What to Know About Online Degree Programs

The first thing you should know about pursuing a college degree online is that, while convenient, online courses aren’t “easy.” Students of legitimate, accredited online colleges need to meet the same sorts of admission and graduation requirements as students attending classes on campus.

For example, you need a high school diploma or a GED to be accepted into most online programs. In the best online degree programs, you will take the same rigorous coursework as on-campus students take. The only difference is that you complete your coursework in an online format, often on your own schedule and from anywhere in the world.

Another fact students should be aware of is that online learning isn’t always cheaper than studying on campus. Tuition for online degree programs certainly can be cheaper, especially if you are looking at institutions where you will be charged a higher out-of-state tuition rate. However, that’s not always the case. For many online students, the biggest source of savings isn’t the direct cost of tuition and fees but rather not having to live on campus or commute to school.

Finally, prospective online students need to be particularly vigilant about choosing accredited schools and programs to avoid investing their time and money in a degree that turns out to be worthless. Students should look for colleges and universities that are accredited by one of the seven regional accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):

1. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges

2. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Aside from the regional accreditation status of the school as a whole, students should consider programmatic accreditation, or accreditation of individual degree programs. Programmatic accreditation is particularly important for degrees in certain subjects.

For example, students pursuing a degree in any branch of engineering should ideally choose a program accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Earning an engineering degree from a program that isn’t ABET-accredited may prevent you from getting licensed later in your career. On the other hand, programmatic accreditation in degree programs that typically don’t lead to licensure is nice to have – because it demonstrates that the program meets high standards set by external organizations – but is less critical.

How Much Money Can Graduates of Online Programs Earn?

It’s true that virtually all of the highest-paying occupations in America, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), require more than a typical, fully online education. That’s because the vast majority of the most lucrative jobs in America are medical doctors in different areas of specialty or jobs – like nurse anesthetist or airline pilot – that otherwise require extensive clinical or hands-on training.

There are currently no fully online medical (MD or DO) degree programs that lead to licensure in the United States. While there are online degree programs in nurse anesthesia and aviation, these programs include a great deal of hands-on experience – clinical hours and flight hours – that you must complete in person.

RELATED: What Is the Difference Between an Anesthesiologist vs Nurse Anesthetist?

Still, online degree programs can put students on the path to a diverse array of lucrative jobs, many of which are in high demand. Some graduates of online degree programs even go on to eventually make upwards of six figures, and many earn salaries equal to or above the median annual salary for all occupations across the United States.

If you want to maximize your earning potential with an online education, you need to think carefully about your choice of college major. Certain programs of study are both closely connected to high-paying jobs and easily transferrable to online learning practices. These programs are the best online degrees to consider when it comes to salary potential.

What Are the 20 Highest-Paying Online Degrees?

Generally speaking, the highest-paying online degree programs tend to fit into either the field of business or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects that don’t require a great deal of clinical experience. Management positions offer particularly high earning potential.

While most of the highest-paid positions you can get with online degrees require at least a bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s degree, some online programs at the associate’s degree level can also offer exceptional earning potential.

Below are 20 of the online programs with the highest earning potential.

1. Management Science

The more responsibility you hold in an organization, the higher your earning potential. As such, management skills are particularly valuable if you want to boost your salary. A degree in management science will prepare you for a breadth of different management positions.

These leadership-focused degrees can help you move up in the world of business administration or build upon your skills in another technical or specialized area so that you can take on a management role within your field. Coursework in master’s degree programs in management science commonly includes:

• organizational leadership in business operations and operations management
• methods of business analytics and data analysis

Some master’s degree programs in management science are more STEM-oriented, while others focus on business leadership skills more generally.

A master’s degree in management science can help you move into management positions of all kinds. Management roles in different occupations each have their own sets of distinct job duties and corresponding earning potential. In general, though, management occupations as a whole had the highest median annual salary of all occupational groups in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median salary for all management roles amounted to $102,450.

The more senior or more specialized your role in management, the greater your earning potential. One less specialized – yet lucrative – group of management roles to look at is top executive, which according to the BLS encompasses both chief executives and operations managers.

In an operations or general manager position, you will typically focus more on the routine leadership and administration tasks that keep your organization running productively. Chief executive roles tend to involve more focus on strategic planning and determining the larger direction of the organization.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Operations managers, general managers, chief executives, STEM managers and top executives

Median Earning Potential: $97,970 (for general and operations managers) to $179,520 (for chief executives)

2. Computer Science

If you’ve got strong computer skills or an interest in computer technology, you’re in luck. Several of the most lucrative jobs available to online college graduates are roles in the computer science or information technology field.

Computer science is a broad field related to computer technology that encompasses the theory, design and development of computers and computer programs. Online students of computer science focus more on computational theory than their peers in related areas like computer engineering and more on the design of networks, operating systems and software programs than their peers in the computer information technology or computer information systems fields.

Online degrees in computer science and related fields of study exist at both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels. Among the areas you might study when pursuing online degrees in computer science are:

• algorithms
• computer programming languages
• artificial intelligence
• software development
• computer systems and networks
• cybersecurity
• databases
• numerical data analysis

RELATED: What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?

The median annual salary the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported for jobs in the computer and information technology field as of 2022 was $85,000.

Computer science management positions are some of the highest-paying roles you can get with this online degree. For computer and information systems managers, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $159,010 as of 2021.

It isn’t only management roles in computer science that pay well. Jobs that require strong analytical skills, too, tend to be lucrative. For example, the median salary the BLS reported for the computer systems analyst occupation as of 2021 was just barely shy of the six-figure range.

A computer systems analyst typically performs more analytical and technical work than professionals in computer and information systems management roles, whose work more commonly emphasizes managing computer-related projects and overseeing an organization’s computer technology workforce.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer systems analysts, chief technology officers and other computer and information systems managers

Median Earning Potential: $99,270 (for computer systems analysts) to $159,010 (for computer and information systems managers)

3. Computer Information Technology

If you’re more interested in the practical applications of computer technology than the theoretical underpinnings of computer science, information technology (IT) may be a better fit for you.

Work in the field of information technology tends to emphasize the selection, installation and troubleshooting of existing computer technologies for practical purposes. As a computer information technology professional, you’re likely to be involved in setting up and configuring computer networks and systems to meet an organization’s technological needs rather than designing new hardware components or software programs yourself.

RELATED: What Degree Do I Need to Be a Computer Technician?

If you want to focus your online education more narrowly, you might consider majoring in computer information systems rather than information technology. Computer information systems emphasizes the use of computer technology for business purposes. Online degree programs in computer information systems management typically include more business coursework along with coursework in computers and information systems.

This background, like a degree in computer science, can prepare students to eventually advance to high-level management roles with lucrative median salaries. Earning potential for non-management roles in this field is still high, although perhaps not as high as roles that fit under the domain of computer science. For the job of computer systems administrator, for example, the BLS reported a median salary in the $80,000 range.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer systems administrators, IT directors, chief information officers, and other types of computer and information systems managers

Median Earning Potential: $80,600 (for network and computer systems administrators) to $159,010 for IT directors, chief information officers and other types of computer and information systems managers

4. Computer Engineering

Another field with a great deal of overlap with computer science is computer engineering, which is essentially the application of engineering design principles to computer systems. Computer engineers design and develop computer hardware (physical components) and software (programs). Although their designs are informed by the principles and practices of math and science, computer engineers focus less on theory and more on practical design applications.

In a computer engineering online bachelor’s degree program, students will typically complete core coursework in general engineering as well as classes more specific to their major. Computer engineering is a subfield within electrical and electronics engineering.

Many online degree programs in computer engineering introduce students to the principles and practices of both computer hardware engineering and software engineering. Students interested in computer hardware engineering would pursue more coursework in areas like:

• computer hardware
• computer architecture
• microprocessor systems
• circuit boards and other components

For students interested in software engineering, courses in common computer programming languages and writing computer algorithms, including the programming of artificial intelligence software, are more relevant.

Both hardware engineering and software development are lucrative fields, although skilled hardware engineers report a slightly higher median annual salary than software engineering professionals, according to data from the BLS.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Computer software developer, software engineer and computer hardware engineer

Median Earning Potential: $120,730 (for computer software engineers and developers) to $128,170 (for computer hardware engineers)

5. Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Computers are far from the only aspects of electrical and electronics engineering that you can pursue through an online program. The field of electrical engineering encompasses computers and much more, from electric motors and power generation equipment to communications equipment and navigation equipment.

In electrical and electronics engineering degree programs, students complete courses in information and signals, the foundations and applications of electric and electronic circuits and digital logic design. Often, students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering have the opportunity to focus on a specific area of application, such as:

• energy, optics and photonics
• electronic devices
• security
• privacy
• circuits and systems

Electrical and electronics engineering is a lucrative branch of engineering, with a median salary at or above the $100,000 mark for engineers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Even at the associate’s degree level, an online degree program in electrical engineering can offer considerable earning potential.

RELATED: Top 10 Paying Jobs With an Associate’s Degree

An associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology can qualify you to work as an electrical and electronic engineering technologist or technician. The median annual salary for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians in 2021 was $63,640, the BLS reported. That’s a considerable increase over the $963 per week, or $50,076 per year, that the BLS reported as the median earnings for American workers with only an associate’s degree.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Electrical engineering technicians or technologists, electrical engineers and electronics engineers

Median Earning Potential: $63,640 (for electrical engineering technician or technologist) to $100,420 (for electrical engineers) and $104,820 (for electronics engineers)

6. Petroleum Engineering

A non-management median salary of over $130 with only a bachelor’s degree? It may sound too good to be true, but that’s what you can expect when you leverage your online college education to become a petroleum engineer.

As the name suggests, petroleum engineers apply science-based principles of engineering design to the petroleum industry, and particularly to safely and efficiently extracting oil and gas deposits from the Earth. Some of the common jobs in petroleum engineering, according to the BLS, include:

• drilling engineers
• completions engineers
• production engineers
• reservoir engineers

In an online program in petroleum engineering, students learn about the properties of reservoir rock and petroleum fluid and the practices of logging, testing and completing the construction of wells. Lecture and laboratory work, which may be done online using simulators, allow students to grasp the principles and practices of drilling engineering, production engineering and reservoir engineering.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Petroleum engineers

Median Earning Potential: $130,850 (for petroleum engineers) to $165,480 (for petroleum engineers working in management)

7. Aerospace Engineering

Online programs in aerospace engineering, the application of engineering design principles to aircraft and spacecraft, are more popular at the master’s degree level than the bachelor’s degree level. Depending on which aspect of the field a student chooses to pursue after they complete their undergraduate degree, they may become aeronautical engineers, who design aircraft and related components, or astronautical engineers, who design spacecraft.

Students pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering take courses in flight dynamics, rocket propulsion, orbital mechanics, space systems and airfoil and wing theory. They also build on their existing knowledge of mechanics and dynamics acquired during their undergraduate studies with intermediate to advanced coursework in fluid mechanics, dynamics and quantum mechanics.

With a median annual salary above $120,000, according to the BLS, aerospace engineering is among the highest-paying engineering fields. If your goal is to take online courses that allow you to make six figures even without advancing to a management role, aerospace engineering could be the degree for you.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Aerospace engineer

Median Earning Potential: $122,270 (for aerospace engineers overall) to $128,020 (for aerospace engineers working in scientific research and development)

8. Chemical Engineering

Another engineering discipline with a median annual salary in the six-figure range, according to the BLS, is chemical engineering. Chemical engineers apply engineering principles to solutions and innovations that pertain to chemicals – materials, processes, manufacturing equipment, safe operations procedures for facilities and more.

Many online programs for chemical engineers are offered at the graduate level as an opportunity for working professionals in the field to develop advanced skills. Online students pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering will commonly take classes in areas like:

• chemical engineering analysis
• biochemical engineering
• advanced transport phenomena
• advanced thermodynamics
• chemical reaction engineering
• chemical engineering process modeling
• bioseparations
• polymer science
• materials processing

A few colleges and universities offer online undergraduate degrees in chemical engineering. In an online bachelor’s degree program in chemical engineering, students can expect to complete core engineering studies, general education coursework and major-specific classes in this discipline of engineering. Major coursework for aspiring chemical engineers may include:

• fundamentals of chemical engineering
• chemical product design
• chemical engineering thermodynamics
• chemical engineering reactor design
• transport phenomena
• process dynamics and control
• experimental design

Students should be aware that some online bachelor’s degree programs in chemical engineering require on-campus laboratory work – typically condensed into a short residency period of one to two weeks during the summer – even if the rest of the coursework is conducted online. For example, three major-specific laboratory courses in the University of North Dakota‘s online Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering program must be completed in person, while other laboratory coursework may be completed online.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Chemical engineers

Median Earning Potential: $105,550 (for chemical engineers overall) to $152,430 (for chemical engineers working in the engineering services industry)

9. Biomedical Engineering

Taking online classes in biomedical engineering can prepare you to make a difference and a near-six-figure median salary. Biomedical engineers apply engineering principles – including the principles of all major engineering disciplines, from chemical and electrical to mechanical – to the development of healthcare solutions and innovations.

RELATED: Highest Paying Jobs With a Biology Degree – Degrees in Biology – Majors & Careers

As you might expect, skilled biomedical engineers – and their life-changing and often life-saving breakthroughs – are in high demand. The BLS predicts that job opportunities for bioengineers and biomedical engineers will grow by a faster than average rate of 10% between 2021 and 2031.

Online bachelor’s degree programs in biomedical engineering are interdisciplinary programs that bring together foundational coursework in areas like:

• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• chemical engineering

Also, specialized coursework in:

• biomedical engineering problems
• biomedical instrumentation
• biochemical engineering
• biomaterials processing
• biomedical imaging

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Biomedical engineer

Median Earning Potential: $97,410 (for chemical engineers overall) to $108,690 (for chemical engineers working in the electromedical instruments manufacturing industry)

10. Engineering Management

Engineering roles as a whole are lucrative, but the highest-paying engineering careers are in the field of engineering management. Engineering managers earned a median annual salary above $150,000 as of 2021, according to the BLS. Engineering managers work in all disciplines of engineering, performing job duties such as project management and planning, hiring and supervising engineers and taking projects from concept to completion.

Online degrees in engineering management are most commonly found at the graduate level. Although you can become an engineering manager with only a bachelor’s degree, you also need considerable work experience as an established engineer. Becoming an engineer in the first place requires a bachelor’s degree in some discipline of engineering, so online students in an engineering management program typically already have a bachelor’s degree.

In online master’s degree programs in engineering management, students take classes in:

• engineering decision-making
• engineering economics
• strategic risk management
• project management
• facilities management
• systems in engineering management
• skills for managing engineering teams
• engineering law and ethics

Notably, unlike a Master of Science (MS) degree in any branch of engineering, the focus of a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree is less on developing technical skills and more on cultivating the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage people and projects in the technical area of engineering design.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Engineering manager, engineering program manager, project engineering manager, engineering director

Median Earning Potential: $152,350 (for architectural and engineering managers overall) to $187,240 (for engineering managers working in the scientific research and development services industry)

11. Construction Management

Related to the role of engineering manager is construction manager. A construction manager’s job is to plan and supervise a construction project – such as building a residential home, a development of residential homes, an industrial complex or a bridge – from start to finish. Although you may not think of construction as being a high-paying field, the median annual salary for construction management roles amounted to nearly six figures in 2021, according to the BLS.

