Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Hospitality Management Degree in Alexandria, Arlington, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.
Struggling to choose the right Hospitality Management Degree in Virginia? You’re not alone.
This guide highlights the best Virginia programs, with insights into curriculum, internships, and career outcomes.
Discover what each school offers to help you make an informed decision on your educational and career path in hospitality management.
Virginia State University – Hospitality Management Program
The Hospitality Management Program at Virginia State University is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the hospitality industry. The program stands out for its unique accreditation by ACPHA, setting a high standard for quality education.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: One of only five HBCU programs accredited by ACPHA, signaling adherence to quality standards.
- Curriculum: Focuses on leadership, management, team building, and global hospitality concepts.
- Professional Placement: Boasts an impressive professional placement rate of 81-90% within 90 days of graduation.
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: Low ratios between 7 to 10.3, ensuring personalized attention.
- Diversity Commitment: A strong emphasis on promoting diversity within the hospitality industry.
Graduates from this program are highly equipped to enter the workforce with confidence and competence. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover all crucial aspects, from general management to executive roles, giving you an edge in a competitive field.
Virginia Union University – Master of Science in Hospitality Management
For those seeking advanced education, the Master of Science in Hospitality Management at Virginia Union University offers a compelling option. This 18-month program fuses service and operations management with essential business disciplines.
Program Highlights:
- Duration and Format: An 18-month program delivered online for flexibility.
- Credit Requirement: 36 credit hours encompassing core, foundation, and elective courses.
- Core Courses: Modules like Advanced Hospitality Capstone and Global Contemporary Issues.
- Foundation Courses: Cover Financial Analysis, Revenue Management, and Human Resource Management.
- Elective Options: Specialize in areas like Hospitality Law and Strategic Planning.
- Admission Criteria: A minimum GPA of 2.7, along with a comprehensive application process including a personal statement and academic transcripts.
Led by experienced faculty members such as Dr. Robin Davis EMBA and Antoinette Lloyd, this program is designed to propel your career to new heights.
Virginia Tech – Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) program at Virginia Tech is renowned for blending rigorous academic coursework with extensive practical experience.
Notable Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Internships, field studies, and regular industry expert interactions.
- Wide Range of Courses: Covers event management, hospitality finance, and international business.
- Career Paths: Prepares you for roles like digital marketing specialists, hotel operations managers, and event designers.
- Experienced Faculty: Learning guided by seasoned professionals, including leaders like Zheng (Phil) Xiang.
This program is ideal for those looking to make a significant impact in the global hospitality sector through hands-on learning and industry-relevant education.
Old Dominion University – Bachelor of Science in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Studies with a concentration in Tourism & Hospitality Management
If you’re interested in a comprehensive yet practical education, Old Dominion University’s Bachelor of Science in Park, Recreation, and Tourism Studies offers a concentration in Tourism & Hospitality Management.
Program Essentials:
- Core Courses: Includes Sustainable Tourism Management, Introduction to Tourism Management, and Festival and Event Management.
- Practical Experience: Service-learning activities, a practicum, and an internship.
- Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend events like the VA-1 Tourism Summit.
- Career Preparation: Focuses on planning, marketing, and special events management.
The program’s real-world experience is its cornerstone, making it an excellent choice for those seeking hands-on learning.
Virginia Western Community College – Hospitality Management Career Studies Certificate
The Hospitality Management Career Studies Certificate at Virginia Western Community College is designed for those looking to quickly enter the hospitality management field.
Key Attributes:
- Short Duration: Complete the certificate program in just two semesters.
- Core Focus Areas: Includes housekeeping, food and beverage service, front office tasks.
- Experienced Leadership: Led by culinary arts expert James Zeisler.
- Supportive Environment: Offers a nurturing academic setting in Roanoke.
This program is perfect for those seeking an expedited pathway to hospitality employment.
Norfolk State University – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
The Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Norfolk State University offers robust training in the field of hospitality through its School of Business.
Program Highlights:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Totaling 121 credit hours covering key areas like management, marketing, and operations.
- Fully Online Format: Enables balance with other commitments and flexibility in learning.
- Practical Experience: Internships with partners like LTD Hospitality, mentorship opportunities.
- Experienced Faculty: Over a century of combined experience among instructors.
- Career Prospects: Opens pathways in hotel management, event planning, and travel agency roles.
This program provides a thorough grounding in essential hospitality skills, preparing you for a successful career in various roles.
Bryant & Stratton College – Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management
The Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management program at Bryant & Stratton College offers a robust curriculum designed to arm you with the essential skills needed for a successful career in hospitality management.
