MBA Programs in Hospitality and Tourism

In many places, tourism forms a significant part of the local economy, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue throughout the year. A big part of that industry is made up by hotels, restaurants and large scale tour operations. Those interested in taking part in this type of business and who are looking to take on a managerial role will find job hunting and advancement much easier with the addition of an MBA in hospitality and tourism to their resumes.

Coursework in a hospitality and tourism program can be largely determined by what interests the student has in a future career. Basic business courses are included that help students learn about the necessary elements of finance, risk management, leadership and human resources but students will also have the opportunity to take a large number of courses by their own choice. These may gear a student towards a career in managing restaurants, conventions, hotels, travels and various tourism related industries. These courses will cover topics like maintaining service quality, safety and security, strategic management, marketing, and tourism economics. In most cases, it will take about two years to complete these courses, though with some accelerated online programs it may actually end up taking less. This may be a good option for those changing careers, as it allows individuals to work while attaining their degree.

Many graduates of a hospitality and tourism program will end up in careers that are directly related to hotels and restaurants, as managers for these places are often in high demand. Students should also be open to the possibility of working as travel agents, tour company managers and larger travel corporation consultants and managers. While gas prices may have taken a slight toll on travel, these types of jobs are still quite in demand and many graduates may find a number of positions open that fit their needs and career goals. Salaries for graduates of these programs are comparable to national averages, but depending on the industry can often be lower than those of their counterparts with an MBA in other fields. This should not be a deterrent to pursuing a career in hospitality and tourism, however, as the truly savvy can work their way up through hard work and additional experience.