In online bachelor’s degree programs in construction management, students typically begin their major coursework by studying the fundamentals of the construction industry. More specialized coursework includes construction project management and administration, planning and scheduling for construction projects, construction cost accounting and finance, building construction systems and codes, project building systems, building energy systems for construction managers and construction safety.

RELATED: Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

In addition to their major coursework in construction management, students pursuing this online bachelor’s degree should expect to complete general education courses in a variety of subjects.

An online education in construction management is a particularly good choice for experienced carpenters, masonry contractors and other construction workers who don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is considered the minimum entry-level education for most construction manager roles, according to the BLS. By choosing an online education program to pursue their bachelor’s degree, experienced contractors can better balance work and their studies so that they can eventually advance to a management role.

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: construction managers, general contractors, construction project managers

Median Earning Potential: $98,890 (for construction managers overall) to $100,260 (for construction managers working in nonresidential building construction) and $100,310 (for construction managers working in heavy and civil engineering construction)

12. Business Administration

Online degree programs in business administration are popular at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Business administration is one of the best online degrees for its versatility. Generally, a degree program in business administration – whether offered at the bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level – encompasses core business studies across disciplines within the field of business as well as focused coursework in an area of concentration.

Two common online education programs in the field of business administration are the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

A bachelor’s degree in business administration can prepare you for entry-level positions in the field of business. Through your bachelor’s degree curriculum in business administration, you will learn the basics of business practices and build knowledge of business operations and the foundations of accounting, finance and financial management, marketing and business communications.

Elective courses in a business administration bachelor’s degree program might include international business and project management. Like other bachelor’s degree programs, BBA online programs typically take four years to complete.

In a Master of Business Administration program, students complete more advanced coursework in these areas. Core coursework in an online MBA program might include graduate-level studies in:

• quantitative business analysis
• managerial accounting
• information management
• international business economics
• management of teams and human capital
• marketing management
• supply chain management

Most full-time online MBA programs can be completed in two years. However, some master’s degree programs in business are accelerated, allowing for completion in as little as one year, while others are structured on a part-time basis that takes longer to complete.

One aspect that makes business administration ones of the best online degrees is the program’s ability to prepare students for a variety of high-paying roles. In the business field, some of the potential jobs you could find with this online education include:

• accountant
• management analyst
• financial manager
• marketing manager
• human resources manager
• chief executive

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Accountants, Management analysts, financial managers and chief executives

Median Earning Potential: $77,250 (for accountants) and $93,000 (for management analysts) to $131,710 (for financial managers) and $179,520 (for chief executives)

13. Finance

Business administration is the broad field of business study, but majoring in one of the subfields within business can be just as lucrative, if not more so. One of the most lucrative subfields of business you can study is finance, the area of business concerned with the management and growth of wealth.

Even non-management roles in finance, including in areas like financial analysis and personal financial management, have median salaries that approach the six-figure range, according to the BLS. The best-paying positions fit into the financial manager occupation.

Financial manager roles encompass jobs like controller, finance officer and treasurer, the BLS reported, and the median salary for these roles was more than $130,000 in 2021. A financial manager doesn’t necessarily need an advanced degree but typically does need at least five years of relevant work experience, the BLS reported.

In an online bachelor’s degree program in finance, students typically take courses in:

• financial analysis
• corporate finance
• international finance
• the foundations of financial management
• intermediate financial management
• financial markets and investment
• portfolio analysis

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Personal financial advisors, financial analysts, Financial managers, controllers, treasurers, finance officers, credit managers and cash managers

Median Earning Potential:
$94,170 (for personal financial advisers) and $95,570 (for financial analysts) to $131,710 (for financial managers overall) and $158,820 (for financial managers employed in the management of companies and enterprise industry)

14. Human Resource Management

Human resources isn’t one of the more lucrative areas of business, particularly at the non-management level, but skilled workers in this area are in high demand. Human resources manager roles are the most lucrative, with a median salary – $126,230 – that more than doubles the $62,290 median annual salary the BLS reported for HR specialists in 2021.

RELATED: What Salary Can I Expect With a Human Resources Management Degree?

The field of HR is concerned with building and maintaining an organization’s workforce. Human resources specialists are involved in recruiting, hiring, and training workers, as well as resolving interpersonal conflicts among workers or between workers and management and overseeing efforts to retain employees. In some organizations, particularly smaller companies, human resources personnel are also involved in payroll and benefits administration.

Human resource management roles still prioritize the building and maintenance of the company’s workforce, but human resources managers focus more on overseeing an organization’s HR department and its efforts. HR managers supervise the work of human resources specialists and generalists while also working closely with senior management.

“Several” years of human resources work experience, along with a bachelor’s degree (and, for some roles, a master’s degree), are required for most HR manager jobs, the BLS reported.

In an online HR management program of study, students take classes in:

• the introductory concepts of human resources management
• employment law
• staffing and recruitment
• training and development
• compensation and benefits
• organizational development
• global HR management

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Human resources specialist, human resources generalist, human resources manager, human resources director

Median Earning Potential: $62,290 (for human resources specialists overall) and $76,920 (for human resources specialists in the professional, scientific and technical services) to $126,230 (for human resources managers)

15. Supply Chain Management

An online bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management prepares students for work in planning and coordinating the logistics of procuring, manufacturing and transporting materials for an organization.

Not all jobs in supply chain management are actually management roles. Rather, recent graduates of supply chain management programs often start out as logisticians, who focus on the flow of movement of the materials an organization needs and on the storage of those materials. Supply chain managers, on the other hand, oversee the supply chain more broadly, including but not limited to the logistics that a logistician coordinates.

Students in an online bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management typically study:

• logistics management
• supply chain strategy
• global supply operations and management
• business decision models
• planning and control systems for supply chain management
• lean and quality management
• research and negotiation

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Logisticians, supply chain managers and supply chain directors

Median Earning Potential: $77,030 (for logisticians overall) and $88,710 (for logisticians employed by the federal government) to $98,230 (for supply chain managers)

16. Marketing

Marketing is the area of business that refers to promoting a company or product. There are many aspects of work in business marketing, from the quantitative market research side to the creative side of crafting marketing messages and advertising campaigns.

The most lucrative roles in marketing are marketing management positions. A marketing manager oversees marketing efforts and personnel in the marketing department. Marketing managers may be involved in everything from identifying products and services to develop or expand and estimating the market and demand for these offerings to the development and implementation of marketing campaigns for these offerings. For marketing managers as a whole, the BLS reported a median salary above $135,000.

Among non-management roles in marketing, market research analyst is among the best-paying career paths. Market research analysts are concerned with the statistical analysis of data pertaining to business markets. By researching consumer needs, purchasing habits and attitudes, as well as competitors’ offerings and methods, market research analysts can provide insight on how (and whether) to develop, price and promote a company’s goods and services.

The median salary for a market research analyst is less than half of that of a marketing manager, the BLS reported.

Online students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing will likely take courses in:

• marketing principles
• marketing strategy
• marketing research and consumer behavior
• business strategy
• business writing
• management concepts

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Market research analysts and marketing managers

Median Earning Potential: $63,920 (for market research analysts overall) and $79,640 (for market research analysts employed in management) to $135,030 (for marketing managers overall) and $155,470 (for marketing managers in the Professional, scientific and technical services industry)

17. Healthcare Administration

Many of the most lucrative careers in America are in the medical and healthcare industry, but roles like physician, physician assistant and nurse practitioner require a great deal of in-person clinical work. One of the best online degrees for working in healthcare facilities is healthcare administration.

This bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program emphasizes the development of both general and specialized knowledge to apply business administration principles and practices to the unique environment of healthcare facilities, the BLS reported.

Students in a healthcare administration program take classes like:

• health care policy and economics
• finance for health care
• information systems for health care
• strategic planning for health care
• organization and management for health care
• operational analysis
• quality improvement in health care
• health care leadership and ethics

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Healthcare administrators and healthcare executives

Median Earning Potential: $101,340 (for medical and health services managers overall) to $119,450 (for health administrators employed by hospitals)

18. Actuarial Science

Our list of the best online degrees has included numerous programs in science, technology and engineering, but there’s still the “M” in STEM: mathematics. Actuarial science is a field at the intersection of mathematics and business that focuses on the statistical and mathematical calculation of risk.

Actuary is a high-paid career with a six-figure median salary, and for a good reason. Becoming an actuary isn’t easy. Not only do actuaries perform complex mathematical calculations, but they also must pass a sequence of difficult professional certification exams over the course of their career, the BLS reported. A less challenging (although also less lucrative) career path you could pursue with a background in actuarial science is insurance underwriter, for which the BLS reported a median salary in the mid-$70,000 range.

In an online actuarial science program, students should be prepared to take a great deal of math coursework, including a sequence of calculus courses and studies in linear algebra and differential equations. Major coursework for actuarial science students blends math and business studies, with classes in:

• financial mathematics
• probability
• financial statistics
• business finance
• financial and managerial accounting

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Insurance underwriters and actuaries

Median Earning Potential: $76,390 (for insurance underwriters) to $105,900 (for actuaries overall) and $110,590 (for actuaries employed by the government)

19. Mathematics or Statistics

Actuarial science isn’t the only practical application of a mathematics education. If you’re interested in math, you can earn a surprisingly lucrative salary with an online mathematics or statistics degree. Mathematicians earn a median salary in the six-figure range, and statisticians earn almost six figures, the BLS reported.

If you major in mathematics or statistics as an online student, your major coursework will, obviously, be very math heavy.

Mathematics majors take a series of calculus courses along with classes in linear and modern algebra, abstract mathematics, mathematical models and real analysis. They are encouraged to take elective courses in areas such as:

• differential equations
• statistical techniques
• geometry
• number theory and topology
• computational methods
• finance

Statistics majors focus less on areas like calculus and algebra in their major coursework and more on methods of statistical analysis and their underlying concepts. An online statistics degree program might cover introductory coursework in mathematical statistics, probability theory, regression methods, experimental design and variance analysis and methods of statistical consulting. Popular electives among statistics majors include:

• statistical analysis system programming using languages like R and Python
• applications of statistical methods to data management, epidemiological research, clinical trials and genomics

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Statisticians and mathematicians

Median Earning Potential: $95,570 (for statisticians overall) and $108,100 (for mathematicians overall) to $114,770 (for statisticians employed in the scientific research and development industry) and $129,800 (for mathematicians employed in the professional, scientific and technical services industry)

20. Environmental Science

Rounding out our list of 20 high-paying online programs is an interdisciplinary STEM subject that allows graduates to make a difference in the world around them. Environmental science encompasses all aspects of the scientific study of the environment and the development of scientific solutions to environmental problems, including pollution and climate change.

RELATED: What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Most online environmental science programs require students to build a background in the foundations of biology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics. Major coursework builds upon this basic science background in areas like:

• natural environmental systems
• ecology
• soil science and geology
• hydrology
• environmental policy
• environmental management
• environmental ethics

RELATED: Top 10 Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Environmental Science

High-Paying Jobs With This Online Degree: Environmental scientists, climate change analysts, industrial ecologists and environmental chemists

Median Earning Potential: $76,530 (for environmental scientists overall) to $103,530 (for environmental scientists working for the federal government)

Where Can You Work With an Online Education?

As you can see from our list of the best online degrees, online education prepares students for a variety of different fields and levels of seniority. New graduates without extensive work experience can use their online degrees to land their first entry-level positions in a field that requires a college education. As they gain experience, these professionals can advance to roles where they have more responsibility and, in turn, a higher earning potential.

For established professionals, online degrees can allow for career advancement without having to leave the workforce. This may be the case for workers who have experience in a technical area but no formal college degree or only a minimal level of study, such as an associate’s degree. Taking online classes offers working professionals in fields like engineering, construction, computer technology and business an opportunity to develop skills in leadership and project management while continuing to thrive where they are. That’s why many of the best online degrees are master’s degree programs.

Because graduates of online degree programs work in different fields and at different levels of seniority, the industries and environments where they may find work are almost limitless. Many graduates of online programs work for for-profit businesses in a variety of industries, including engineering services, the finance and insurance industry, construction and manufacturing. Some graduates of online education programs work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Your job opportunities with an online education are plentiful, and where you take your career depends on what you want to do.

For Further Reading:

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Policy Analyst?

What Degree Do I Need to Be an Intelligence Analyst?

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How to Evaluate a College’s Hospitality and Hotel Management Program

To select the best hospitality or hotel management program, research the program’s accreditation and credentials, specialized curriculum and course offerings, and industry-experienced faculty. You should also scrutinize the quality of facilities and partnerships, career-focused student organizations and support services, the availability of internships and externships, and overall costs and expenses.

A college’s hotel management and hospitality program should possess a blend of academic excellence and real-world experience. Here’s how you can guarantee a robust curriculum and strong industry connections that can set you up for leadership roles in the field.

1. Check for Accreditation and Credentials

Accreditation is the hallmark of excellence for hospitality and hotel management programs. Selecting an accredited program ensures the education meets industry standards and fosters trust among future employers.

Recognized Accrediting Bodies

When evaluating hospitality programs, verifying the accrediting body is crucial. The following are respected organizations in the field:

• ACPHA (Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration)
• CHEA-approved regional bodies like the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Program Accreditation Status

Verifying this status is a non-negotiable step in choosing a reputable hotel management and hospitality program.

• Visit the program’s official website; they should prominently display their accreditation.
• Check the accreditor’s website to confirm the program’s current status.

2. Review the Curriculum and Specializations

Whenever we help incoming first-year students choose a hospitality or hotel management course, we emphasize the importance of comparing curriculum and specializations.

Core Curriculum Overview

We recommend scrutinizing a program’s core curriculum to ensure it delivers comprehensive knowledge in critical areas of hospitality. The core should typically include:

• Hotel operations: A deep dive into front and back-office operations.
• Customer service: Training in guest relations and customer satisfaction.
• Business management: Foundational business principles applied to hospitality.

Specialization Options

Specialization options let you customize your education according to your interests and career goals. Check if the program offers areas such as:

• Event planning: Focus on logistics and management of various events.
• Food and beverage management: Insights into managing F&B services.
• Tourism management: Education on travel industry dynamics and management practices.

Industry Relevance

We give importance to how well the curriculum aligns with industry skillset expectations. Effective programs should:

• Bridge theory and practice: Ensure practical application of learned concepts through internships.
• Monitor trends: Regularly update the curriculum to reflect the evolving nature of the hospitality industry.
• Engage with professionals: Invite industry leaders to share real-world insights with students.

3. Inquire About Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience

Look closely at the faculty credentials. It’s crucial for instructors to possess academic prowess and significant industry experience.

This combination assures that the course content is theoretically sound and practically relevant. To gauge the depth of expertise, prospective students should consider:

• Academic qualifications and teaching experience
• Professional background in hospitality sectors
• Contributions to industry publications or conferences
• Experience in various hospitality roles enriches teaching
• Direct industry insights provide real-world learning opportunities
• Industry connections can aid in student placements

4. Inspect the Facilities and Amenities

Pay close attention to the quality and variety of facilities and amenities available. These are vital features, as they contribute directly to the practical learning experience of students.

Off-Campus Resources

Look for connections with local hotels and event spaces that provide students with real-world experiences. Here’s what to look for:

• Partnerships with local hotels: Opportunities for internships or hands-on training.
• Event collaboration: Working with local businesses on actual events to learn beyond the classroom.