Program Highlights:
- Diverse Curriculum: Courses cover core hospitality practices, human resources, marketing, finance, and sales.
- Theoretical and Practical Balance: The program combines strong theoretical foundations with practical applications.
- Ethical and Legal Focus: Emphasizes ethical and legal decision-making in hospitality contexts.
- Flexibility: Available online, with some state exceptions, accommodating a variety of student needs and locations.
- Career Pathways: Prepares you for roles such as event planning, hotel management, and food service.
This program is ideal for those looking to start their career in hospitality with a comprehensive grounding in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the industry.
Virginia Tech – MSBA-HTM Program
For those pursuing advanced studies, the MSBA-HTM Program at Virginia Tech offers a unique blend of MBA-level courses with a specialization in hospitality and tourism management.
Notable Features:
- Innovative Curriculum: Combines business and specialized hospitality courses.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Housed at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA, starting Spring 2025.
- Cutting-Edge Topics: Includes modules on emerging technology in tourism.
- Extensive Resources: Features the Feiertag Library Collection, an invaluable tool for comprehensive industry research.
- Industry Engagement: Promoted through events like the Hokie Hospitality Speaker Series, offering interactions with industry leaders.
- Advisory Board Support: Curriculum development backed by extensive industry partnerships, ensuring relevance to current trends.
This program stands out for its focus on innovation and real-world application, making it a strong choice for those aiming to lead in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
WVU – Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at West Virginia University combines academic excellence with hands-on learning experiences to prepare you for a dynamic career in hospitality.
Key Program Features:
- Hands-On Learning: Students gain practical experience through labs and shadowing opportunities with managers at facilities like the Waterfront Place Hotel.
- Innovative Lab: Features the Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab, integrating IoT, AR, and VR technologies.
- Accreditation: The only AACSB-accredited program in West Virginia, ensuring high educational standards.
- Living-Learning Communities: Offers a unique educational environment emphasizing experiential learning.
- Popular Courses: Includes Restaurant Management and Hospitality Revenue Management.
- High Placement Rate: Over 90% career placement rate, helping ensure successful job market entry.
This program provides a rich blend of innovative learning and real-world experience, making it ideal for those wanting a well-rounded education in hospitality management.
UVA Wise – Hospitality and Tourism Management Program
The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at UVA Wise focuses on equipping students with both strong fundamentals and hands-on industry experience.
Key Features:
- Diverse Curriculum: Core courses include Hotel and Lodging Management, Casino Management, and Food Business Management.
- Practical Experience: Emphasizes internships and innovative assignments, ensuring readiness for real-world challenges.
- Career Preparation: Prepares students for roles such as hotel managers, travel agents, and event sales coordinators.
- Study Abroad Options: Offers the opportunity to enrich your academic journey with a global perspective.
- Dedicated Faculty: Features a team of experienced professionals providing personalized attention.
- Comprehensive Education: Blends liberal arts, business core, and experiential learning courses.
This program is perfect for individuals seeking a robust education that combines academic rigor with practical experience and global perspectives.
Virginia Community College System – Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management
If affordability and flexibility are your priorities, consider the Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management from the Virginia Community College System.
Program Details:
- Affordable Education: Offers a cost-effective pathway to a career in hospitality management.
- Specialized Tracks: Includes options in Event Planning and Food Service Management.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers key areas such as marketing, finance, customer service, and human resources.
- Flexible Learning: Accommodates both full-time and part-time students.
- Multiple Locations: Available at various campuses, providing accessibility and convenience.
This program offers a strong foundation for immediate entry into the hospitality management workforce or further studies, making it an excellent choice for those balancing career and educational goals.
Choosing the Best Hospitality Management Degree in Virginia
Selecting the right Hospitality Management degree program requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program meets established quality standards.
- Curriculum: Look for comprehensive coverage of business fundamentals, hospitality operations, and emerging technologies.
- Hands-On Experience: Opportunities for internships and real-world learning are crucial.
- Industry Connections: Evaluate the program’s connections for valuable networking and job placements.
- Location: Consider the accessibility and convenience of the program’s location.
- Cost: Factor in tuition and additional fees along with available financial aid options.
- Alumni Success: Review alumni outcomes to gauge the program’s effectiveness in launching careers.
Hospitality Management Degree By State
Conclusion
Exploring the various Hospitality Management degree programs in Virginia opens a range of opportunities tailored to different career goals and educational needs. Whether you seek an undergraduate degree, a career-focused certificate, or advanced studies, Virginia offers programs designed for success in the hospitality industry. Take the next step by visiting the program links to find the right fit for you and embark on a rewarding career in hospitality management.