Tourism Management is an interdisciplinary career that includes business fundamentals like marketing, human resources, and all tourism-specific topics like sustainability, disaster relief, culture, and more. Chances are, if you are interested in tourism management, you’re a business savvy adventurous individual with a drive to keep tourism alive even in some insecure times. The environment takes a serious hit every time a plane takes off and lands and each time a beautiful area gets developed and gentrified with non-native individuals. Parts of the world which were once your best kept secret are now on everyone’s radar thanks to marketing and the world wide web. But that doesn’t mean that tourism management doesn’t have its place in our changing world. In fact, most 21st century programs understand that generally humans are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and seek out sustainable options. A number of the best Master’s Degrees in Tourism Management bare in mind that the planet needs to be sustained and include that into their curriculum. Tourism is more than just aloho and ciao. It’s about making sense of the market, entering into foreign lands with respect and sensitivity, and highlighting that which is exciting about world travel all while making the planet a safer and cleaner place to travel in. Sure natural disasters will pop up, and these programs show you what to do to prevent mother nature from interfering with your business plans (hint: plan ahead.) This is beginning to sound a bit like spinning plates. Mainly because it kind of is. But if you are here, you’re up to the challenge. To take some pressure off,we looked for online degrees that were not only high quality but also affordable and fast so that you can get your advanced degree while working and move on to pursue your dreams. If you are ready to take the dive into a career in tourism, check out our best master’s degrees in tourism management.
1. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Evangelical Christian University located in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are 75,756 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty University to award comprehensive degrees, diplomas, and certifications. U.S. News ranks Liberty University among the top 300 universities in the nation, 42nd for online graduate criminal justice programs, 108th for online graduate business programs, and 109th for online graduate nursing programs among others. The university provides student support via remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experiences. Though an evangelical Christian institution, Liberty University offers far more than just religious studies, and in fact offers hundreds of academic programs that range from accounting zoology. There are currently over 100 online degrees and professional certifications available.
Liberty University offers an online Master of Science in Sports Management with an Emphasis in Tourism. We selected this online degree for the low tuition rate, high percentage of students studying online and the accelerated pace. This 36 credit hour programs costs just $565 per credit hour. There’s a deep discount for military individuals as $275 per credit hour. Each class is just 8 weeks long and this program may be completed in as little as 18 months. You select whether or not to follow a thesis or non thesis track. Some of the key courses include: Current Issues and Theories for Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hospitality and Tourism Marketing Strategy, and Sport and Event Tourism Planning and Impacts. No matter what your background, if you are passionate about tourism enterprises, this online master’s may be your ticket to success.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour:$565
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 18 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 96
2. Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University is a private 4-year institution located in Chicago, Illinois. There are 4,700 student enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Roosevelt University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post baccalaureate certifications. According to U.S. News Roosevelt University ranks as the 109th best university in the Midwest, and 125th for best online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics Roosevelt offers a number of career-ready degrees in fields like business, education, and health as well as an assortment of unique niche programs such as their degrees in creative writing, African-American studies, Jazz Studies, Sociology, and much more. Currently, Roosevelt University offers 14 online degrees.
Roosevelt University offers a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. We selected this online degree because it’s accelerated- taking just one year to complete. The program requires just 30 credit hours to complete and is divided into the following four component parts: core courses, electives, seminars, thesis or project. The core courses include Issues and Trends in the Hospitality Management Industry, Applied Research in Hospitality Management, Management Theory and Practice in Hospitality Management, Hospitality Operations Analysis, and Organizational Development, Multiculturalism and Cultural Diversity. The degree culminates with either a Master’s project of a research thesis. For a fast and flexible degree in tourism, this may be the way to go.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $903
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 12 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online:29
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona. There are 51,869 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits ASU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News ASU ranks as the 115th best school in the nation, 70th best college for veterans, 110th best value school, 2nd best school for online graduate business programs, 4th best school for online best online bachelor’s programs, 5th best school for online graduate criminal justice programs, and 5th best online MBA program just to name a few. It seems ASU is truly an online learning powerhouse. To insure their student’s success, ASU offers academic and career counseling as well as employment for their students. This enormous research university offers a plethora of academic offerings that range from some niche programs like landscape architecture to big mammoth programs like their online MBA. ASU currently offers over 20 online programs.
