Not in Atlanta? Check out our lists of Hospitality Management Degree in Athens-Clarke County, Augusta-Richmond County, Columbus, Macon-Bibb County, Sandy Springs, Savannah, South Fulton, and across Georgia.
Are you considering a hospitality management degree in Atlanta, GA but unsure where to start?
This article provides an overview of top programs that blend business acumen with specialized industry training.
Learn about the unique benefits, faculty expertise, and real-world opportunities each program offers to help you make an informed decision for your career in hospitality.
Georgia State University – B.B.A. in Hospitality Administration
The Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration at Georgia State University (GSU) offers a B.B.A. in Hospitality Administration that sets you up for a successful career in the hospitality industry. As the oldest and largest dual-accredited hospitality program in Georgia, it combines the rigors of business courses with specialized hospitality training.
- Experienced Faculty: The program benefits from more than 400 years of combined industry and teaching experience.
- Industry Board: An advisory board with over 50 leaders ensures that the curriculum stays relevant to current industry trends.
- Certificates: Choose from Event Management and Hospitality Operations certificates to tailor your degree to your career goals.
- Practical Experience: Specialized electives and work-study programs offer hands-on experience in hotel, restaurant, beverage, venue, club, resort management, and franchising.
This program stands out for its real-world applicability and strong industry connections, providing you with extensive opportunities for internships and career placements.
Georgia State University – Master of Global Hospitality Management
Explore advanced hospitality management skills with the Master of Global Hospitality Management at Georgia State University. This program aims to equip you with expertise in hotel investment, asset management, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Cover key subjects like financial management, feasibility studies, franchise management, and international event management.
- Experiential Learning: Engage in robust career tracks such as hotel development and disruptive innovation, supported by deep industry connections.
- Admission Process: A streamlined admissions process without the need for GMAT/GRE scores.
- Career Opportunities: Alumni have secured high-profile positions at companies like The Coca-Cola Company and Marriott International.
Recognized globally, this program offers top-tier education, ensuring you are well-prepared for leadership roles in the hospitality industry.
Gwinnett Tech – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
At Gwinnett Tech, the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program offers you multiple educational pathways to success in the hospitality field, including an Associate of Applied Science degree, a diploma, and several specialized certificates.
- Industry Connections: Close collaboration with local experts ensures that the curriculum aligns with industry demands.
- Flexible Learning Paths: Choose from certificates in areas like Event Coordination and Travel Agency Operations.
- Affordable Tuition: Tuition is $100 per credit hour plus fees, making it an accessible option.
- Real-World Experience: Benefit from extensive practical learning experiences and internship opportunities.
Graduates are well-prepared for roles as lodging managers, event managers, and restaurant managers, having gained both practical skills and strong industry networks.
Georgia Southern University – Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality Management
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Hospitality Management at Georgia Southern University is an excellent choice if you’re looking to enhance your career prospects in Hospitality and Tourism. Open to students from any major, this certificate provides a versatile overview of the field.
- Required Courses: Core courses include Hospitality Industry Management and Tourism Management.
- Electives: Opt for Hotel Operations and Food and Beverage Operations for specialized knowledge.
- Internship: Gain hands-on experience with a mandatory internship.
- Eligibility: Complete 60 credit hours and maintain a ‘B’ grade or above in all courses.
With alumni thriving at top-tier establishments like Sea Island Resort and The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, this program offers both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to boost your career in hospitality management.
Kennesaw State University – Hospitality Management Degree
Kennesaw State University’s Hospitality Management Degree is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in hospitality. The program offers:
- Flexible Learning Formats: You can choose face-to-face, online, or hybrid formats, totaling 120 credit hours.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: This includes foundational business courses and core hospitality management subjects.
- Tailored Education: Select from a variety of electives to customize your learning experience.
- Industry Connections: Over 7,100 companies recruit from KSU annually, providing robust networking opportunities.
- Double Owl Pathway: This pathway allows you to pursue both bachelor’s and master’s degrees concurrently, saving time and money.
KSU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction and job placement, making it an excellent choice for those aspiring to leadership roles in the hospitality industry.
Georgia State University – Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) in Hospitality Administration
Another excellent option is the B.B.A. in Hospitality Administration at Georgia State University. This program is ideal for both traditional and non-traditional students due to its flexible format and extensive resources.
- Flexible Scheduling: Complete your degree entirely online, allowing you to manage your studies alongside other commitments.
- Practical Courses: Subjects include Business Analytics for Restaurant Management and Event Management, providing real-world skills.
- Certifications: Earn certifications like the Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from seasoned professionals who provide high-quality education.
- Career Resources: Access over 10,000 job and internship listings via Robinson’s career platform.
- Financial Support: Benefit from financial aid, loan options, and tuition reimbursement programs.
With a mix of practical experience and extensive networking opportunities, this program sets you up for a successful career in hospitality management.
College of Coastal Georgia – Hospitality & Tourism Management Degree
The College of Coastal Georgia’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Degree is an excellent choice for those wanting a robust and practical education in the field.
- Regional Emphasis: Leverage the rich coastal resources and history of Georgia in your studies.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Focus on hotel and resort management, event management, and tourism.
- Coastal Resort Track: Gain concurrent academic and practical experience with resort partners.
- Paid Internship: Complete a mandatory 150-hour paid internship for practical learning.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from seasoned professors like Dr. Tyra Warner and Richard Roberson.
Graduates are well-prepared for careers in hotels, restaurants, events, and more, equipped with the practical skills necessary to excel in the hospitality industry.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hospitality Management Program in Atlanta
Choosing the right hospitality management program is crucial to your educational and career success. Here are key factors to consider:
- Reputation and Accreditation:
- Curriculum and Flexibility:
- Faculty Expertise and Industry Connections:
- Financial Considerations:
- Career Services and Alumni Network:
By weighing these factors, you can choose a program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances, ensuring a rewarding educational experience and career in the hospitality industry.
Summary and Next Steps
Now that you’ve explored the top hospitality management degree programs in Atlanta, GA, consider visiting the prospective universities’ websites for more details or schedule a campus visit to get a feel for the program environment. This hands-on approach will help you make an informed decision tailored to your career aspirations in the dynamic field of hospitality management.