On-Campus Resources

The on-campus resources of a program often give me insights into the commitment a college has toward hospitality education. Significant on-campus amenities include:

• Dedicated learning facilities: Modern classrooms and computer labs with industry-specific software.
• Practical laboratories: Fully operational mock hotel rooms or on-site restaurants for applied learning.

5. Look for College Organizations and Extracurricular Activities

Among the key elements to consider in evaluating hotel and hospitality programs is the range of college organizations and extracurricular activities. These groups can be pivotal in providing hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and personality traits you need in the hospitality sector.

• Student-run restaurants or hotels: These facilities give students the invaluable experience of working in a real-world environment.
• Hospitality-focused fraternities or sororities: These organizations can facilitate industry connections and foster camaraderie among students.
• Event planning committees: Helping to organize campus events can offer essential organizational and execution experience.

6. Determine Externships and Career Services

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 15 million people work in the hospitality industry in the United States as of December 2021. Checking the practical experiences and career support from a college program can give you a head start in this highly competitive industry.

• Quality of externship programs: We suggest looking for programs that align with your career ambitions. See if the college has partnerships with reputable hotels and hospitality businesses. Lastly, get feedback from former students about their experiences.
• Career placement success rate: When evaluating the efficacy of a college’s program post-graduation, we focus on the program’s historical placement rates. Know if there are strong network connections within the industry. It also helps if there are dedicated career services to assist you with job searches and interview preparation.

7. Compare Costs and Expenses

For general hospitality management programs, the median tuition cost at in-state public colleges is around $6,700, whereas fees may reach up to $30,700 at out-of-state private schools.

Tuition is the primary expense, although you should also account for costs in these aspects:

• Books
• Supplies
• Uniform
• Lab fees
• Housing
• Travel or transportation

Related Questions

How Do Hospitality and Hotel Management Programs Differ Between Colleges?

Hotel management and hospitality programs differ in curriculum focus, faculty experience, and hands-on training opportunities. Some colleges may emphasize practical skills in operational areas of hospitality. Meanwhile, others lean towards a more theoretical approach that includes business management components.

What Are the Top Factors That Define a Quality Hospitality and Hotel Management College?

A quality program typically stands out with accredited courses, strong industry connections, and a solid track record of graduate employment. Internship opportunities often distinguish a college’s commitment to immersive learning experiences.

Can You Pursue a Hospitality Management Degree Online and Receive the Same Quality Education as In-Person Programs?

You can receive a comparable education online, with many programs offering curricula that mirror their on-campus counterparts. Online programs provide flexibility while maintaining rigorous standards and providing interaction with industry-experienced faculty.

Conclusion

Understanding how to evaluate these programs properly can help you make informed decisions about your education. A robust program can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in the hospitality sector. With these tips, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and connections to launch a rewarding career in this exciting industry.

The post How to Evaluate a College’s Hospitality and Hotel Management Program appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Some careers are friendlier to that entrepreneurial spirit than others. If the opportunity to eventually run your own business is important to you, then you need to start your career with the right education. The following 15 degrees can prepare you for the kind of jobs where workers are most likely to be self-employed.

1. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture

A college degree in agriculture, agricultural business or agricultural sciences prepares students for success in the world of farm management. Most agriculture and related degree programs combine studies in business and science with a focus on framing. Coursework in farm management, agricultural economics, sustainable farming practices, plant breeding, dairy science and animal science is common, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported. Graduates of agriculture degrees will understand the process of running a farm or a group of farms as a business, from its financial operations to its marketing strategies. They develop familiarity with the laws and policies that govern farming. Some agriculture degree programs include opportunities to gain hands-on experience managing college-run farms and selling the produce. Some programs include a special focus on sustainability in farming. Agriculture degree programs are available at both the associate’s and bachelor’s level and are offered both on campus and online.

An agriculture degree is excellent preparation for a job as an agricultural manager. These professionals oversee the daily operations of farms, ranches and greenhouses. The vast majority of agricultural managers – 70 percent – are their own bosses. In fact, agriculture degree programs often offer required or elective courses in farming entrepreneurship. As bosses, agricultural managers make the decisions about what the farm produces, how it is run and where and for how much to sell the product. While a college degree isn’t an absolute requirement for this job – which often starts with professional experience as a farm worker – an education is becoming increasingly important, the BLS reported. Both efficient farming and effective business management has become more complicated, resulting in the need to know more about both subjects than what can be easily taught on-the-job. Some agricultural managers seek the Accredited Farm Manager certification from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers to demonstrate their knowledge.

Most Likely Job Title: Agricultural Manager

Salary: $64,170

Self-employment by the numbers: 70 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Sustainable Farming 

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Art

When you earn a college degree in art, you take foundational through advanced courses in studio art of various kinds. Coursework often includes study in creating art through drawing, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, painting, photography, sculpting, printmaking and digital design. Creating an extensive portfolio of your work is integral to success in an art degree program as well as your professional life after college, the BLS reported. A strong portfolio contains a collection of the artist’s best work, but it must have pieces that are distinct enough to show the breadth and depth of the artist’s skills and styles. In addition to taking a multitude of art and design classes, students take core general education courses required for graduation. Undergraduate studio art degrees can be categorized as either Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees or Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees. Some art students choose to go on to graduate school and pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.

What can you do with an art degree? You can work for yourself – and still make a decent living doing so. Two of the most entrepreneurial and profitable art jobs are art director and multimedia artist and animator. Half of all art directors and more than half of all animators are self-employed. Some work from home, but many work in the offices of motion picture production companies, advertising agencies, publishing companies and design services companies. Art directors, who earn higher salaries, develop the big-picture design and style of the visual elements used in film, magazines, newspapers and advertising campaigns. They oversee the artists who create those images and visual elements. Multimedia artists and animators, on the other hand, create effects, models and animations used in movies, television shows and video games. Animators work on a project from the storyboard phase to the finished sequences of animation and computer generated images.

Most Likely Job Title: Multimedia Artist, Animator or Art Director

Salary: $63,970 – $89,760

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Computer Graphics, Graphic Design 

3. Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science

Degree programs in mortuary science cover the technical skills needed to prepare bodies for memorial services and burials, including restorative techniques and embalming. They also include coursework in the laws and ethics of the funeral services business as well as grief counseling strategies to help funeral service workers in their interactions with bereaved family members. Mortuary science degree programs are available on campus at junior colleges as well as online. Many mortuary science degree programs require students to complete a one-year internship or mandatory clinic embalming assignments in order to gain hands-on work experience as well as prepare for common state licensing requirements. More than 50 mortuary science degree programs are accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which is important because a degree from an accredited program is required for licensure in most states. Associate’s degrees in mortuary science are more common, but bachelor’s degree programs in the subject are also available, the BLS reported.

A mortuary science degree is a good choice for those who aspire to be their own bosses because half of the 60,400 funeral workers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. They may run the business in its entirety, managing the day-to-day operations of the funeral home and handling business decisions like financial planning and staff recruitment and training. They also do the work of meeting with families to plan the memorial service and the burial or cremation, filing legal documents such as death certificates, embalming or otherwise preparing the body of the deceased and writing obituaries. Since funeral service workers are often on call in the evenings and on weekends and must be able to make preparations quickly following a death, being your own boss is beneficial in this industry because it allows for a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of the business and its clients.

Most Likely Job Title: Funeral Service Manager or Funeral Director

Salary: $53,390

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Funeral Service 

4. Exercise Physiology

If you pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, you’ll take a variety of classes in science and health subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, statistics, biomechanics, nutrition and kinesiology. Specific courses in subjects such as introductory exercise physiology, sports injury management, exercise pathophysiology, sports epidemiology and principles of strength and conditioning are common, as well. Programs that have earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs often include required clinical hours in a setting such as a cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation facility. A number of schools offer master’s and even Ph.D. programs in exercise physiology and related studies. While most states don’t currently require exercise physiologists to be licensed, a number of states are considering implementing licensing requirements, the BLS reported. However, graduates from exercise physiology degree programs can seek the Exercise Physiologist Certified certification from the American Society of Exercise Physiologists or the Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist or Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist credentials from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Given that around half of all exercise physiologists working in the United States are self-employed, a degree in exercise physiology is a great choice for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a knack for science and a passion for fitness. The reason exercise physiologists need such a strong background in science and health subjects is that their job responsibilities differ significantly from that of a fitness instructor or athletic trainer. Exercise physiologists are part of the healthcare industry. Doctors often refer patients who have chronic medical conditions to exercise physiologists for the purpose of developing a fitness routine that will help them improve their overall health and work toward recovery. To accomplish this work, an exercise physiologist must understand the patient’s medical history and use medical equipment to conduct tests, check vital signs and develop an exercise plan that works with the patient’s limitations and achieves the necessary health goals, like increasing cardiovascular function.

RELATED: How to Become a Personal Trainer: What Degree Should I Get?

Most Likely Job Title: Exercise Physiologist

Salary: $47,010

Self-employment by the numbers: 50 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Kinesiology, Exercise Science 

5. Music

Degree programs in music can take a number of forms. There are programs in music theory, music composition, music performance and music conducting. Programs exist at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A degree program in music theory encompasses music analysis and research as well as hands-on training in music skills. Composition degree programs include music training and studies in the elements of music and composition techniques with the goal of preparing students to create original music of their own. Degrees in applied music or music performance focus on cultivating a professional level of performance skills in one or more musical instruments. Orchestral conducting degree programs, which are often master’s degree programs, tend to involve a lot of study of musical scores, private lessons in leadership and rehearsal techniques and hands-on experience conducting actual professional choirs and orchestras. Music programs at the college – and especially the graduate – level can be very selective, particularly since these degree programs often include some form of private music lessons.

A degree in music isn’t necessary for all music careers. You don’t need a piece of paper to write a popular hit song or start a band that does local gigs. However, you do need more than a good ear. Professionals who work in the music field need training – like the hands-on music training offered in music degree programs – to learn to play their instruments well. A solid understanding of music theory and the elements of good music composition, whether gained through formal or informal education, is also essential for success at writing original songs. While two out of every five musicians, singers, composers and music directors work for themselves, having a music degree is often essential to get respected and well-paying work in music. For example, musicians who perform classical pieces, sing opera or direct a choir typically need a bachelor’s degree in music, while orchestral conductors often need a master’s degree, the BLS reported.

Most Likely Job Title: Music Director, Musician

Salary: $49,820

Self-employment by the numbers: 40 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Dance, Theatre 

6. Doctoral Degree in Psychology

There are different kinds of psychology degrees that can prepare candidates for different roles. Most psychologists need a doctorate, which typically requires five to seven years of study, to officially use the title “psychologist,” the BLS reported. A Ph.D. in psychology, which is the traditional doctoral degree in the field, focuses heavily on research and studies in experimental procedures and statistics. Students must design the procedures for and conduct their own original psychological research and then present those findings in a written doctoral dissertation. On the other hand, students who want to focus on working with patients in clinical settings may prefer to pursue a Psy.D., a professional program that focuses more on experience through practical work and exams and a yearlong internship. Some professionals in the field of psychology instead pursue a master’s degree, which can often be completed in just two years and typically focuses on clinical psychology, counseling psychology or industrial/organizational psychology.

RELATED: Top 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs

About one-third of the 173,900 psychologists in the United States are self-employed, the BLS reported. Psychologists who run their own practices manage the business aspects of the practice as well as the clinical or counseling work. They may handle administrative tasks like handling billing procedures, insurance company paperwork and appointment scheduling themselves or delegate those tasks to the employees they hire and train. Besides being the boss, self-employed psychologists are responsible for working with patients. Clinical psychologists do the work of diagnosing and treating the mental and emotional health conditions of their patients. Counseling psychologists use the counseling strategies they have cultivated in school and through work experience to help patients cope with and work through problems in their life and relationships. Since psychology professionals without a doctoral degree typically must work under the guidance of licensed psychologists, those with a Psy.D. and a focus on clinical or counseling psychology are most likely to become their own bosses.

Most Likely Job Title: Psychologist

Salary: $72,580

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy 

7. Doctor of Chiropractic

A Doctor of Chiropractic, or D.C., degree is what trains chiropractors in the art of spinal adjustment and manipulation for health benefits. Earning a D.C. usually takes students four years of full-time study. A D.C. is both a professional and postgraduate degree program, the BLS reported. As a professional degree, it prepares students for practical application of chiropractic techniques in a healthcare setting.  You might be surprised to learn that, even though it’s a postgraduate degree program, you don’t necessarily have to have a bachelor’s degree to earn your Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Applicants to D.C. programs need just 90 semester hours, or three years of full-time study, at the undergraduate level to apply. However, many chiropractors do complete their bachelor’s degrees before they begin their chiropractic studies. While there’s no specific major students should pursue to prepare for a D.C. program, studying biology, physics, chemistry and the liberal arts can be helpful. The relatively few Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs that have earned accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education include coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology as well as clinical training in diagnosing and assessing spinal problems and using spinal adjustment techniques.

One out of every three chiropractors is self-employed, the BLS reported. There are definitely benefits to running your own private chiropractic practice. Many chiropractors offer flexible appointment schedules, including evening and weekend appointments, for the convenience of their patients. A self-employed chiropractor can set his or her own hours and determine what days and times the practice should be open. Chiropractors who are their own bosses can also decide if they want to offer additional services, like rehabilitative exercise and massage therapy, and if they want to sell health and wellness products, like sports braces, in their practice. They must also be able to hire, train and oversee the staff working in their office. In order to prepare students for the challenges of running a practice as well as providing chiropractic services, some Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs incorporate coursework in business, particularly in management, finance and billing practices, in addition to traditional chiropractic subjects of study.

Most Likely Job Title: Chiropractor

Salary: $64,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

8. Hospitality

Hospitality management is a great field to go into if you want to work in tourism and develop your leadership skills. A hospitality degree program will often combine coursework from a number of disciplines, ranging from business management to laws and ethics and even food safety and nutrition. However, you can’t learn everything there is to know about tourism management from a book or a lecture in the classroom. Because many of the skills needed for success in the tourism industry – and in business management – are practical skills, most hospitality degree programs include hands-on training. Some programs require students to complete internships at hotels, restaurants and tourism destinations. Others run their own on-campus or off-campus lodging and dining establishments, where students can gain hands-on experience in every role of hospitality management. Depending on the school you choose to attend, your hospitality degree program could be part of a business college, human services department, agriculture and life sciences school or even its own distinct department or division.

A hospitality degree can prepare you for a variety of different jobs in the tourism industry, but two of the most common hospitality occupations are also among the most likely to be their own boss. Lodging managers are the professionals who oversee the operations of hotels and resorts. Food service managers run the business sides of restaurants, cafes, and other eating establishments. In both of these vocations, one in three professionals is self-employed, the BLS reported. While a college degree isn’t necessary to work in food service or in a hotel, the business and management skills you learn in a hospitality degree program are invaluable. When you run your own hotel or restaurant, in particular, it’s essential that you know how to make sound financial decisions, keep accurate financial records and manage staff, customer expectations and business logistics. You must also understand the importance of all of the roles involved in the day-to-day operations of a restaurant and hotel – a kind of familiarity you won’t develop just by working as a host, wait staff or concierge.

