How do I get an MBA in Hospitality Management?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in hospitality management can typically be obtained by applying to and being accepted by a graduate program in this field and then completing the necessary coursework to graduate. To get an MBA in hospitality management you should start by receiving an undergraduate degree, usually in a related field such as business. You should try to apply to a graduate program early, usually while finishing your bachelor’s degree, and different schools can have different requirements you should be aware of while applying. Once accepted by a program, you can usually receive your MBA in hospitality management within two to four years.

Hospitality management is the managing of services within the hospitality industry, typically at hotels and resorts. An MBA in hospitality management can qualify someone to be a manager of a large vacation resort or to open his or her own hotel. The first step you should complete toward receiving such a degree is to complete your undergraduate education, which usually requires receiving a four-year degree such as a bachelor’s degree. While many MBA in hospitality management programs may not require a specific degree for acceptance, a bachelor’s in a related field such as business administration or hospitality services can be helpful.

While you work on your undergraduate degree, you should look at graduate programs you are interested in and begin to apply to such programs fairly early. The application process for schools that offer an MBA in hospitality management can be somewhat lengthy, and early application can often be helpful. Different schools can have different admission requirements but you should expect to need several letters of recommendation, meet grade requirements for your undergraduate work, and likely need to write an admission essay or personal philosophy statement. Some schools may also require you take tests for acceptance such as the Graduate Record Examination® (GRE®).

To receive an MBA in hospitality management you will also need to actually complete the coursework required by any program into which you are accepted. This will usually center on management skills, business and financial strategies, record keeping, and subjects specific to hospitality such as food and beverage handling, sanitation, and housekeeping management. Depending on the school you attend for your MBA in hospitality management you may also need to pass some final examinations to receive your degree. Some schools also offer a similar degree as a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH), which is another name you may watch for as you look for a graduate program.