What Is a Hospitality Degree? Courses and Careers

• SHMS offers various types of hospitality degrees, including bachelor's, master's, and specialized diplomas.
• In a hospitality degree program, you learn practical skills and business knowledge.
• The benefits of pursuing a hospitality degree include gaining specialized skills, increasing career opportunities, and enhancing earning potential.

When people think of starting a career in hospitality, many envision the Hallmark version of that whole process—they imagine starting from scratch—maybe as a receptionist or a small business owner, with little knowledge but plenty of ambition. While these paths are possible, they do come with significant risks, years and years of hard work, and, of course, plenty of setbacks.

There's a faster, more secure way to succeed in hospitality. This industry doesn't just reward kindness and a willingness to do your best for your guests; it requires specific skills, knowledge, and a deep understanding of operations—skills that a formal degree is best equipped to provide.

So, what is a hospitality degree? What kinds of programs exist, and how can they equip you with the expertise that you can't easily learn on your own?

What Is a Hospitality Degree?

A hospitality degree is a formal academic qualification, like all others, but one that focuses on providing students with knowledge and skills related to the service industry and guest experience.

Degree programs in hospitality aim to prepare graduates for work, particularly managerial positions, in hotels, tourism, restaurants, and event planning by teaching them the industry's core aspects.

Such degrees offer a structured learning environment centered on students acquiring hospitality-relevant skills quickly and efficiently. That's why, in addition to traditional classes, hands-on work is important and often incorporated into the curricula.

A noteworthy reason why people choose to pursue such formal education is that it allows them to essentially fast-track their careers and avoid the risks and setbacks that come with trying to climb the career ladder without the foundational knowledge needed for success in this field.

Types of Hospitality Degrees

Like most other fields of study, hospitality can be pursued at undergraduate and graduate levels, with specializations and varying degrees of focus. These programs aim to prepare students for successful careers in hospitality and related industries, though the curricula differ in their depth, specialization, and level of study.

Bachelor’s degrees

A bachelor's degree in hospitality is usually the first step aspiring professionals take when interested in pursuing a career in this industry. It's the type of degree that equips students with a basic but solid understanding of the operational, financial, and managerial aspects of hospitality businesses.

At Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), the Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality Management stands out as an excellent three-year degree program that seamlessly combines practical courses with academic theory. It offers a strong foundation for students in hospitality, equipping them with the skills needed for a wide range of careers in the hospitality sector.

Nikola Nikolov, a SHMS student, said that the school's bachelor's program "offers an amazing opportunity to get work experience while studying, which is a distinct advantage over other universities. When we start looking for an actual job, we already have experience in different departments, in different worldwide recognized hotels."

Students in this program also have the opportunity to specialize in areas like events or hospitality design. This helps guarantee they gain a competitive edge in the industry. With two internships included, as Nikolov stated, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with real-world experience.

Master’s degrees

Master's degrees in hospitality are designed for professionals looking to gain deeper expertise in the industry. Therefore, such programs are typically aimed at individuals who already have some knowledge and skills in the field, whether it be due to prior experience or education in hospitality or other relevant industries.

SHMS offers three degree programs at this level:

Master of Arts in International Hospitality Business Management

This one-year program focuses on refining and cultivating skills in hospitality management, know-how, and strategic business practices. It equips students with the tools necessary for senior roles in hotel management, luxury brand management, and event coordination.

The program includes practical learning components that ensure students are industry-ready. When asked about why she chose to pursue her master's at SHMS, Maeva Rainavo, another student of our school, explained: "I can put into practice the theory I learn, through hotel simulations, event planning, or even restaurant management, which means I get to see what a real work environment looks like."

Master of Science in International Hospitality Management

This intensive academic program is designed for those seeking to develop advanced management and leadership skills in hospitality. Taught by a faculty of industry experts and seasoned professionals, the program ensures students gain practical insights and real-world knowledge alongside academic rigor, to become experts in their chosen specializations.

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles, including consulting and top management and consulting positions within global hospitality companies. The curriculum includes electives in areas such as innovation and technology-driven value creation, addressing the evolving needs of modern hospitality businesses.

Master of Arts in Executive Hospitality Management (Online)

This flexible online program is designed for active professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills while balancing work and personal commitments. Students can tailor their learning experience by choosing between two tracks: the Accelerated Track, which allows completion in as little as 18 months, or the Professional Track, offering up to three years to finish.

In addition to its online format, the program offers an optional residency on-campus in Leysin, Switzerland, where students can network with industry leaders, engage in hands-on projects, and celebrate their graduation in person.

This unique combination of online flexibility and in-person opportunities ensures students can gain advanced hospitality management expertise while staying connected to a global professional network.

Postgraduate diploma

For people too experienced for a bachelor’s, but not quite ready for a master’s, SHMS offers options for those looking to transition into the hospitality industry or gain specialized expertise. The Postgraduate Diploma in International Hotel, Resort, and Spa Management is a one-year program that offers students the chance to do a deep dive into operational management, event planning, and spa management.

This diploma provides a much faster way to fulfill prerequisites for joining SHMS's Master's programs since it offers a blend of academic learning and practical industry experience.

What Do You Learn in a Hospitality Degree Program?

When you're pursuing a hospitality degree, you can expect to learn a lot about the field by taking courses, as included in the program's curriculum, discussing industry-specific topics, and also working on developing some of the essential soft skills for a career in hospitality.

Core courses

Hospitality degrees typically design their curricula to include courses that cover a broad spectrum of business and management topics. Some such courses offered through SHMS's hospitality programs include:

• Food and Beverage Management
• Event Planning and Organization
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing and Branding
• Rooms Division Management
• Sustainable Events Management
• Hospitality Design
• Strategic Revenue and Financial Management

Industry-specific topics

Although management tends to be the focus of most hospitality programs, they also explore industry-specific topics that help students specialize in various sectors of the field.