Most Likely Job Title: Lodging Manager or Food Service Manager

Salary: $48,690 – $49,720

Self-employment by the numbers: 33 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Hotel Management or Food Service Management

9. Film

In a good film and media arts degree program, your coursework will prepare you for a career in the entertainment industry. Coursework often includes studies in subjects such as introduction to film studies, film history, screenwriting, film theory, television, new media, cinematography and video editing software. Some degree programs or concentrations within those programs focus more heavily on cultural topics, like how race and gender are depicted in film, while others emphasize stylistic techniques in film or storytelling through screenwriting. It’s not unusual for a film degree program to incorporate coursework that covers the theoretical foundations and practical applications involved in every part of the filmmaking process, from writing the script to doing makeup and wardrobe and from decorating the set to directing the action on stage or before the camera. Many schools provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills through real experience – as well as their professional portfolios – while working on campus television stations or short film projects and challenges.

A film degree is an excellent starting place if you want to become a director or work as a film and video editor or camera operator. Film editors and camera operators are more likely than directors and producers to become their own bosses. About 30 percent of film and video editors are self-employed, the BLS reported, compared to just 20 percent of directors. Directors and camera operators and video editors work in the film and entertainment industry, but each serves a different role. Directors determine the creative choices that go into producing a motion picture or television show, overseeing the actors and personalities who appear in front of the camera as well as the behind-the-scenes work that goes into bringing the script to life. As the job title implies, camera operators and video editors do the work of actually recording the stories being told in the film and skillfully editing shots and sequences to tell that story in a meaningful way.

Most Likely Job Title: Film and Video Editors and Camera Operator, Director

Salary: $55,740 — $68,440

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 to 30 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Broadcasting, Acting, Journalism, Communications 

10. Dental School Degree

Completing dental school results in the award of one of three possible degrees: the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), the Doctor of Medical Dentistry (D.M.D.) or the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.). Whether you choose a D.D.S., D.M.D. or D.D.M. degree program, dental school requires a solid background in the sciences, including undergraduate coursework in chemistry and biology. A competitive score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is often necessary to gain acceptance into a program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. Once admitted, students learn about anatomy, radiology, use of local anesthesia for dental procedures and periodontics, the study of oral health and diseases, the BLS reported. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Dental school students attain clinical experience by diagnosing and treating real patients under the guidance of experienced dentists. After earning their dental school degrees, aspiring dentists must attain a license to practice in their state. Those who wish to specialize must also spend two to four years completing a residency in their intended dental specialty.

One in four dentists – more than 37,800 total – run their own private dental practice, the BLS reported. Some self-employed dentists work alone in their solo practices. Others hire reception staff and dental hygienists to assist with administrative duties and patient care. Still others manage group practices, where they work with partner and associate dentists. A dentist who is self-employed makes the big-picture business decisions. He or she may handle overseeing the day-to-day operations of the practice personally, or may delegate administrative, billing, bookkeeping and staff recruitment and training tasks to an office manager. While the dentist’s primary responsibility is caring for patients’ oral health by fixing and removing damaged teeth and using imaging equipment to check for problems, you can’t ignore the administrative duties when you are the one in charge of keeping the business running smoothly. Opportunities for dentists – and for opening your own dental practice – are increasing rapidly. The BLS expects career opportunities for dentists to increase by 18 percent over a decade, compared just 7 percent job growth expected across all occupations.

Most Likely Job Title: Dentist

Salary: $158,310

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: M.D. in Oral Surgery 

11. Interior Design

A degree program in interior design will teach you the fundamentals of developing indoor spaces that are both aesthetically appealing and functional. Most college degree programs in interior design include coursework in drawing and computer-aided design as well as the theories and applications of interior design principles. For example, interior design students may take courses in lighting and textiles to learn about the materials and light fixtures they can choose from when designing a space as well as classes in residential and commercial design practices. They learn to create two-dimensional designs on paper and three-dimensional digital models of their design ideas. As with other fields of study, whether a degree program has earned accreditation from a reputable agency can speak to the quality of the program. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and the National Kitchen & Bath Association are all agencies that accredit interior design degree programs, the BLS reported.

One-quarter of all interior designers in the United States are self-employed, according to the BLS. Perhaps that’s because several aspects of the career lend themselves to the flexibility of being your own boss. For one thing, interior designers often work non-standard hours, like evenings and weekends, for the convenience of clients who may have a more rigid work schedule. They also need to travel to the space they are designing to understand the location and its advantages and limitations. Interior designers’ success has a great deal to do with the quality of their people skills and design work, so skilled interior designers are often able to make a living working for themselves. As in other art and design careers, interior designers need to show their skills to get paying work – and that means compiling a portfolio of their most impressive designs. Of course, self-employed interior designers still need to handle the management and administrative tasks of keeping their business running.

Most Likely Job Title: Interior Designer

Salary: $48,840

Self-employment by the numbers: 25 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Industrial Design 

12. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration degree program typically includes graduate-level courses in a variety of business subjects, including accounting, business law, economics, finance, international business, management and marketing. Often, an MBA degree program will provide students with the chance to specialize in an academic track or concentration that’s of interest of to them in addition to taking core general business courses. MBA programs may combine studies of business theory with practical problem-solving skills developed both in business scenarios explored in the classroom and through hands-on internship experiences. While two years is the typical length of time to complete a full-time MBA degree program, some schools offer accelerated one-year programs, while others offer part-time study options that allow working students to learn at their own pace without leaving the workforce. In addition to traditional MBA programs where classes take place on campus, online MBA programs have become popular among busy students juggling family and work responsibilities.

RELATED: What Classes Will I Have to Take for a Degree in Business Administration?

Of course, studying business management is an excellent idea if you’re going to run a business of your own. Such a degree program can teach you important skills, like how to manage your company’s finances, use sound accounting processes to keep accurate financial records, publicize your business to draw in new clients and handle the complicated logistics of coordinating work schedules and supply delivery. However, an MBA degree is particularly valuable for students who aspire to be self-employed because it can also prepare you for profitable business careers that lend themselves to entrepreneurship, like management consultant and management analyst. These professionals use their extensive knowledge of effective business practices to help companies improve efficiency, decreasing wasted time and money and increasing profits. One in five management consultants works for themselves, the BLS reported. They set their own hours and spend much of their worktime with clients at the sites of the businesses they are trying to improve.

Most Likely Job Title: Management Consultant, Management Analyst

Salary: $81,320

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Bachelor’s Degree in Business 

13. Bachelor of Architecture

In the United States, top Bachelor of Architecture degree programs are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. In dozens of states, having earned your degree from an accredited program is a requirement for obtaining an architecture license after graduation. Undergraduate architecture programs blend studies from a variety of subjects. When earning a Bachelor of Architecture, you can expect to study everything from the liberal arts to the physical sciences, from math to design. Of course, aspiring architects also study more specialized subjects, like construction methods, building structures, foundational theories of architecture, building design, architectural history and the use of computer-aided design software. While what you learn in the classroom is important, much of an architecture student’s development occurs in the design studio, as students develop their own building designs through sketches and three-dimensional models. Unlike most bachelor’s degree programs, a Bachelor of Architecture degree is designed to take five years of full-time study.

Of the 112,600 architects who are working across the United States, 20 percent happen to be their own bosses, the BLS reported. A benefit to entrepreneurship is that self-employed architects get to set their own schedules, which is a substantial advantage in an occupation that often includes tight deadlines and long hours. They may also choose to work from a home office, cutting out the daily commute and making it easier to work odd hours when necessary. Architects already need to be able to balance multiple job duties, such as interacting with clients, creating functional and visually appealing designs, collaborating with other professionals involved in the project and traveling to construction sites to assess the work being done. Those who are also running their own company must expand these existing multitasking and time-management skills to make sure that both the big-picture business decisions and the company’s daily operations are going smoothly.

Most Likely Job Title: Architect

Salary: $76,100

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Landscape Architecture, Engineering

14. Graphic Design

In an undergraduate degree program in graphic design, students take a variety of basic art and design courses. Common coursework ranges from design principles to printing techniques and studio art to computerized design, the BLS reported. Due to the importance and prevalence of computer graphics and design layout software systems, many graphic design programs involve courses that make use of these technologies. Coursework in color theory, typography, digital layouts and web design are also popular. Graphic design students often complete courses to develop their business knowledge, marketing skills and writing abilities, as well. For many graphic design students, cultivating a portfolio of professional-quality designs is nearly as important as the principles and practices they learn in the classroom. The portfolio is what will convey the student’s skills and artistic style to potential employers and clients after graduation. Graphic design degrees are offered at associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels, both on campus and in distance learning formats.

One in five graphic designers is self-employed, the BLS reported. Graphic design and entrepreneurship often go well together. Graphic designers develop the visual elements of publications, advertisements and product packaging. They create the art that conveys meanings and the layouts that organize the visual elements on the page. While some graphic designers are part of a team at a publishing company, advertising firm or design agency, it’s not unusual for a graphic designer to work alone. Graphic designers do, however, meet with clients directly to discuss new projects and the progress of ongoing projects. Being self-employed is an asset in these instances, because the graphic designer is free to alter his or her work schedule as necessary to fit in meetings with clients. Graphic designers who run their own firm often devote at least some time to finding new business by searching for and applying for new jobs, presenting their skills and ideas to potential clients and bidding on contracts for paid work.

Most Likely Job Title: Graphic Designer

Salary: $46,900

Self-employment by the numbers: 20 percent

Alternative Degree Paths: Art 

15. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree isn’t an easy task. To even be admitted to one of these competitive doctoral degree programs, you will most likely need an undergraduate education with a background in science courses such as anatomy, animal science, biology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology and zoology. In a degree program that has earned accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, you will spend four years on your veterinary studies. For the first three years, your learning will take place in the classroom, in the lab and in clinical settings. During the fourth and final year of veterinary school, you will gain hands-on experience as you perform clinical rotations at a veterinary hospital, the BLS reported. Students in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program learn about that anatomy and physiology of various kinds of animals. They receive the training needed to prevent diseases and diagnose and treat medical conditions in pets, livestock and other types of animals.

About one in six veterinarians chooses to become their own boss, according to the BLS. Like doctors who work with human patients, self-employed veterinarians often run private solo practices. Some open group practices where they work with partner veterinarians or hire associate dentists. Self-employed veterinarians may set their own hours, often including occasional weeknight or evening appointments for the convenience of the human owners of their animal patients. Some veterinarians, particularly those who work with farm animals rather than exclusively with companion animals, may have to travel to owners’ homes or workplaces to care for animals that can’t be easily transported, like horses, or with groups of animals, like a brood of chickens. Though rewarding, the work of a veterinarian can be demanding and even hazardous. Sick and injured animals might not react tolerantly to being examined, while interacting with distressed pet owners can be emotionally draining. However, candidates who have an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a love for animals can make the most of a career as a self-employed veterinarian.

RELATED: How to Become a Veterinarian: What Major Do You Need to Be a Vet?          

Most Likely Job Title: Veterinarian

Salary: $88,490

Self-employment by the numbers: 17 percent

Editor’s Note: Of course, no degree or occupation guarantees success in entrepreneurship. However, the degrees and careers listed above are associated with high self-employment rates. Being your own boss can be both challenging and rewarding. For more information on any of the occupations listed in this article, visit the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which was the source for salary, career outlook, education and self-employment data. You can also learn more about entrepreneurship from the BLS Career Outlook article Self-Employment: What to know to be your own boss.

Related Resources:

Do I Need a Degree to Be an Interior Decorator?

Where Are the Best Paying Jobs With a Degree in Interior Design?

What Is the Difference Between a Degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture?

What Degree Do I Need to Become a Lighting Designer?

What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

Best Major for Dentist: What Major Do You Need to Be a Dentist?

For Further Reading: 

How Much Can I Make With a Degree in Digital Marketing?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Is an Interior Designing Degree?

Architect vs Engineer: What Is the Benefit of an Engineering Degree Over an Architecture Degree?

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1. Kentucky Community and Technical College System

Kentucky community and technical college system (KCTCS) entails 16 colleges with more than 70 campuses. This system was established as a section of the postsecondary improvement Act of 1997. The idea was to form a new higher learning institution to replace the Kentucky Department of Education’s technical schools and the University of Kentucky’s Community College System. KCTCS system headquarters found in Versailles, Kentucky. Generally, the system offers programs like associate degrees, pre-bachelor education to shift to a public four-year university, continuing and developmental education, and adult education. The system also has personalized training for industry and business, and distance learning. 

KCTCS offers an online certificate program in Hospitality Management. Generally, the program prepares learners for job positions, directing particular operations and overall hospitality management elements. Some of the topics studied are cost and control, small business management, maintenance management and housekeeping, human resource management, and safety and sanitation. Students are required to designate KCTCS college as their Home College to join the program. On the other hand, the KCTCS Home College needs to have program approval to reward the credential. In general, various KCTCS colleges offer online courses, and Home College recognizes all system-wide online classes delivered by the colleges.  

Program Website

2. Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College (CMC) is a public institution of higher learning with several campuses in Colorado. The College was founded in 1965 and is located in Glenwood Springs in Colorado. It is typically a small institution with an admission of about 1700 undergraduate students. As such, it is famous for small class sizes, hands-on experience, and personalized attention. In general, CMC offers over 120 bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and associate degrees.  Also, it provides ESL and GED classes, non-credit classes, continuing education, and Workshops to the Colorado community. The Institution’s acceptance rate is 100%. Some of the main programs offered are Hospitality and Tourism Management, Emergency Medical Technician, and Liberal Arts and Humanity.  

CMC provides an online Certificate of Occupational Proficiency in Hospitality operations. The program is founded on the Resort Management degree program that prepares students for successful positions in the resort industry. In general, students must complete eight courses and have work experience for academic credit. Some of the courses taught are cost control, restaurant and hotel accounting, front office procedures, hotel sales and marketing, and food and beverage management. For that reason, learners who complete this program have the skills required for an entry-level supervisory job in the hospitality industry. Credits gained for this certificate can be applied via CMC toward a two-year Associate of Applied in Resort Management course. 

Program Website

3. Cayuga County Community College

Cayuga County Community College is a public college situated in Auburn, New York. The institution is a section of the SUNY system and was founded in 1953 as Auburn Community College. It provides associate degrees and currently hosts the University Center offers bachelor’s degrees from different colleges. Thus, learners can earn certificates and degrees in fifteen distinct fields. Some of the programs offered are Management, General Studies and Humanities, Marketing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Related Support Services, and Health Professions and Related Programs. In general, there are about 3775 students’ admissions on part—time and full-time programs. The Institution employs a semester-based academic schedule.

The county college offers an online Event Management Certificate that prepares undergraduates to venture into event planning firms or organizations requiring experts in organizing events. Graduates can also seek careers in event corporations, conference centers, hotels, non-profit corporations, catering companies, and entrepreneurs in event planning. Thus, students acquire the skills and knowledge required to do several things. For example, graduates can effectively organize, plan, and direct conferences, business meetings, conventions, fundraisers, and other special events. Also, they can communicate skillfully in verbal and written settings by incorporating technological tools. Lastly, they learn to apply management principles like multi-tasking and time management when planning events. 