If you are looking for an online master’s in sustainable tourism this may be the one. ASU offers a 10 class online Master’s in Sustainable Tourism. We like this program for a number of reasons but some of our favorites are the low tuition costs, fast completion time, and high percentage of students studying online. This 31 credit hour program costs just $622 per credit hour and will only take 12 months to complete. This online degree is divided into three main component parts: required core, electives, and a culminating experience. The required core include: Advanced Tourism and Recreation Studies, Sustainable Thinking in Tourism I and II, Sustainable Tourism Destination Planning and Management, Sustainable Food Management and Tourism, Managing the Sustainable Tourism Business, and Sustainable Tourism. The culminating experience is an applied project. If you care about tourism for the future, check out this great course from ASU.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $622
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 12
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 95
4. Colorado State University- Fort Collins
Colorado State University (CSU) is a public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado with campuses across the state and online. There are 31,856 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits CSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News Colorado State University ranks as the 124th best university in the nation, 138th best value school, 23rd best school for online bachelor’s programs, 29th best school for online graduate engineering programs, 31st best school for online graduate computer information technology programs, and 40th best school for online graduate business programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including academic counseling, career counseling, employment services for students, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, Colorado State offers an impressive number of programs in a vast range of fields including degrees in horticulture, botany, higher education, human nutrition, clinical and medical social work, anthropology, dance, and so much more. CSU currently offers 60 online degrees and professional certifications.
If you are looking for a life-changing degree in tourism try the Master’s in Tourism Management from Colorado State University. We selected this online degree for the high quality of the academics as well as the accelerated pace. In fact, this program may be completed in as little as 9 months! If you are keen to focus on ski tourism, there’s even a 6-credit extension in “tourism in the ski industry.” This course has it all, and is taught by the same great faculty that you would find on campus. This is a 30 credit hour master’s degree that includes some fun courses like: Tourism Industry Concepts, Quantitative Analysis in Tourism, Natural Resource Management and Tourism, Sustainable Tourism Development Foundations, Organizational Management in Tourism, Communication/ Conflict Management in Tourism, Financial Management in Tourism, Tourism Marketing Concepts and Applications, Global Tourism, Current Topics in Nature-Based Tourism and more. For those with an adventuresome heart, this program is for you.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $749
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 9 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 37
5. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans (UNO) is a public university located in New Orleans, Louisiana. There are 8,037 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UNO to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UNO ranks among the top 300 degrees in the nation and 216th for best business programs. The university offers remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, UNO offers a wide-range of programming including in film, sociology, philosophy, education, and hospitality management. UNO currently offers 5 online degrees and professional certifications.
UNO offers a Master of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management. We selected this course for the accelerated pace. Student will take 10 8-week classes and may complete this program in just one year. The program includes courses like: Survey of the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Special Topics in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Marketing Applications for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Hospitality and Tourism Finance and Revenue Management, Tourism Destination Development, Technology for Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hospitality and Tourism Operations Analysis, and Change Management for Hospitality and Tourism. New Orleans knows hospitality. If you are looking for programming from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, a Master’s from UNO is a great option.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $982
- Minimum Time Until Degree:12 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 30
6. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NCSU) is a public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina. There are 33,755 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits NCSU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News NCSU ranks as the 81st university in the nation, 46th best value school, 33rd top public school, 4th best school for online graduate computer information programs, 9th best school for online graduate engineering programs, 14th best online MBA, and 15th best online graduate education programs. The university offers support with remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, and placement for graduates. When it comes to academics, NCSU offers a huge range of programs from Artificial Intelligence to Zoology. There are 38 online degree available including their online master’s in agriculture education, and online bachelor’s in liberal arts and humanities.
