Program Overview

Overview of the Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Program

The Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism program at Washington State University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the hospitality industry. The program offers a global perspective on lodging, restaurant and food service, event management, and entertainment management.

Program Details

• The program can be completed in as few as 22 months.
• The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
• The program is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Curriculum

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Service management
• International tourism strategy
• Hospitality operations analysis
• Revenue management
• Information technology
• Human resources
• Strategic marketing

Hospitality and Tourism Concentration Courses

• HBM 581 Services Management | 3 Credits: This course explores concepts, principles, and issues within the service management area.
• HBM 535 International Tourism Strategy and Planning | 3 Credits: This course concentrates on techniques and concepts of international tourism, destination management and marketing.
• HBM 582 Hospitality Operations Analysis | 3 Credits: This course covers yield/revenue management and managerial accounting concepts within the hospitality industry.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can pursue a wide range of roles in hospitality and tourism, including:

• Leading teams in resorts, hotels, restaurants, spas, and private clubs
• Managing operations in convention centers, cruise lines, casinos, theme parks, sports arenas, and entertainment venues

Accreditation and Rankings

• The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International.
• The program is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
• Ranked #33 among “Best Online MBA Programs” by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.
• Ranked #26 among “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans” by U.S. News & World Report for 2025.

Graduate Business Certificate

The Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism concentration is also offered as a nine-credit graduate certificate that can be completed in as few as three courses. This option allows students to:

• Receive credits that can be applied toward their MBA
• Earn a standalone certificate in hospitality and tourism
• Pair the certificate with their MBA — and graduate with both

FAQs

• How long is the Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism program? The program can be completed in as few as 22 months.
• What can I do with an Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism? Earning a Hospitality MBA Online can provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently pursue a wide range of roles in hospitality and tourism.
• What is the average salary for graduates of an Online MBA in Hospitality and Tourism? The average salary for graduates with an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism was $67,000 in May 2024, according to Payscale.
• Is the Online MBA program accredited? Yes, the program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).