Program Website

4. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a for-profit private institution of higher learning in Orange Beach, Alabama. Precisely, CSU was established in 1993 and launched its first degree programs in Occupational Safety and Environment Engineering in 1994. Several other programs were developed in 1996, such as Criminal Justice Administration, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Health Administration, and Computer Science. The university is accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC). CSU has three colleges that offer 26 degrees at bachelor’s associate and Master’s level and 21 online certificate programs. Moreover, the institution provides a Doctor of Business Administration.  

CSU has an online undergraduate certificate in Hospitality and Management. The program was developed to offer learners a foundational knowledge of the tourism industry. Once students complete the program, they can observe best practices to promote the tourism and hospitality industry trends. In general, students require an official high school transcript to join the course. The program entails a minimum of 12 semester hours to complete and is completely offered online. 

Program Website

5. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College is a public institution located in Salem, Oregon.  It a small college with an admission of about 4300 undergraduate students. Chemeketa college has a campus in McMinnville and education centers in Brooks, Woodburn, and Dallas. Besides the education centers and campus, the institution’s center to business and industry in Downtown Salem hosts the small business development center while offering programs, and classes benefiting area businesses. The College provides Associate of Applied Science certificates and degrees in more than 90 professional-technical courses. To be precise, the main programs are Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The Northwest Commission also accredits it on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Chemeketa Community College virtually offers a Certificate in Event management. To be precise, the College has an online program that prepares learners for direct entry in event and meeting planning for large hotels and restaurants, local attractions, convention centers, event management firms, and private catering. Upon graduation, students acquire the certificate and possess several skills and knowledge required in the hospitality industry. For instance, they can promote and organize a special meeting or event by incorporating suitable industry techniques. They can also design marketing techniques unique to the tourism and hospitality field. Lastly, they can generate a service-profit linkage to provide a competitive customer experience in various cultural groups. 

Program Website

6. Cayuga County Community College 

Cayuga County Community College is a public college situated in Auburn, New York. The institution is a section of the SUNY system and was founded in 1953 as Auburn Community College. It provides associate degrees and currently hosts the University Center offers bachelor’s degrees from different colleges. Thus, learners can earn certificates and degrees in fifteen distinct fields. Some of the programs offered are Management, General Studies and Humanities, Marketing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Related Support Services, and Health Professions and Related Programs. In general, there are about 3775 students’ admissions on part—time and full-time programs. The Institution employs a semester-based academic schedule.

The College has an online Certificate Program in Tourism Management that prepares undergraduates to seek careers in Tourism bureaus, tourism promotion agencies, tour companies, visitor centers, inns, hotels, and cruise lines. Students possess the skills and knowledge needed in different aspects. For example, they direct marketing for tourism activity applying traditional techniques and social media methods. Also, they apply and demonstrate a comprehension of the tourism concepts, tourism industry different stakeholders in Tourism, and the roles of tourism services. The students also learn to communicate effectively and professionally in written and verbal settings using office productivity tools and technology. The school is typically approved by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to offer the program.

Program Website

7. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College is a public institution located in Salem, Oregon.  It a small college with an admission of about 4300 undergraduate students.  Chemeketa college has a campus in McMinnville and education centers in Brooks, Woodburn, and Dallas. Besides the education centers and campus, the institution’s center to business and industry in Downtown Salem hosts the small business development center while offering programs and classes benefiting area businesses. The college provides Associate of Applied Science certificates and degrees in more than 90 professional-technical courses. To be precise, the main programs are Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The Northwest Commission also accredits the college on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The college provides an online certificate program in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Generally, the program is developed to prepare students for an entry-level management career within the hospitality industry. For example, they seek direct employment in event and meeting planning in large hotels, local attractions, event management companies, and convention centers. Students must accomplish 92 credit hours plus hospitality management courses and general studies requirements to obtain the certificate. Some of the main courses in the program are catering operations, special events planning, resort management, customer service management, and computer reservation systems. Also, learners can undertake a practicum in hospitality or tourism management.  

Program Website

8. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College is a public institution located in Salem, Oregon.  It a small college with an admission of about 4300 undergraduate students.  Chemeketa college has a campus in McMinnville and education centers in Brooks, Woodburn, and Dallas. Besides the education centers and campus, the institution’s center to business and industry in Downtown Salem hosts the small business development center while offering programs and classes benefiting area businesses. The college provides Associate of Applied Science certificates and degrees in more than 90 professional-technical courses. To be precise, the main programs are Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The Northwest Commission also accredits the college on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The institution has an online certificate program in Lodging Management. The program mainly prepares undergraduates for direct occupation in lodging supervision in inns, motels, hotels, resorts, and B&Bs. The program also concentrates on several elements of lodging management. For example, it focuses on the past and current setting of the tourism and hospitality industry. Also, students learn to supervise guest service employees and the market segmentation of lodging visitors. The program also emphasizes industry-unique digital technologies incorporated to entice and engage potential consumers while retaining old ones. Lastly, the course concentrates on event and meeting services offered in lodging establishments.

Program Website 

9. Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College is a public institution located in Salem, Oregon.  It a small college with an admission of about 4300 undergraduate students.  Chemeketa college has a campus in McMinnville and education centers in Brooks, Woodburn, and Dallas. Besides the education centers and campus, the institution’s center to business and industry in Downtown Salem hosts the small business development center while offering programs and classes benefiting area businesses. The college provides Associate of Applied Science certificates and degrees in more than 90 professional-technical courses. To be precise, the main programs are Chemeketa Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The Northwest Commission also accredits the college on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). 

Chemeketa college issues a virtual Tourism & Travel Management Certificate program to prepare scholars for travel-related jobs. With the certificate, graduates can work with tour operations, airlines, travel agencies, resorts, and hotel front desks. Some of the courses covered are Customer Service Management, Special Event Planning, Computer Reservation Systems, and Travel Destination Geography. The program is done entirely online, and students may apply for the AAS in Hospitality and Tourism. one main requirement to join the program is an official high school GED score/ transcript. 

Program Website

10. Yavapai College

Yavapai College is a public higher learning institution located in Prescott, Arizona.  The college has a total admission of about 7314 and incorporates a semester-based calendar. In the Academic year 2010-2011, the institution issued 99 certificates, transfer options, and the degree to students in 73 distinct programs. Additionally, Yavapai college provides several learning alternatives to suit the circumstances and lifestyles of its learners. Some of these alternatives are college for children, internet courses, telecourses, high school equivalency programs, and senior programs.  Regarding Associate degrees, the college offers seven which are Associate of General Studies Degree Program, Associate of Arts in Elementary Education, Associate of Applied Science Degree, Associate of Science/Arts, Associate of Fine Arts Degree and Associate Degree in Nursing. Also, the college is accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  

Yavapai College has an online certificate program in Hospitality. In general, the course prepares learners for management professions in hotels and restaurants. Also, the program offers a well-rounded combination of life skills and business required in the hospitality field.  The curriculum typically entails two major concentration areas, which are restaurant management emphasis and hotel management emphasis.  Learners can select one of the two areas that meet their career goals and individual interests. 

Program Website

11. Ogeechee Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) is a public technical institution located in Statesboro, Georgia. The college was established in 1987 through the approval of the Georgia General Assembly. As a result, it is a portion of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and serves Screven, Evans, Bulloch, and other neighboring counties. Many programs at OTC have been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education. The highest degree offered at this institution is an associate degree.

Nonetheless, learners can obtain certificates and degrees in 16 diverse programs. Some of the programs are marketing, Computer, and Information Sciences and Support Services, Business Management, and Health Professions, and Related Programs. Its campus is positioned in an urban setting with an admission of about 2,014. 

 OTC offers an online Event Coordinator Certificate Program that prepares undergraduates for careers in different positions in today’s restaurant, hotel, and tourism fields.  The main course covered in the program is hospitality law, event planning, and hospitality marketing. This program is offered online and equips students with the knowledge to advance their skills when working in special events. In other words, learners have a basis they can employ to seek careers in special events coordinators or begin their own event business. 

Program Website

12. University of Iowa

University of Iowa (UI) is a public university situated in Iowa City, Iowa. UI was established in 1847, making it the oldest and second-largest institution in the U.S. It is organized into 12 colleges providing over 200 undergraduate programs and seven professional degrees. Additionally, IU is acknowledged as one of the top universities in America, with more than 5000 courses are provided at the institution every year. For 2021, UI was ranked at 88th position among national universities, 34th position for public universities, and 77th among the most innovative universities. The university is also famous for its fine arts, law, and healthcare programs, as these programs are ranked among the top 25 countrywide. 

UI offers an online Certificate in Event Management developed to fit with any other undergraduate degree, holding a combination of fundamental courses and electives from contributing units. Since it is entirely offered online, it is considered both intercollegiate and interdisciplinary as a mixture is experimental learning with demanding coursework.  Learners can obtain internships with high-level event planning companies. As a result, they are ready to take on significant, considerable, specified, and professional events with skills in planning, risk management, development, staffing, and more. Besides, the courses are customizable, enabling learners to support this academic path with professional development and goals. 

Program Website

13. Dakota College at Bottineau 

Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) is a public community institution of higher learning in Bottineau, North Dakota. It was initially established in 1906 as a forestry school, making it the home to the North Dakota Forest Service Headquarters. Further, DCB retains partnership with other institutions across the State of North Dakota to issue different degrees. In general, it provides Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees while emphasizing general education prerequisites for degree completion. Certificate and diploma, and the certificate of completion programs that demand fewer credits completion than Associate degrees are provided. Some popular courses at DCB are Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Nursing. 

DCB provides an online Certificate program in Recreation management that prepares learners for careers in different leisure and recreation settings. Learners taking the program can concurrently or simultaneously take courses from several campuses within the North Dakota University System. Additionally, the program is arranged around main classes that focus on program planning, administration, and comprehension of the recreation foundation. Students must accomplish all the main courses for them to graduate. They must also select one of the following specializations: Commercial Recreation/ Tourism or Outdoor Recreation/Park Management. 

Program Website

14. Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is a public institution situated in Nacogdoches, Texas. Initially, SFA was launched as a teacher’s institution in 1923 and was named after one of the founders, Stephen F. Austin. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to offers doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degree programs. Despite being located in the rural East of Nacogdoches, it attracts students from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Greater Houston, and other towns in Texas. SFA provides over 120 learning programs, including over 80 undergraduate programs, about 60 graduate majors, and three doctoral degrees. Generally, the university offers courses via one independent school and six colleges. Some of the significant program issues at SFA are Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science. 

SFA offers an online certificate program in Hospitality Administration. The program issues undergraduates with the knowledge to further their professional opportunities in the hospitality field. It is designed to attract learners, boost the institution’s visibility and prepare them to compete in the 21st century. Precisely, the program has four main objectives. Firstly, it is designed to prepare students for entry-level in the diverse hospitality industry. Secondly, it aims to offers a learning program that attracts minority, males, and non-traditional students seeking an education with the university.  Thirdly, it targets providing the hospitality industry with well-prepared and qualified personnel. Lastly, it aims to meet students’ needs who desire an academic area to prepare for diverse careers. 

Program Website

15. University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) is a vastly rated public higher learning institution in Amherst Center, Massachusetts. Generally, it is a large university with an admission of about 22,500 undergraduate students. As such, it is the third-largest institution in Massachusetts.  The enrollment is typically competitive since the UMass acceptance rate is about 64%. UMass provides about 109 undergraduate degrees, approximately 77 master’s programs, and 48 doctoral degrees. Further, the university has nine schools where the programs are coordinated and about 1300 faculty members. Some of the most popular programs at UMass are Economics, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Psychology. The institution is also accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

UMass offers an online Meeting & Event Management certificate that prepares students to organize and run events. Learners are trained by experts in the hospitality industry about selecting proper meeting sites, coordinating banquet service and audio-visual aids, planning pre-event publicity, and negotiating contracts. As a result, the program prepares students to handle small and large events. The certificate offers skills that one requires to impress employers in the event planning business. Moreover, the certificate aids learners in preparing for the CMP exam. Every course is the correspondent of 36 hours of industry-related advancing education. Students can earn the certificate within a year by completing five studies. 

Program Website

16. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution of higher learning found in Hays, Kansas. FHSU is the fourth-largest university among the six universities managed by the Kansas Board of Regents. To be precise, it has a total admission of around 15100 students. The university has five colleges which in total have 31 departments. The five colleges offer over 60 academic degrees for undergraduates and about 20 for graduate students. Additionally, learners at FHSU can acquire associate degrees in radiographic technology and office technology. FHSU also issues online learning programs via its “virtual college’ a unit developed from the Department of Continuing Education and Learning Technology. 

FHSU provides an online Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management through its virtual colleges. Learners in the program can select three specializations: event management, hospitality operations, or wellness facilities operations. Students must complete 12 credits in disciplines, 21 credits in major core classes, 24 credits in business classes, and public education requirements. The major courses in the major include service operations, international Hospitality, Hospitality and tourism, and management information systems. Besides attaining the required credits, learners must attend an industry internship to obtain the certificate. In general, the program issues students with the training and education required to enter the hastily advancing tourism and hospitality industry.  

Program Website

17. American Public University System 

American Public University System (APUS) is a for-profit private online higher learning institution. The university is made of American Public University (APU) and American Military University (AMU). Thus, it is entirely possessed by American Public Education. APUS provides doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, including certificate programs, dual degrees, and learning tracks. In general, the university has over 200 certificate and degree programs offered in six schools. Some of the most known programs are Homeland Security and Disaster Management, business, and Liberal Arts and Humanities.  It is a small university with an admission of about 2400 undergraduate students. Furthermore, the system hires nearly 400 full-time faculty members and about 1800 part-time members. 

APUS has an online certificate program in Meeting and Event Planning. Since the program is entirely offered online, it typically grants older students the chance to fit a specialized certificate program into their busy schedules. It explains the procedures for organizing complex meetings and holding special events. Students acquire best practices to apply in the hospitality industry and learn to solve and antedate common planning problems like administration, client future, environmental concern, etc. Furthermore, the course employs industry advisory councils to ensure students receive the relevant information to meet the global hospitality industry demands. In short, this program developed with a devoted event organizer in mind. 

Program Website

18. American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS) is a for-profit private online higher learning institution. The university is made of American Public University (APU) and American Military University (AMU). Thus, it is entirely possessed by American Public Education. APUS provides doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, including certificate programs, dual degrees, and learning tracks. In general, the university has over 200 certificate and degree programs offered in six schools. Some of the most known programs are Homeland Security and Disaster Management, business, and Liberal Arts and Humanities.  It is a small university with an admission of about 2400 undergraduate students. Furthermore, the system hires nearly 400 full-time faculty members and about 1800 part-time members.

The university provides an online certificate program in Restaurant Operations. Through the online course, students study food, beverage, and restaurant management. They obtain the crucial behind-the-scene and front-office knowledge to provide exceptional and quality customer services and experiences. As a result, this focused six-course program offers alternatives for coursework in food preparation, sanitation, operations management, and hotel and restaurant law. The courses begin online every month and vary from eight to sixteen weeks. This certificate is mainly designed for aspiring or current food service managers, restaurant employees, or restaurant owners. It would also be an excellent addition to a management or business degree. 

Program Website

19. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a public community institution established in 1963. Wake Tech’s first location was Southern Wake Campus, but it is currently found in Raleigh, North Carolina. The college operates several campuses across Wake County, making it the largest community college in North Carolina. Further, it was accredited Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is a section of the North Carolina Community College System. The main campus is situated in a rural area with total admission of 21,872. The highest degree provided at Wake Tech is an associate degree. Additionally, learners can obtain certificates and degrees in 19 fields. Some popular programs at the college are General Studies and Humanities, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Management, Business, Marketing, and Related Support Services. 