NCSU offers an online Master’s in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. We selected this online degree for the high quality of the academic programming and accelerated format. The program is 31 credit hours in length, and each course is just 7 weeks. You complete this program in 2 years while working full-time. Though not our cheapest selection at $1245 per credit hour, the academic excellence certainly makes up for the price to create high value. The degree divides into two main areas: 22 credit hours of required courses, and 9 credit hours of electives. The core courses include among others: Advanced Fiscal Management for Parks, Recreation Tourism, and Sport, Data Management and Evaluation in Parks, Recreation Tourism and Sport, Risk Management for Parks Recreation Tourism and Sport and others. Each student takes 3 electives and culminate their programs with an E-Portfolio.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $1245
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 2 years
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 30
7. Temple University
Temple University is a public research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are 39,296 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Temple University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Temple University as the 115th best school in the nation, 70th best college for veterans, 92nd best value school, 2nd for best online bachelor’s degrees, and 12th for best online graduate business programs. The university supports its students with remedial support, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experience. When it comes to academic offerings, Temple University offers a ton! If you can imaging an area of interest, Temple likely offers a degree for it including in fields like musical theater, applied psychology, water, wetlands,
Temple University offers a Master of Science in Travel and Tourism. We selected this program for the accelerated pace and for the high quality of academic programming. Students complete this program full-time in 13 months. There are 10 courses that are 3 credit hours each for a total of 30 credit hours. The cost per credit hour is approximately $1188. You will take the following courses: Understanding Tourism in the 21st century, cultural intelligence, destination management and marketing, destination events- a global perspective, crisis, risk and disaster management, tourism economics and policy, tourism analytics, sustainable tourism development, and quantitative methods for business.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $1188
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 13 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 16
8. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a private research university located in Orlando, Florida. There are 64,088 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 30:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UCF to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. UCF ranks as the 171st best school in the nation, 25th most innovative school, 90th top public school, 16th best school for online bachelor’s degrees, 39th best school for online graduate criminal justice programs, and 66th best school for online graduate nursing programs. The university offers student support via academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and placement for graduates. When it comes to academics UCF offers a wide variety of programs from agriculture to visual Arts. Currently, there are 44 online programs available to both undergraduates and graduates alike including the online bachelor’s in Latin American studies, online master’s in non-profit organization management, and online master’s in computer information sciences.
UCF offers a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. We selected this online degree for the high academic quality and time to completion. This degree takes just 2 years to complete and may be taken conveniently along with your busy schedule. This 33 credit hours program is divided into two main component parts: 18 core credit hours and 15 credit hours of electives. The required courses include: managing hospitality and guest services organizations, financial analysis of hospitality enterprises, strategic marketing in hospitality and tourism, critical issues in hospitality and human resources, data analysis in hospitality and tourism research, and hospitality/ tourism strategic issues. The remaining course material you choose to match your interests. We like this highly customizable degree for a wide-range of interests.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $1194
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 2 years
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 40
9. George Washington University
George Washington University (GW) is a private research university located in the District of Columbia. There are 27,159 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits GW to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks George Washington University as the 56th best school in the nation, 24th best school for veterans, 62nd best value school, 5th best school for online graduate nursing programs, 19th best school for online computer information technology programs, 19th best school for online graduate business programs, and 23rd for best online bachelor’s programs among others. To support student success GW offers academic and career counseling. When it comes to academics at GW expect to find some no brainers like programming in women’s studies, American Civilization, and non-profit management as well as some more surprises like Special Education and Teaching, Creative Writing, and Criminal Justice. Currently, GW awards over 80 online degrees and professional certifications.
GW offers an online Master of Tourism Administration. In fact this was the first online program of its kind- starting in 2000. Since then the university has refined its programming to bring you one of the best available. This is our most expensive pick bringing it down a few notches but as you can see this programs lives up to the price. The program is 24 credit hours long and divides into three main component parts: 9 credit hours for core courses, 9 credit hours for field courses, and 6 credit hours for electives. You decide if you want to culminate your degree with a practicum, thesis seminar, or thesis research project. This is a phenomenal degree for anyone who can weather the sticker price.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $1710
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 2 years
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 30
10. San Diego State University
San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in San Diego, California. There are 34,688 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 29:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits SDSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News SDSU ranks as the 140th best school in the nation, 89th best college for veterans, 100th best value schools, and 21st for best online graduate education programs. The university supports their students with remedial services, academic counseling, career counseling, and placement for graduates. When it comes to academics, SDSU offer a wide selection of programs including in fields like ethnic studies, computer science, education, and business. There are 8 degrees available online.
SDSU offer a Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. This program has all of the conveniences built in and it’s much more affordable than other comparable programs. The cost is just $975 per credit unit and requires 30 for completion. The format is accelerated as well- completable in just 18 months. This program does not even require a thesis for completion. We think the target audience is anyone with a passion for tourism.The online courses are pre-recorded and delivered digitally. During the program you will study financial analysis in hospitality and tourism management, leading in complex human systems, marketing for the 21st century, mastering technology in hospitality and tourism operations, sustainability in hospitality and tourism and recreation, systems problem resolution, and more. This course requires 2 weeks on campus.
- Homepage
- Estimated Cost-Per-Credit-Hour: $975
- Minimum Time Until Degree: 18 months
- Percentage of Graduate Students who Study Online: 6
