Many schools offer food service management certificate programs that can train you to oversee a variety of facilities and businesses. Get information about types of programs and classes along with career outlook.
Can I Earn a Food Service Management Degree Online?
Online degree programs in food service management are rare, but several schools do offer distance-learning certificate programs in this subject area. These programs prepare candidates to work in such settings as hotel restaurants, nursing homes, health clinics, correctional facilities or schools. They not only learn to work with food, but learn how to manage staff, order materials, oversee menus, organize service and related tasks.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Career Setting</b></td><td>Restaurants, health clinics, schools, nursing homes, correctional facilities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Technology Requirements</b></td><td>Computer, high-speed Internet access, updated browser, additional software may be required</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td>Restaurant revenue management, the hospital industry, beverage management, sanitation and safety, nutritional therapy</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Salary</b></td><td>$56,590* (median salary for food service managers in 2020)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsWork">How Do Online Programs Work?</h3><p>You can complete some food service management certificate programs entirely over the Internet, while others are offered as hybrid programs that combine online learning with traditional classroom classes. Many programs also require you to obtain field experience by working in a professional food service environment. To get started with your online courses, you need a high-speed Internet connection and an updated browser. Some schools may require additional software, such as Microsoft Excel or Word, to complete coursework.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfClassesWillITake">What Type of Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>Most programs require you to complete a handful of general education, business and hospitality courses in addition to classes dedicated explicitly to food, kitchens and restaurants. Some food service management courses you are likely to take cover:
</p><ul><li>Sanitation and safety
</li><li>Nutrition therapy
</li><li>Marketing analysis
</li><li>Restaurant revenue management
</li><li>Beverage management
</li><li>The hospitality industry
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCareerOutlookForAFoodServiceManager">What Is the Career Outlook for a Food Service Manager?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2020, food service managers earned a median annual salary of $56,590. The BLS also notes that employment opportunities for food service managers are expected grow about one percent from 2019 through 2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>