Wake Tech issues an online certificate program in Hospitality Entrepreneur. The program offers learners the essential business skills and knowledge unique to the restaurants and hotel industry. Some of the courses covered under the program are Hotel & Restaurant Accounting, Sanitation & Safety, Entrepreneurship, and Human Resources Management. Once students graduate, they have a broad comprehension of the basics of beginning a business in the hospitality industry. The program is offered online entirely and requires students to have attained high school or equivalent level to enroll. 

Program Website

20. Dakota County Technical College 

Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a public two-year institution located in Rosemount, Minnesota. To be precise, it is found in Dakota County within the Minneapolis metropolitan region. As such, it is situated in a rural setting. The college is a part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System and is among the five stand-alone technical institutions in Minnesota. DCTC has six academic departments that offer 57 instructional programs. The highest degree administered at this college is an associate degree. Also, learners can acquire certificates and degrees in 16 diverse fields. Some popular programs are DCTC are Engineering Technologies and Engineering-Related Fields, Mechanic and Repair Technologies, and Marketing, Management, Business, and Related Support Services. 

DCTC offers an online Meeting & Event Management Certificate program that prepares learners for jobs in marketing and public relations corporations, hotels, country clubs, casinos, resorts, and other industry attractions. The program offers courses like International Negotiation Strategies, Hospitality Marketing & Promotion, Event Design, Special Event Coordination & Management, Hospitality Risk Management & Legal Issues, and Global Hospitality Perspectives. The program is offered entirely online and is institution-paced. The main requirement to join the program is official High scripts or official college transcripts. 

Program Website

The post The 20 Best Online For-Credit Certificates In Hospitality Management appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

As an extrovert, your outgoing nature and people skills will make you an excellent candidate for a wide range of career paths in sought-after industries like healthcare, finance, education, legal, communication and business. With our Top 10 Careers for Extroverts list, you can discover a profession that will be as personally fulfilling as it is financially and professionally rewarding, one that fits your personality as well as your goals.

Remember, though, that no one is a complete extrovert. If none of these options appeal to you, take a look at our Top 10 Careers for Introverts – you might not be as much of an extrovert as you think.

 1. Lawyer

Lawyers represent individuals, organizations, businesses and government agencies in legal matters that range from criminal trial proceedings to drawing up contracts and wills. They inform and guide their clients in legal matters ranging from business to personal. While television portrayals typically show attorneys at trials, lawyers don’t spend every moment of their time locked in real-life courtroom battles. They do a lot of their work behind-the-scenes, communicating with clients, investigating legal matters and collecting evidence, interpreting laws and drafting legal documents. They must communicate facts both in writing and verbally – and that’s where the career appeals to extroverts.

When a lawyer goes to trial, he or she must be comfortable speaking in front of an entire courtroom full of people. Lawyers need to have the confidence to argue legal matters in court, in front of judges and juries, and to question witnesses and defendants. They must make their arguments compelling. For an introvert, this could be a daunting task, but an extrovert like you might find this to be the most exciting and rewarding part of the job.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $113,530

Education Level: Law school degree (Doctoral degree)

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

2. Physical Therapist

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who work with patients to improve their mobility and decrease pain. When patients suffer an illness or injury that restricts their ability to move, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Physical therapists rehabilitate these patients through the use of exercise, hands-on therapy, stretches, heat and cold applications, electric stimulation, assistive devices for walking and other modalities and equipment. A physical therapist’s job is to help patients function better.

A wide variety of patients requires physical therapy. Young people and even babies must see a physical therapist for help with developmental delays. Among older patients, strokes are a common cause of mobility issues that call for physical therapy. Patients may also come to a physical therapist at any age to help with conditions caused by sports injuries or accidents. Sometimes patients need therapy for recovering from a one-time but acute injury, while other times they’re seeking solutions for coping with chronic conditions. A physical therapist must be comfortable interacting with a range of patients. Like other medical professionals, they need to be able to educate and explain treatment plans to patients. More so than many other healthcare workers, physical therapists must motivate and encourage patients, some of whom may feel depressed as a result of their injury and limitations or discouraged by progress that is slower than they would like. An outgoing, extroverted physical therapist can inspire these patients and help them make the best possible recovery for their condition.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $79,860

Education Level: Doctoral degree

Projected employment growth: 36 percent

 3. Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who clean and examine patients’ teeth. They work in dentists’ offices, where they spend most of their workdays interacting directly with patients. When patients visit the office for a cleaning or for other preventive dental care, the dental hygienist is the one who actually cleans and polishes their teeth, using manual, power and ultrasonic equipment to eliminate stains, plaque and tartar. They are often responsible for taking x-rays of the mouth, administering fluorides, applying sealants to teeth and examining patients’ mouths to detect any signs of dental problems or oral diseases.

While patients are in the chair, they typically can’t do much talking themselves, since the dental hygienist is hard at work on cleaning their teeth. It takes an extrovert to feel comfortable doing most or all of the talking, helping to put the minds of sometimes nervous patients at ease. Dental hygienists also advise patients on ways to enhance their dental health, such as the right way to brush and floss and the impact of diet on their teeth and gums. For someone with a compassionate nature and an outgoing personality, the opportunity to interact frequently with patients and to educate them on improving their health can be energizing and fulfilling. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $70,210

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

4. Financial Advisor

Financial advisors use their knowledge of the world of finance to guide clients in choosing the right investment opportunities, decreasing their tax burdens and making insurance decisions to protect their interests. Successful financial advisors are knowledgeable about a wide range of finance topics, from tax laws to stocks, bonds and other types of investments. However, they do more than offer general advice. They interact with clients directly and learn about their personal situations, including their goals and financial situations. Financial advisors then talk with their clients about the different options available to them and the financial risks involved. They research different investment opportunities to discuss with their clients, keep an eye on how clients’ investments are performing and answer any financial questions their clients have.

The people and speaking skills necessary to interact well with clients are among the most important qualities a financial advisor can have, which makes this career an excellent choice for extroverts. After all, financial advisors need to understand their clients’ goals and their current financial situations. They must establish a rapport with clients that will help them discuss important matters that are both financial and personal, such as when the client wants to retire and how to plan financially for life changes like having children. Financial advisors also need strong sales skills to market their own services, especially if they are self-employed.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $67,520

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 27 percent

5. Nurse

Nurses care for patients in a variety of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing home facilities, prisons and schools. Registered nurses fulfill many roles in patient care. They write down medical histories, symptoms and their own observations. Nurses work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate treatment plans, perform diagnostic tests, use medical equipment and interpret test results. Within the healthcare facility, nurses dispense treatments and medicines.

One thing nearly all of a nurse’s many job duties have in common is their interaction with others. Obviously, nurses interact with the patients with whom they work directly. They need to have good people and communication skills to connect with patients, some of whom may be nervous about test results or uncomfortable procedures, and to put their minds at ease. Good nurses draw upon these same skills to explain to patients what to expect and what they must do, including how to take medication. They must also have and express compassion for their patients. Since nurses often work with doctors and a variety of other healthcare professionals, they also use their strong communication and interpersonal skills collaborating with other members of their team.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $65,470

Education Level: Associate’s degree

Projected employment growth: 19 percent

6. Mediator

Mediators are legal professionals who work with the parties involved in a legal dispute to help them resolve the problem outside of the court system. They are neutral or impartial with regards to the case, meaning that they aren’t on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant. Instead, they meet with both parties simultaneously and work to help them communicate effectively to reach an agreement without having to go to trial. Though they do their work in private hearings rather than in the courtroom, mediators are an important part of the legal system. Resolving disputes outside of court means that the parties involved can avoid the cost, time and hassle of a trial and that fewer cases are clogging up an already overburdened court system.

While mediators must know and understand the laws that relate to the cases they mediate, much of their success is based upon skills that are common among extroverts. Mediators must be good listeners and communicators, and they must be able to interact well with others to help them communicate more effectively, too. They have to talk to plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses to learn the background of the case and the events that led to the legal dispute.  They must make sure that everyone involved understands the process and sort out each party’s interests and concerns. Mediators need excellent critical thinking and people skills to get parties on opposite sides of a dispute to put aside their differences and work toward resolving the issue without having to resort to a trial or further litigation. For extroverts who naturally enjoy being surrounded by and interacting with people, the challenge of getting parties on opposite sides to work together can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $61,280

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

7. Human Resources Specialist

In the business world, human resources professionals play an important role: helping companies and organizations hire their employees. Workers are an important asset in every industry, and it’s a human resources specialist’s job to screen and hire quality workers and to handle matters such as training and orientation, employment paperwork, payroll and benefits.

When dealing with new and prospective new employees, human resources specialists will spend a lot of time interacting with people they don’t yet know. They must be comfortable meeting and interviewing new people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they need to communicate well by being both good listeners and good speakers. Human resources specialists need to be confident in their own decision-making skills when it comes to determining which candidate is the best fit for the position they are trying to fill. Even after the hiring process is complete, human resources specialists guide new employees in filling out paperwork and understanding their job duties and benefits as well as conducting employee orientations. For extroverts, the opportunity to meet and interact with new people isn’t just a necessary part of the job, but may very well be the best part of the job. With experience and ambition, human resources specialists can advance to human resources manager positions. Not only does a management job allow extroverts to put their considerable leadership skills to work, but it also comes with substantially higher pay – a median salary of $99,720 per year.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $55,640

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 8 percent

8. Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists are professionals in the field of media and communication who work toward a specific goal: managing the public image of an organization. Some public relations specialists, media specialists or communications specialists work in-house within a government entity, healthcare facility, educational institution or other organization, while others work in firms that handle public relations campaigns for a variety of external clients. Regardless of their work environment and situation, public relations specialists use the same strategies to create and perpetuate a positive image among consumers, investors and the media for the organizations they represent. They draft press releases announcing news concerning their organizations and distribute the information to a network of relevant contacts in the print and broadcast media. They field requests for information from media representatives and coordinate interviews with company spokespeople so that the information can be used in a newspaper or magazine article, a radio broadcast or a television news segment.

Strategy – and skilled implementation of that strategy – is an important part of success in public relations, but being a good problem-solver and writer isn’t enough. Public relations specialists must have excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate a network of relevant media contacts and maintain strong working relationships with those contacts. They must be comfortable not only initiating contact with reports, editors and other members of the media, but also speaking for the organization they represent. Where introverts might shudder at the thought of putting themselves and their company in the public eye and constantly courting the attention of the media, true extroverts will thrive in a busy, fast-paced career like public relations. Experienced public relations specialists can move into management positions, where they can earn a median annual salary of $95,450 and have the opportunity to lead teams and campaigns.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $54,170

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 12 percent

9. Teacher

Teachers are the professionals responsible for educating young people in a variety of subjects and grade levels. Whether teaching very young children at the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school level or teenagers and young adults at the middle school or high school level, teachers must be able to connect with their students and find ways to make learning interesting. They create and carry out lesson plans that illustrate course material. They may procure or develop worksheets and tests. Teachers assign and grade classwork, homework and projects that help students learn not only the material, like a history lesson or science lecture, but also help them develop skills such as critical thinking. They grade tests and assignments and work with struggling students to help them grasp lessons.

Teachers are often the only adult, or one of the only adults, in a classroom full of students. They must not only be comfortable with public speaking, but also getting to know and communicate with each individual student. Successful teachers have the interpersonal skills to interact and communicate with a variety of people, from their young students to fellow adults. Teachers have to discuss students’ progress, including their strengths and weaknesses, with parents and guardians during conferences or when an academic or behavioral issue arises. They also have to work with colleagues, including other teachers, school counselors and administrators. Whether a teacher is standing up in front of a class giving a presentation, facilitating a group discussion or assigning work, he or she must lead students and manage the classroom – tasks that extroverts, who thrive in environments full of people and interaction, will often be comfortable doing. 

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $53,090 – $55,050 per year

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 6 to 12 percent

10. Event Planner

Event planners are the business professionals who organize a wide variety of events that range from weddings and parties to professional conferences, conventions and meetings. They work directly with both clients and professionals in the hospitality, transportation and professional services industries. Prior to the event, planners coordinate all of the details, including the date and time, the venue, transportation and catering or food service. They seek out locations and services that will fit the client’s needs, negotiate prices and coordinate all services required, making sure to keep the cost of the event under the agreed-upon budget. The job doesn’t end once the planning is complete. While the event is going on, planners are busy managing equipment, guest registration and other logistics and resolving any problems that emerge.

As an extrovert, you probably enjoy going out and experiencing events, from weddings to business conventions. What career could be more interesting than planning those events yourself? Event planners spend much of their time interacting with other people. They talk to clients to discover their needs and ideas. Then they work with the appropriate vendors and suppliers to fill those needs and negotiate contracts and prices. Because event planning is such a fast-paced industry, the professionals in it must be composed under pressure and comfortable thinking on their feet to solve problems.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $45,810

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

Related Resources:

20 Non-Law Firm Jobs with a Law Degree

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Lawyer?

What Degree Do I Need to Be a Mediator?

How Many Jobs Are Available in Finance?

What Are the 5 Best Careers in Environmental Science?

Exciting Jobs: The Top 15 Jobs for Adrenaline Seekers

The post Top 10 Careers for Extroverts appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

Studying Hospitality Management in College

If you want to work in event planning, lodging operations, the management of theme parks or other areas of hospitality leadership, choosing a major may seem easy. Hospitality management programs are tailor-made to fit your professional and personal interests. Deciding where to go to earn a hospitality management bachelor’s degree, though, can be tricky.

There are more than 200 hospitality and hotel management degree programs across the United States. Both small community colleges and prestigious four-year universities offer hospitality management programs.

RELATED: What Is Hospitality Management?

Deciding which school of hospitality to attend can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. To help students focus on the best colleges with hospitality majors, we’ve put together this list of the top 20 colleges for hospitality and hotel management. The colleges and universities that landed a spot on our list are well-ranked both for their hospitality programs and overall, provide great values and are innovative in the ways they prepare students for success in the hospitality industries.

RELATED: What Will I Study in a Hospitality and Hotel Management Degree Program?

The 20 Best Hospitality Schools in the U.S.

 1. Cornell University

Leading our list of the best schools for hospitality is Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Cornell is home to the School of Hotel Administration. The program was founded in 1922 and bills itself as “the first collegiate program in hospitality management.”

Today, undergraduate students at Cornell can earn Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration degrees. Graduate students can choose from Master of Management in Hospitality and M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Hospitality.

RELATED: What Are Some Courses I Might Take in a Master’s Program of Hospitality Management?

What’s Special About Studying Hospitality Management at Cornell?

Hospitality management coursework at Cornell is offered out of the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration. This hospitality school is part of the SC Johnson College of Business.

In addition to having a long history of educating students, Cornell’s hotel administration program is widely recognized and respected. Cornell’s has historically been the only United States program to rank on the Top 10 International Hospitality Management Schools in the World by market research group Taylor Nelson Sofres. The School of Hotel Administration was also ranked second in the world – and first in the nation – by the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research.

The hotel administration program at Cornell is AACSB-accredited.

