should offer a variety of courses so you can learn about the different areas of the industry that interests you.

Internship programs

You can only learn so much about hospitality and management in the classroom. A strong program features hands-on learning opportunities, guest speakers, and internships as part of the curriculum. Programs with strong industry connections may help set you up with future employers.

Faculty and staff credentials

Program faculty should have a strong business background so you can learn best practices and expectations for a career in hospitality. Whether they teach you revenue management, hotel management, or international tourism, you'll want to see what their qualifications are, where they previously worked, and what certifications and degrees they hold. Ideally, your program will have faculty members from different fields to share the different facets of the industry with you.

Student-teacher ratio

While large classes might work for general education subjects, a smaller student-to-teacher ratio for your major specific courses can help you build relationships with professors and access deeper learning.

Higher-level degree programs or certifications

Strong hospitality programs are typically housed within a business college at a university. If the university also offers a certificate program for managers or graduate-level students, you'll have more access to networking connections and opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about getting a bachelor's degree in hospitality management

Is a hospitality management bachelor's degree worth it?

The value of a hospitality management degree depends on your career goals. Still, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs for hospitality professionals, like lodging manager, are projected to grow by 10% from 2023–33. This is much faster than the 4% projected growth rate for all occupations across the decade. Earning your bachelor's in hospitality management could help you stand out in this growing field.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in hospitality management?

Like any bachelor's degree program, majoring in hospitality management requires around four years of full-time study to complete.

What are the benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in hospitality management?

If you hold a degree in hospitality management, you'll have an opportunity to work in a wide variety of industries. Hospitality workers have roles at resorts and spas, tourist attractions, and bars and restaurants. Hospitality can be a fun and rewarding career — not to mention highly people-oriented — making it worthwhile if you enjoy customer service and logistics.