Are Online Hospitality Management Degrees Legit?

A degree in hospitality management can open up a wealth of career opportunities in:

• Tourism
• Catering
• Entertainment

Thinking of getting your degree online? Perhaps you're wondering if online colleges offer legitimate degrees.

Online hospitality management degrees are legit as long as they come from accredited colleges and universities. Online degree programs can even be more flexible and convenient for many students.

Read on as we dive into this topic. Also, keep in mind many online bachelor's degrees in hospitality management are available.

Do Employers Respect Online Hospitality Management Degrees?

In this day and age, many employers understand that online degrees are becoming more and more popular. This is true in every industry, including hospitality.

Online degrees in hospitality management are particularly common, so there's a good chance that most employers have hired online-degree-holding candidates in the past. While some employers still prefer to hire those with traditional degrees, most will give those with online degrees the same amount of consideration.

The important thing, for you, is to prove you're the right candidate. Your employer will respect your online degree, but won't hire you unless you can demonstrate you have the right skills and are a good fit for the job.

What To Look For in an Online Hospitality Management Degree Program

There are several factors to look out for when choosing a school for your online hospitality degree. Consider the following.

Accreditation

Any school you pick should be accredited; otherwise, your degree will not be considered legitimate. Common accrediting agencies include the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Reputation

A school's reputation can play a role in how your degree is viewed once you graduate. Schools with solid academic reputations are more respected than schools with shady or questionable reputations. Always select a school that is well-known and has a reputation for providing top-quality academics.

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Degrees

Both nonprofit and for-profit schools provide legitimate degrees, but nonprofit schools are generally considered more reputable because they put all of their money back into the school. On the other hand, for-profit institutions spend a lot on advertising and endeavor to generate a profit.

Graduation Rates

It's best to choose a school with a higher graduation rate. If more students are graduating from a school, then they are most likely receiving the support they need, benefitting from expert faculty, and learning from a good curriculum.

Differences Between Online Hospitality Management Degrees and Traditional Hospitality Management Degrees

Traditional hospitality management degrees follow set class schedules, which usually take place during work hours on weekdays. Students attend classes on campus, usually full-time. They have plenty of opportunities to interact with professors and other students, and they complete homework assignments outside of regular class periods.

Online degrees usually don't follow set schedules. Students have deadlines to meet, but they can complete online coursework and related assignments wherever and whenever it's convenient for them. They typically work alone but may be able to interact with peers and professors in a virtual classroom.

Online degrees are much more flexible, while traditional programs offer more structure. Online programs often offer shorter course sessions (often eight weeks), while traditional programs usually follow a 16-week semester-based model.

Benefits of Earning Your Hospitality Management Degree at an Online School

Getting a degree online can be highly beneficial for some students. While it's necessary to have a great deal of self-discipline and motivation to make it work, the ability to study online can make it possible for students to finish school when they wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

Since online degree programs are usually flexible, students who have full-time family or work commitments can still go to school in their free time. They don't have to juggle everything else around set class periods, and they can learn from anywhere without having to travel to a physical classroom.

Online degrees may even be less expensive than traditional degrees. Some schools offer lower online tuition rates, and there are a lot of fees that simply don't apply to online students. Plus, not having to pay to live on campus or commute to classes can also save you money.

Featured Online Hospitality Management Degree Programs

Let's take a closer look at some top online hospitality management degree programs and the schools that offer them.

1. Johnson and Wales University

Johnson and Wales University is a private school in Rhode Island that offers many of its degree programs online. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Four online hospitality management degrees are available:

• Online AS in hospitality management
• BS in hospitality management (three concentrations available)
• MS in hospitality management
• MBA in hospitality

2. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a large public school. Located in Gainesville, Florida, it offers a wide array of programs in an online format. Its accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The following online degrees in hospitality management can be obtained at this school:

• Online BS in tourism, hospitality, and event management
• Online MS in tourism and hospitality management

3. University of Central Florida

Another Florida public school, the University of Central Florida offers many flexible online degree programs ideal for busy students. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Two hospitality management degrees are available:

• Online BS in hospitality management
• Online MS in hospitality and tourism management

4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a large state public school with a reputation for academic excellence. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits this school.

Students can choose between the following online hospitality management degree programs:

• Online BS in hospitality management
• Online MS in hospitality management
• Online MS in hospitality management - sport hospitality

5. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a midsize public school in Kansas with a wealth of online program offerings. The school receives its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Consider the following online hospitality management degrees:

• Online BS in tourism and hospitality management
• Online MBA in tourism and hospitality management