Some such topics address niche areas like:

• Hotel Management
• Tourism Economics
• Culinary Arts

Soft skills development

Hospitality programs, as mentioned, help equip students with essential skills. Among those skills are non-technical or soft skills, which are crucial for hospitality—an industry centered on human interaction.

At SHMS, emphasis is placed on developing these skills through both academic instruction and practical experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for the interpersonal demands of hospitality roles.

For example, effective verbal and written communication is indispensable in hospitality, whether it's interacting with guests, coordinating with staff, or negotiating with vendors. SHMS students are trained to deliver clear and confident messages, handle customer complaints with professionalism, and provide excellent service.

Carla Vallet, a student in the Master of Arts program, shared, "This diverse cultural immersion significantly enhanced my English proficiency and improved my adaptability to different cultures, an essential skill in today's globalized world." She highlights how communication skills are refined in a multicultural environment and that doing so helps students handle global customer interactions once they begin their careers.

Additionally, interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and respond with empathy are skills SHMS prioritizes. As Antoine Vlieghe, another student, noted, "The daily life on campus, where we lived, offered us, thanks to the staff and teachers, total immersion in professional development, quality of service, savoir-vivre and, above all, interpersonal and relationship skills." Such an immersive experience points to SHMS's commitment to encouraging the development of interpersonal skills.

Other soft skills addressed by hospitality programs include creative thinking, problem-solving, conflict resolution, leadership, and time management. All these skills, and many more beyond them, are useful when it comes to providing top-notch service to guests.

Benefits of Pursuing a Hospitality Degree

Besides the obvious—preparing you for your future career—a hospitality degree offers graduates many other advantages. They can fast-track their careers as they are prepared to take on managerial roles right out of school, skipping the long, gradual climb through entry-level positions. Instead, they enter the workforce with a higher starting salary and the skills needed to advance quickly.

Hospitality degree programs, like the ones at SHMS, also provide many valuable networking opportunities with peers, industry professionals, and organizations. This is typically done through internships, career fairs, and real-world projects.

Career Opportunities with a Hospitality Degree

A hospitality degree opens doors to many exciting career paths across various industries. Some of the most common and sought-after roles include:

• Hotel and resort management (roles such as hotel manager, resort manager, front office manager, operations manager)
• Tourism and travel management (roles such as travel agent, tour guide, destination manager, travel consultant)
• Event planning and management (roles such as event coordinator, wedding planner, conference organizer, and event manager)
• Food and beverage industry (roles such as restaurant manager, food and beverage director, catering manager, executive chef)
• Entrepreneurship opportunities (starting and managing your own hotel, restaurant, or hospitality-focused business)

In reality, the secret is that a hospitality degree prepares you for a career in most industries outside of the hospitality and tourism sectors. The soft skills and business acumen of a hospitality graduate is in high demand in any business-oriented field.

Is a Hospitality Degree Worth It?

While pursuing a hospitality degree does require upfront investment, the long-term career benefits can provide an impressive return on investment (ROI), which makes the degree worth it. Many hospitality roles, such as hotel management and event planning, offer competitive salaries, especially as professionals move into leadership roles.

So, while tuition costs can vary and, at times, be quite high, the potential for career growth, international opportunities, and a fulfilling career in a dynamic, growing industry still makes a hospitality degree an attractive investment.

How to Choose the Right Hospitality Degree Program?

When selecting a hospitality degree program, it's important to keep several factors in mind and seek options that align with your career goals. To do so, you should first look into the program's accreditation and make sure that it meets industry standards. Focus on programs that offer internship opportunities, like SHMS's programs, as these provide real-world experience that can significantly enhance your resume. 

Analyze which program—online or on-campus—would better suit your schedule and learning preferences. Additionally, make sure the curriculum fits your career goals. A well-rounded program that blends practical experience with academic knowledge is your safest bet.

Find Your Career Path at SHMS

"I was lost before coming to SHMS. I didn't have a dream or goal to fight for. I just had an idea about a restaurant I wanted to open and a lot of energy."

These are the words of one of our students, Nicolò Boschi Colombo, who came to us unsure of his future but left with a clear direction. At SHMS, we teach you the fundamentals of hospitality, but at the same time, we also help you discover your potential. We guide you, provide real-world experience, and give you the tools to refine your skills. All we need from you is commitment, drive, and spirit. Then, together, we'll find your dream and work relentlessly to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a hospitality degree?

It depends on the type of degree you're pursuing. A bachelor's typically takes three to four years, while a master's is shorter, taking one to two years.

What degree do you need for hospitality and tourism?

While some roles in hospitality and tourism don’t require a degree, having one can significantly fast-track your career progression. A bachelor's degree is often a prerequisite for mid-level roles, while top management positions may require a master's degree to equip you with advanced skills and leadership expertise, giving you an edge over those without formal qualifications.

What industries hire hospitality graduates?

The short answer is that every industry hires hospitality graduates. The most common positions for hospitality graduates are in hotels, resorts, event planning, tourism, food and beverage, and cruise lines. Additionally, many businesses outside traditional hospitality (like sales, customer service, and customer care) also benefit from employees with a hospitality background. Demand for soft skills taught by hospitality schools has increased significantly in 2024, with the global soft skills training market projected to reach USD 26.8 billion. 

What skills do you need for a hospitality degree?

Some important skills for a hospitality degree include communication, leadership, multitasking, adaptability, customer service, and problem-solving. Of course, you'll be developing these skills at school as well as your technical knowledge in hotel management, marketing, and business operations.