Hospitality management and the new era of online learning

In today's interconnected world, online learning has revolutionized education, offering unprecedented opportunities for anyone to pursue their academic goals from anywhere in the world, anytime. With the growing demand for such flexible education, Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) is proud to announce our continued commitment to high-quality education with the accredited Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management (MA Exec) online degree program.

Endorsed and accredited by the University of Derby, the MA Exec online degree program is designed to empower aspiring hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a competitive industry. This program caters to mid-career professionals seeking to upskill their expertise and individuals passionate about entering the hospitality sector. SHMS understands that in the world of hospitality, we cannot stand still, and developing lifelong skills plus keeping up with the latest professional trends, all while developing your career, is of the utmost importance. One of the key advantages of pursuing an online hospitality management degree such as the MA Exec is the flexibility it offers; students can choose the length of study based on their schedule and needs. The Accelerated Track, for example, allows students to finish the online program in as little as 18 months, while the Professional Track is more steadily paced and takes up to three years to complete. The MA Exec also allows students to access course materials, lectures, and resources at anytime and from anywhere. This convenience enables working professionals to balance their careers, personal commitments, and studies effectively.

Despite being conducted online, the MA Exec embodies an engaging and interactive learning experience with innovative online teaching methods. The MA Exec stands out amongst other online degree programs through its modular system, offering six distinct ten-week modules that may be taken in any order. Students can participate in virtual classrooms, engage in discussions with peers and faculty, and collaborate on industry-related projects. This interactive, amenable approach to online learning fosters networking opportunities and encourages the exchanging among international, multicultural students.

The curriculum of the MA Exec online degree program is meticulously designed to reflect the latest industry trends and challenges. Students gain in-depth knowledge of key hospitality management topics such as strategic leadership, sustainable design, marketing strategy, financial decision-making, and AI technology. The coursework is complemented by case studies, real-world simulations, and practical exercises, ensuring students acquire practical skills that can be immediately applied in their professional roles.

Students of the MA Exec online degree program also have the unique opportunity to participate in an optional on-campus stay and graduation experience at SHMS Leysin. This on-campus component offers a valuable opportunity for students to engage in face-to-face interactions with their peers, faculty, and industry professionals. It provides a platform for networking, building lasting connections, and gaining hands-on experience through workshops, seminars, and industry site visits. The on-campus stay culminates in a memorable graduation ceremony, where students can celebrate their achievements and receive their well-deserved degrees in the presence of their fellow graduates, faculty members, and loved ones. This optional on-campus experience adds an extra layer of enrichment to the online program, fostering a sense of community and creating lifelong memories for students as they embark on their successful careers in the hospitality industry.

MA Exec Program Manager Andrea Leuenberger is proud of the development of the online hospitality management program at SHMS. “The MA Exec program builds analytical and critical thinking skills systematically, week by week, using the most effective learning methods,” she explains, and adds, “I myself know what the lifestyle of busy industry professional looks like and how hard it is to integrate studies. Therefore, the program has been designed with feasibility in mind.”

The partnership with the University of Derby endorses the quality and academic level of this online degree program and affirms the international recognition of SHMS. Like SHMS, the University of Derby is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and industry relevance. The collaboration between these two reputable schools demonstrates a shared vision to provide a comprehensive and high-quality online learning experience for aspiring hospitality professionals. Graduates of the MA Exec online degree program will earn two degrees, one from each institution.

SHMS looks forward to the future of education in the hospitality industry. With a flexible and convenient online format, the Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management online degree program represents an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking a career in the hospitality industry or aiming to advance their existing careers. “In all the years that I have managed Master’s programs for SHMS, I have witnessed firsthand the career advancement that comes when a student acquires the knowledge content that we so carefully curated and demonstrates in the workplace the kind of thinking that is universally acknowledged as ‘need to know’ based on Master level business theory,” Ms. Leuenberger says. “We want the online MA Exec to make a difference in the careers of graduates, and we know it does.” By combining the advantages of online learning with a cutting-edge curriculum, this endorsed program equips students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality management.