Notable features of the Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration’s curriculum include:

• Management training through the hotel leadership development program
• The annual Hotel Ezra Cornell conference
• Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series
• Hands-on experience opportunities at the Statler Hotel and its student-run restaurant Establishment at Statler
• Culinary skills training through Cornell’s alliance with the Culinary Institute of America
• The benefits of an Ivy League education at a research institution
• The support of six centers and institutes, including the Center for Hospitality Research, the Cornell Institute for Food and Beverage Management, the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship and the Cornell Center for Innovative Hospitality Labor and Employment Relations
• Opportunities to study abroad in your choice of more than 40 countries

RELATED: How Important Is Hands-On Experience in a Hospitality Degree Program?

Enrollment: 15,000+ undergraduate students, including 1,000+ students enrolled in the Nolan School of Hotel Administration (Fall 2022)

Location: Ithaca, NY

Tuition: $65,204 per year

View program details.

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA

Next on our list of the top colleges for hospitality is the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The University of Nevada’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration ranks third in the world and second in the nation according to the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research.

Studying Hospitality Management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers an undergraduate hospitality management major students can customize.

The undergraduate hospitality management major includes required studies in:

• Foundations of Hospitality
• Introduction to hospitality customer service
• Organizational behavior
• Leadership, management and ethics
• Hospitality law
• Food sanitation
• Food service operations
• Facilities management
• Cost control and accounting
• Human resources management
• Operations and strategic management
• Career development
• Hands-on internship and hospitality work experience

UNLV is a great choice for undergraduate students who aspire to work in a special niche within the hospitality industry. This hospitality management program allows students to focus on concentrations in the following areas:

• Gaming Management
• Event Design and Management
• Innovative Restaurant management
• Hospitality Beverage Management
• Pofessional (PGA) golf management
• Human Resource Management

In the Gaming Management concentration, students might take classes in areas like the following:

• Casino marketing
• Gaming device management
• The sociology of gambling
• Problem gambling
• Accounting for the gaming industry
• Casino industry regulations
• The protection of casino assets

Students pursuing the Event Design and Management concentration may study:

• Introduction to global event management
• Event sales and marketing
• The event proposal process
• Sport and concert arena management
• Global trade show operations
• Food and beverage essentials for event executives

In the Innovative Restaurant Management concentration, coursework may include:

• Food & beverage Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Gastronomy essentials
• The science of cuisine
• Restaurant sustainability studies
• Culture and cuisine
• Sustainable food tourism
• Catering operations and sales
• Speical topics in food service management

A concentration in Hospitality Beverage Management might include:

• Beers of the world
• Wines of the world
• Spirits and liquers of the world
• Bar operations management
• Sustainable food tourism
• Culture and cuisine

Choosing the PGA Golf Management concentration will mean taking the following courses:

• Introduction to player development
• Introduction to PGA golf management
• A series of teaching and coaching courses
• A series of golf facility management courses
• A series of professional golf management internships

For students in the human resource management concentration, classes include:

• Training in the hospitality industry
• Employee compensation, leave and benefits in the hospitality industry
• Labor-management relations in the hospitality industry
• Ethics for the hospitality industry
• Current issues in hospitality human resources
• Special topics in hotel administration
• Working with diversity

Part of the undergraduate hospitality management curriculum at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is 1,000 requires hours of work experience in the hospitality industry.

RELATED: Is Getting a Hospitality Degree Helpful If I Want to Become an Event Planner?

Graduate students can choose from several academic paths, such as:

• Online Executive Master of Hospitality Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration
• Master of Science in Hotel Administration
• Dual Degree: Master of Science in Hotel Administration and Master of Science in Management Information Systems
• Dual Degree: Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Hotel Administration
• Gaming Management Certificate

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Enrollment: 25,373 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $262.50 per credit or $3,937.50 per semester (in-state); $8,478 + $262.50 per credit or $12,415.50 (out-of-state)

View program details.

3. Pennsylvania State University, USA

Another of the best colleges with hospitality management programs is Pennsylvania State University. The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program is part of Pennsylvania State University’s College of Health and Human Development.

What’s Special About a Hospitality Management Degree From Penn State?

The School of Hospitality Management at Penn State may not be part of a business school, but that doesn’t prevent numerous recruiters from visiting the campus, where they hold 750 interviews each year.

Like many of the top hospitality schools, Penn State has a long history. Its Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management program dates back to 1937.

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the program fourth in the world.

In the undergraduate major, students take classes in areas like the following:

• Introduction to management in the hospitality industry
• Hospitality marketing
• Financial management in hospitality operations
• Hospitality financial accounting
• Hospitality managerial accounting
• Fundamentals of hotel and accommodations management
• Applied leadership in foodservice operations management
• Human resource management in the hospitality industry
• Hospitality information technology fundamentals
• Hospitality managerial communication
• Hospitaltiy revenue and profit optimization
• Organizational behavior in the hospitality industry
• Food production and operations management
• Principles of food production management
• Elementary foods

Under the School of Hospitality Management’s Hospitality Professional Experience Requirement, all students develop practical skills with a minimum of 1,000 hours of hands-on experience acquired through at least two different jobs or internships.

The school is also home to Café Laura. The cafe serves as the School of Hospitality Management’s Food Service Management Laboratory. Hospitality management students handle every task from recipe development and customer service to menu pricing and financial management.

Graduate-level programs are also available at Penn State. The School of Hospitality Management offers both Master of Science and Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management, as well as Ph.D. in Hospitality Management degree programs for graduate students. The school also excels in research in the field of hospitality management.

Location: University Park, PA

Enrollment: 73,476 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $9,836 per semester for freshmen/sophomores and $10,611 for juniors/seniors (in-state); $19,813 per semester for freshmen/sophomores and $20,808 for juniors/seniors (out-of-state)

View program details.

4. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA

If you’re looking for the best colleges for hospitality management, don’t overlook Virginia Tech. The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is part of the Pamplin College of Business.

Pursuing a Hospitality and Tourism Program at Virginia Tech

Undergraduate students must complete at least 700 hours of hands-on industry experience. Their curriculum also revolves around cultivating a strong background in business education. Perhaps that’s why the program attracts major recruiters such as Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, and Marriott International, making it a “tier one” recruiting school. The program boasts a 93% placement rate upon graduation as of 2023.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business with a Major in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The hospitality major coursework students complete includes:

• Introduction to hospitality and tourism management
• Lodging management
• Food preparation, purchasing and management
• Hospitality revenue management
• Food and beverage management
• Hospitality sales
• Travel and tourism management
• Catering management
• Meeting and convention management
• Events management
• International tourism
• Winery tourism
• Hospitality market data analysis
• Socio-cultural impacts of tourism
• IT and social media in hospitality and tourism
• Hospitality marketing analytics
• Private club management

Examples of the business coursework required for this program are:

• Foundations of business
• Business analytics
• Principles of accounting
• Principles of economics
• Introduction to international business
• Operations and supply chain management
• Marketing management
• Principles of management
• Strategic management
• Human resources management

Graduate degree programs at Virginia Tech’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management include the Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management and the Doctorate of Philosophy in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the institution sixth in the world, and the school consistently ranks among the top five in the United States. The program has also been ranked globally, most recently claiming the title of the 12th best hospitality and tourism management program in the world.

Virginia Tech is one of just 60 schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and is also accredited by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business. It’s not just the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management or even the Pamplin College of Business that is well-respected. U.S. News & World Report has ranked Virginia Tech as a whole among the top 100 colleges in the nation.

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Enrollment: 24,034 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $12,698 per semester (in-state); $33,310 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

5. Purdue University, USA

If you’re looking for the top HM colleges that also are also furthering research in the field of hospitality, consider Purdue University. Purdue is famous for its research, nd the college’s recognition as a research leader extends to the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Why Is Purdue Among the Best Colleges With Hospitality and Tourism Majors?

Purdue University is consistently ranked among the top 100 colleges in the
nation. Its hospitality management program has been ranked seventh in the world
by The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research.

The Purdue University School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers
degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The school’s
undergraduate program, in particular, is highly respected. The Journal of
Hospitality & Tourism Education has ranked it first in the nation.

Students in this program take classes in the following areas:

• Introduction to the hospitality and tourism industry
• Introduction to tourism management
• Introduction to lodging management
• Introduction to foodservice management
• Hospitality and tourism marketing
• Human resources for management for the service industries
• Managerial accounting and financial management in hospitality operations
• Financial management for the hospitality industry
• Financial accounting for the service industries
• Business development in hospitality and tourism
• Management and leadership in hospitality and tourism
• Beverage operation management
• Hospitality facilities management
• Sanitation and health in foodservice, lodging and tourism  
• Quality food production and service laboratory
• Hospitality operation management and leadership
• Hospitality and tourism law
• Hospitality and tourism work experience

During their undergraduate studies in hospitality, Purdue University students
complete two internship opportunities, some through study abroad programs as
far away as China. The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism
Management program at Purdue University is accredited by the Accreditation
Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

Purdue is an excellent choice for students interested in research in hospitality management. The school is home
to major research centers and laboratories studying food service, lodging and tourism.

RELATED: Would My Degree in Hospitality Management Allow Me to Get a Job in Another Country?

Students also gain hands-on experience in both quick service and fine dining at Purdue University’s restaurants, including the Boiler Bistro and the John Purdue Room. The school’s career center assists hospitality students with career planning, coordinating 700 interviews between undergraduate students and recruiters each year.

Location: West Lafayette, IN

Enrollment: 37,949 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $9,992 per semester (in-state); $28,794 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

6. Oklahoma State University

One of the best colleges – hotel management is Oklahoma State University. It has a long history of excellence.

Studying Hospitality and Hotel Management at Oklahoma State University

For more than 85 years, Oklahoma State University has provided top-notch classroom- and experience-based hospitality education. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Oklahoma State University dates back to 1937. The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is part of the Spears School of Business. The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the program eighth in the world. The school reported that 96% of graduating seniors had job offers within six months of graduating.

At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Coursework for this program includes:

• • Introduction to hospitality ant tourism

• • The business of tourism

• • Fundamentals of culinary production

• • Lodging property management

• • Lodging operations

• • Restaurant operations

• • Revenue management in hospitality operations

• • Food safety and sanitation

• • Purchasing and cost control for hospitality and foodservice

• • Beverage management and control

• • Hospitality accounting systems

Undergraduate students may choose to focus on areas of event management or beverage management. Other undergraduate options include:

• • Certificate in Travel & Tourism Management

• • Certificate in Property & Real Estate Management

• • “4+1” dual degree BSBA and MS in Hospitality and tourism Management

• • Minor in Event Management

• • Minor in Hospitality Business Administration

Students have plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience in on-campus dining operations Taylor’s Restaurant, Planet Orange and Planet Orange Express. Other experiential learning labs include the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education and the Leadership Program in Foodservice Excellence.

At the graduate level, program options include:

• • Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (thesis and non-thesis options)

• • PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management

• • A graduate certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Analytics

Location: Stillwater, OK

Enrollment: 24,649 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $4,621.50 per semester (in-state); $12,381.75 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

7. Michigan State University

Another of the best schools for hospitality is Michigan State University .

Michigan State University’s hospitality program dates back to 1927. The school bills itself as “the original hospitality business school,” with nine decades of educating students.

Why Study Hospitality Management at Michigan State University?

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Michigan State University ninth in the world among hospitality programs. It’s also among the top public school programs for hospitality management worldwide. The program boasts a 94% undergraduate student employment rate.

Undergraduate students at the college’s School of Hospitality Business must complete two internship experiences in addition to their classroom studies to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Students in the undergraduate hospitality business program take courses such as:

• • Hospitality management and leadership

• • Hospitality business strategy

• • Service management principles

• • Hospitality communication

• • Hospitality business analytics

• • Service management principles

• • Hospitality managerial accounting

• • Hospitality professional development

• • Hospitality human resources

• • Hospitality business law

• • Hospitality sales process

• • Hospitality foodservice systems

• • Hospitality lodging systems

• • Hospitality information systems

At Michigan State, students also complete a hospitality business core curriculum. The business core encompasses studies in finance, financial accounting, marketing, economics, statistical methods and programming.

The School of Hospitality Business also offers a minor in real estate and executive development programs.

While Michigan State University as a whole ranks among the top 100 schools in the country and its hospitality program is among the top 10 in the world, the program’s impressive academics aren’t its only claim to fame. The student hospitality association hosts three major events each year. The two-day career expo draws nearly 80 major recruiters to the school. Destination Auction is an annual auction fundraising event that supports The School of Hospitality Business, the student Hospitality Association, and its Alumni Association. Les Gourmets is a black-tie, seven-course formal dining event planned and executed by students.

Location: East Lansing, MI

Enrollment: 39,201 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $16,051 for first-year tuition and fees (in-state); $35,026 for first-year tuition and fees (out-of-state)

View program details.

8. University of Central Florida

it’s no surprise that the University of Central Florida in Orlando is home to one of the world’s top hospitality programs. After all, the University of Central Florida is located near such major tourist attractions as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios resorts.

Studying Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida

, The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the school’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management 10^th in the world.

The University of Central Florida offers a number of hospitality education programs at various levels of study. Students can earn the following degrees:

• • Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (on-campus and online)

• • Bachelor of Science in Lodging & Restaurant Management (on-campus and online)

• • Bachelor of Science in Event Management

• • Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Management

• • Bachelor of Science in Lifestyle Community Management

• • Online Bachelor of Science in Senior Living Management

• • Bachelor of Science in Theme Park and Attraction Management

• • Master of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management

• • Ph.D. in Hospitality Management

The hospitality management curriculum includes traditional courses such as financial management and food service. Students at the University of Central Florida also study such specialty topics as theme park attractions and beer, wine and spirits management. Undergraduate students must complete three internships as well as completing classroom work. They also gain hands-on experience in the school’s cutting-edge, 159,000-square-foot Mediterranean resort-style building.

RELATED: What Are Some Courses I Might Take in a Bachelor’s Program of Hospitality Management?

Location: Orlando, FL

Enrollment: 58,749 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $3,184.20 per semester (in-state); $11,233.35 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

9. Washington State University

Next on our list of the top colleges with hospitality management programs is Washington State University.

Majoring in Hospitality at Washington State University

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research ranked Washington State’s hospitality business management program ninth in the world in 2011. Though the program is one of the oldest hospitality degree programs in the country, it offered only a Bachelor of Arts degree until recently. WSU’s Carson College of Business now offers a Ph.D. in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism, as well.

Washington State University’s undergraduate hospitality program emphasizes hands-on experience, requiring students to complete 1,000 hours of work experience before graduation. The school’s Marriott Foundation Hospitality Teaching Center includes a fully equipped teaching/production kitchen, a refined dining room and a wine-tasting area where students can learn and develop their skills.

Location: Pullman, WA

Enrollment: 22,612 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $5,777 per semester (in-state); $13,815 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

10. Texas A&M University

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Don’t overlook Texas A&M University when choosing a hospitality management school. It’s one of the best colleges for studying tourism.

Majoring in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M Univerity

Overall, Texsas A&M University is well-recognized and respected. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 100 colleges in the nation.

The university’s hospitality program, in particular, has an even better reputation. The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Texas A&M University’s program 12^th in the world.

