Hotel Management Schools and Programs in The United States

Hotel Management Studies in The United States

Hotel management in the United States is usually taught under the broader name of hospitality management, which covers hotels and resorts, restaurants and food service, events and tourism. SpainExchange lists 64 colleges and universities in the country under hotel management, from community colleges with two-year programmes to universities with their own hospitality schools. A degree is one of several ways into the profession, so it is worth knowing what each level leads to.

How the degree is organised

• Certificates and associate degrees: community colleges and technical colleges offer certificates and two-year associate degrees in hotel, restaurant or hospitality management. An associate degree either leads to a specific occupation or transfers into a bachelor's programme
• Bachelor's degree: usually four years of full-time study. The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at The Pennsylvania State University, for example, requires a minimum of 120 credits and a period of professional work experience. Florida International University (FIU) offers its Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management on campus and online, and Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration has undergraduate programmes in Hospitality Administration and in Hospitality and Communication
• Master's degree and doctorate: for specialisation or research. Boston University lists a Master of Management in Hospitality and Master of Science degrees in Hospitality Real Estate and Hospitality Management; Purdue University offers a Master of Science, an online master's, a 4+1 BS/MS route and a PhD in hospitality and tourism management

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hotel management programmes typically include hotel administration, housekeeping, food service management and hotel maintenance, together with business subjects such as accounting, marketing and sales. Many also train students on the software that hotels use for reservations, billing and housekeeping. Practical work is a standard part of the degree, through internships, on-campus restaurants or required work experience.

Accreditation

U.S. higher education is not centrally managed: institutions are accredited by independent accrediting bodies, and the recognition of a degree by other institutions and employers is linked to that accreditation. In addition, individual hospitality programmes can be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), which covers both two-year and four-year programmes. BLS notes that employers may seek candidates whose degree is from an accredited hospitality management programme. Among the schools in this directory, the University of North Texas, Texas Tech University and SUNY Buffalo State University appear on ACPHA's list of accredited programmes (checked October 2026). Many established programmes are not on that list, so it is one criterion among others.

Admission and language

Students apply directly to each college or university; EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's advising network, recommends starting 12 to 18 months before the academic year begins. Teaching is in English, and universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Community colleges generally have easier admission policies and lower costs, and state universities are generally less expensive than private ones. Each institution sets its own fees.

For a full degree, international students need a student visa. Once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the school's international student office issues the Form I-20 that is presented in the visa application.

Where to study hotel management

Miami, Boston, New York and Baltimore each have two schools in this directory. Examples include Florida International University and St. Thomas University in Miami; Boston University; New York University, whose School of Professional Studies houses the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality; and Temple University in Philadelphia, whose School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management was established in 1998. Large public universities with hospitality schools include The Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, the University of North Texas, Texas Tech University and Florida State University. Johnson & Wales University in Providence is a private option, and community colleges in the list include Johnson County Community College, Des Moines Area Community College, Pasadena City College and Broward College.

Careers

A degree is not the only route. BLS describes three typical paths to becoming a lodging manager: a high school diploma with several years of experience in a lodging facility, a bachelor's degree in hospitality or hotel management, or an associate degree or certificate in hotel management. Full-service hotels may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree or certificate may be enough at limited-service properties. No licence is required; professional certification is optional and may be beneficial.

Lodging managers held about 54,800 jobs in 2025, 66% of them in traveller accommodation and 21% self-employed. Employment is projected to grow 4% from 2025 to 2035, with about 5,500 openings a year. Graduates also move into food service management, a much larger occupation with about 344,300 jobs in 2025 and projected growth of 6% over the same period, and into events, tourism and related businesses.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to study hotel management in the United States?

An associate degree takes two years and a bachelor's degree usually four. Certificates are shorter, and a master's degree adds further specialisation after the bachelor's degree.

Do I need a degree to become a hotel manager?

Not always. According to BLS, some managers enter with a high school diploma and several years of hotel experience, but full-service hotels may prefer a bachelor's degree in hospitality or hotel management.

Is hospitality management the same as hotel management?

Hospitality management is the broader name most U.S. universities use. It includes hotel management together with restaurants, events and tourism, so compare the courses and options rather than the title.

Can I start at a community college?

Yes. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees, and a bachelor's degree can be earned with two years of community college followed by two years of university study. Check early which credits the university will accept.