Undergraduate students at Texas A&M University can earn a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism through the school’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Students choose from three tracks:

• • Business Hospitality

• • Hospitality and Hotel Management

• • Event, Tourism and Recreation Management

Advanced degree programs in hospitality at Texas A&M University include:

• • Master of Science in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism (thesis option)

• • Master of Science in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism (non-thesis option)

• • Doctor of Philosophy in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences

During their tourism studies as Texas A&M University, students will cover coursework in important topics such as financing and fundraising, planning, marketing, management and the social and behavioral sciences.

Location: College Station, TX

Enrollment: 58,269 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $11,550 per year (in-state); $39,796 per year (out-of-state)

View program details.

11. Kansas State University

One of the best hotel management colleges is Kansas State University.

Majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Science at Kansas State University

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Kansas State University 14^th in the world. Founded in 1922, the school’s Department of Hospitality Management and Dietetics has a long history of educating hospitality students.

The school’s hospitality management program is now part of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The Department of Hospitality Management offers both an undergraduate major and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Students can also pursue a Master of Science in Hospitality Administration, as well as a combined B.S./M.S. degree program and a dual-degree MS/MBA program. Kansas State also offers a PhD in Hospitality Administration.

Kansas State University’s program is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. Subjects of study include courses and research opportunities in event and meeting management, food safety, food service and lodging. Real-world experience is an important part of the hospitality management program, and students complete 900 hours of work during various internship experiences.

Location: Manhattan, KS

Enrollment: 17,677 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $332.12 per credit or $4,981.80 per semester (in-state); $894.60 per credit or $13,419 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

12. Iowa State University

Consider Iowa State University for an undergraduate hospitality degree. The school offers studies in hospitality through it’s Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management within the College of Human Sciences.

A Degree in Hospitality From Iowa State University

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Iowa State University’s Hospitality Management program 15^th in the world. The Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration also accredits the degree program. The school offers an undergraduate hospitality degree, a Master of Science degree and a doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.

Students in the school’s program enjoy small class sizes that allow them to work closely with instructors. They also have the benefit of working in state-of-the-art facilities and labs, including the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom and student-run cafe SPARKS. All first-year students have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience with the school’s dining facilities. During the course of their education, students can also take advantage of internship opportunities with major employers in the hospitality industry, such as Embassy Suites, Walt Disney and Marriott.

Location: Ames, IA

Enrollment: 25,241 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $4,491 per semester (in-state); $13,084 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

 13. University of Houston

Another of the best colleges for hotel management is the University of Houston.

Why Study Hotel, Restaurant or Hospitality Management at the University of Houston

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the University of Houston 16^th worldwide for its research. The school’s Conrad N. Hilton College offers the following programs in hospitality management:

• • Bachelor of Science in Global Hospitality Leadership

• • Master of Science in Hospitality Management

• • Master of Science in Global Hospitality Business

• • Accelerated BS/MS option

• • Executive Master of Hospitality Management

• • Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration degree

• • Certificate in Hospitality Decision Making & Analytics

Undergraduate students can take classes in areas of study such as:

• • Catering Management

• • Event Administration

• • Lodging Management

• • Resort Management

• • Gaming and Casino Management

• • Restaurant Management

• • Spa Management

• • Wine & Spirits Management

By the time they graduate, University of Houston hospitality students will gain 600 hours of hands-on industry experience. Students of this program can cultivate their banquet and restaurant service, guest service and hotel operations skills at a major hotel chain without ever leaving campus, due to the presence of a Hilton hotel right on the property.

Location: Houston, TX

Enrollment: 37,282 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $5,985.70 per semester (in-state); $13,417.32 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

14. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois, too, is home to one of the best hospitality management programs in the country.

Combining Studies in Hospitality With a Strong Business Background at the University of Illinois

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 18^th in the world. The school has also earned consistently high rankings from the Gourman Report.

The curriculum includes studies in managing catering, commercial and fine dining establishments. Students also have the opportunity to develop their skills through real-world management experience at school restaurants Spice Box and the Bevier Café.

Students studying hospitality management at the University of Illinois will combine their hospitality classes with business courses to develop a strong business background. Having this knowledge that appeals to caterers, clubs, hotels, restaurants and other employers in the food services, recreation, lodging and travel industries.

Location: Urbana, IL

Enrollment: 35,000 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $15,298 per year (in-state); $33,794 per year (out-of-state)

View program details.

15. Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers options for undergraduates interested in restaurant and international hospitality management.

Pursuing a Hospitality Management Degree at Northern Arizona University

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Northern Arizona University 22^nd worldwide in terms of its research contributions to the hospitality industry. The school is also accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

The school’s W.A. Franke College of Business offers the following undergraduate hospitality programs:

• • Bachelor of Science in Hostel Restaurant Management

• • Bachelor in Hospitality Leadership

• • Certificate in Hotel Management

• • Certificate in Event Management

• • Certificate in Restaurant Management

• • Certificate in Hospitality Accounting

• • Certificate in Human Resources in Hospitality Management

• • Certificate in International Tourism Management

• • Certificate in Interior Design for HRM Management

• • Certificate in Interior Design Event Management

The International Hospitality Management degree is ideal for students who like to travel and aspire to work abroad. One semester of study abroad is required.

RELATED: Would My Degree in Hotel Management Allow Me to Get a Job in Another Country?

In addition to their hospitality courses, students complete 1,200 hours of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. They also study general business courses and ethics. For research purposes, students can work with the Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center.

Location: Flagstaff, AZ

Enrollment: 23,207 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $11,352 per year (in-state); $27,600 per year (out-of-state)

View program details.

16. Temple University

Temple University bills itself as the largest and most comprehensive hospitality program in the Philadelphia region.

Seeking a Hospitality Degree from Temple University

Temple University is well-respected even outside of the area. The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Temple University 24^th in the world for its research.

Undergraduate students can earn the Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management degree. The university’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management combines classroom and hands-on learning to develop students’ skills fully. During the course of their education, undergraduate students will complete two lengthy internships. All told, they gain more than 1,000 hours of industry work experience.  They will also choose one of three concentrations:

• • Destination Management

• • Event Leadership

• • Hospitality Operations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Enrollment: 24,349 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $11,412 per semester (in-state); $19,560 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

17. Florida International University

Both within and outside the hospitality management field, FIU has a good reputation. The school credits itself as the first and only public research university in Miami.

Why Study Hospitality at Florida International University?

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Florida International University as the 25^th-ranked hospitality school in the world.

Hospitality students at every level of education and experience can develop their skills at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. For aspiring hospitality workers, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Sustainable Tourism. Students in the BS in Hospitality Management program can choose from tracks in the following areas: 

• Entertainment management
• Beverage management
• Event management
• Spirits management
• Restaurant and culinary management
• Hotel/lodging management
• Travel and tourism management 

Hospitality professionals with an undergraduate degree and five years of industry experience can advance their careers by earning Florida International University’s Executive Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree online.

Location: North Miami, FL

Enrollment: 46,079 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $3,084 per semester (in-state); $9,283 per semester (out-of-state)

View program details.

18. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is home to another of the top hospitality management programs out there.

Majoring in Hospitality at Arizona State University

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Arizona State University’s hospitality program 28^th worldwide. For undergraduates, the school offers a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Development and Management. Concentration areas include Meetings and Events, Sustainable Tourism and Resort and Hotel Leadership. 

At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Science in Tourism in Sustainable Tourism, a Master of Global Management in Sustainable Tourism and a Master of Science in Community Resources and Development with a focus on Tourism.

Studying hospitality at Arizona State University blends classroom learning with hands-on skill development. In the classroom, students will learn planning and management skills that they can put to use across a range of possible careers in the tourism industry. Outside of the classroom, students put that knowledge to practical use gaining real-world experience while they fulfill the program’s internship requirement. Throughout the course of their education, students learn about meeting and convention planning, heritage tourism, resort management and sustainable tourism.

Location: Tempe, AZ

Enrollment: 112,177 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $13,161 first-year tuition and fees (in-state); $34,103 first-year tuition and fees (out-of-state)

View program details.

19. University of Massachusetts at Amherst

The University of Massachusetts is another excellent school for hospitality management. 

Majoring in Hospitality at the University of Massachusetts 

The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s hospitality program 30^th worldwide. The Gourman Report has also recognized the University of Massachusetts, ranking its hospitality program fourth in the nation.

The program has accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the University of Massachusetts is part of the college’s Isenberg School of Management, which has been ranked 51^st on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Business Schools list.

During their education, students will learn important but relatively stable aspects of the ever-changing hospitality and tourism industry. Coursework covers the principles, processes and theories that will help them manage, market and oversee the operations of a wide range of hospitality businesses.

As an interdisciplinary field of study, hospitality and tourism management will expose students to opportunities that help them learn to identify and solve problems, make sound decisions and analyze situations.

Hospitality students at the University of Massachusetts can take several academic concentrations, including:

• • Club Management
  • Event Management
  • Lodging Management
  • Food and Beverage Management 
  • Customer Experience Management
  • Revenue Management and Data Analytics 

Location: Amherst, MA

Enrollment: 23,146 undergraduate students (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $17,364 per year (in-state); $39,300 per year (out-of-state)

View program details.

20. Ohio State University

Finishing out our list of the best hospital and hotel colleges is The Ohio State University.

Why Study Hospitality at Ohio State University?

As a whole, Ohio State University has a good reputation. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 100 colleges in the United States.

The school’s hospitality management major, part of the College of Education and Human Ecology, ranks even better. The Journal for Hospitality & Tourism Research has ranked Ohio State University 31^st in the world in terms of the school’s research contributions to the industry.

Students majoring in hospitality management study a wide range of business, hospitality and human resources courses. Coursework may include:

• • Food production and management
  • Hotel management
  • Marketing
  • Branding in hospitality 
  • Food service management 
  • Beverage management
  • Tourism and Culture

Internship experiences are as important as classroom learning for students at Ohio State University, who must complete two internships at sites such as hotels, restaurants and resorts.

RELATED: What Kind of Jobs Are Available to Someone With a Hospitality Management Degree?

Location: Columbus, OH

Enrollment: 47,106 undergraduate students at Columbus Campus, 53,189 undergraduate students total (Fall 2022)

Tuition: $12,859 first-year tuition and fees (in-state); $38,365 first-year tuition and fees (out-of-state)

View program details.

For Further Reading: 

Top 10 Graduate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

The post Top 20 Colleges With Hospitality Management and Hotel Management Degrees appeared first on DegreeQuery.com.

1. Doctor

If you have a knack for science and an interest in helping people as well as a preference for a nonstandard work schedule, consider becoming a doctor. Physicians and surgeons are some of the highest-payed professionals in the workforce, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to the earning potential of hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, the best doctors enjoy the fulfilling nature of helping patients get or stay well. Of course, they also make sacrifices. Physicians spend many years preparing for the career, earning a bachelor’s degree, attending medical school and completing residencies and internships to gain hands-on training. This preparation requires candidates to invest a lot of time, work and money into their future career.

Exactly how nonstandard a doctor’s work schedule is depends on his or her place of employment. Hospitals require staffing 24 hours a day, so physicians who work in these settings may be more likely to work early or late shifts (and often, long shifts). Even in private practices, though, many offices are increasingly offering evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients who do work a regular schedule and can’t come in during the day.

Salary: $241,273 to $411,852 or more

Education: Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (DO)

2. Dentist

Like doctors, dentists are increasingly working nonstandard hours to meet the needs of their patients. For many dentists, this means offering occasional or regular evening and weekend hours. While dentists may not have to worry about covering overnight shifts like an emergency room physician does, they may have to deal with dental emergencies that require urgent attention.

Of course, work schedule alone isn’t reason enough to pursue a career in dentistry. However, if you’re already interested in the field and you consider a nonstandard work schedule – one that you set yourself, if you own your own dental practice – to be a plus, that’s a good combination. Keep in mind that you will need to do a lot of preparation for your career. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree (typically in a science-related subject of study) and getting a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test, you will need to graduate from a dental school program accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation, the BLS reported. Still, for the right candidate, the high earning potential, schedule and work itself are well worth the preparation.

Salary: $154,640

Education: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)

3. Petroleum Engineer

While a lot of the best jobs with nonstandard schedules do happen to be in the healthcare field, not all of them are. Petroleum engineers are a great example. These engineering professionals – who have a six-figure median salary – develop new ways to extract oil and natural gas from existing wells and underground deposits, the BLS reported.

What kind of work schedule can you expect as a petroleum engineer? When traveling to a dig site, it’s not unusual for petroleum engineers to spend 84 hours on duty and then be off duty for another 84 hours, the BLS reported. While working for a full three and a half days might sound like a crazy schedule, the job has its perks, especially for adventure-seekers. Visiting drilling sites means that petroleum engineers have plenty of opportunity to travel the world during their careers.

Salary: $130,050

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering

4. Air Traffic Controller

At every hour of the day and night, someone somewhere is traveling by airplane. Keeping those in flight – and taking off or landing – safe means having a trained professional on the clock 24/7. Air traffic controllers fill this role, communicating instructions, weather pattern information and emergency information to pilots in the air and on the ground. They play a crucial role in getting planes full of passengers and airline workers safely and efficiently to their destinations. Being responsible for managing the safety of multiple planes at a single time can be stressful, but for those candidates who can cope well with the demands of the job, an early retirement is a major benefit of this career, the BLS reported. So is the six-figure salary.

RELATED: How to Become an Air Traffic Controller: What Degree Do I Need?

If you’re considering embarking on a career as an air traffic controller, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree unless you have years of relevant experience working in the aviation industry, according to the BLS. Look for a school that offers an Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program intended to meet guidelines set by the FAA. These degree programs typically cover subjects like airspace, aviation weather, reading maps, clearances and federal aviation regulations. Candidates must also pass the eight-hour Air Traffic Standardized Aptitude Test (AT-SAT) and a personality test before then can undergo air traffic controller training through the FAA academy. If you’re specifically looking for a job with a nonstandard schedule, then you will want to find employment at a large, busy airport that has flights going on all day and night, including on weekends and holidays.

Salary: $122,340

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, FAA Academy Training Course and a Passing Score on the AT-SAT

5. Pharmacist

The last six-figure salary career on our list of the top 20 jobs without a 9-to-5 schedule is, again, in the healthcare industry. Pharmacists are the highly educated professionals who fill and dispense the medications physicians and surgeons prescribe. They not only order and administer the medications, but they also make sure there will be no negative – and potentially dangerous – drug interactions among patients who have to take multiple medications. Pharmacists instruct patients on how to take their medications, answer questions about side effects and allergic reactions and handle the paperwork necessary to bill patients’ insurance companies, according to the BLS. In some states, they even administer vaccinations.

Today, many pharmacies – especially those that are part of major retail stores – offer extended hours to better serve customers and patients who work a 9-to-5 schedule. This means pharmacists increasingly need to work evening and weekend hours. The 19 percent of pharmacists who find employment in hospitals may also need to work nonstandard hours to keep pharmacy departments staffed at all times.

Salary: $120,950

Education: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

6. Physical Therapist

Physical therapist is yet another healthcare job where a nonstandard work schedule is common. After earning a doctoral degree – which is no easy feat, requiring advanced studies in subjects like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics as well as months of clinical experience – physical therapists work directly with patients to help rehabilitate them after an injury or illness. Through methods such as exercises, hands-on therapy, stretching maneuvers and the use of equipment, physical therapists help patients achieve goals like pain reduction and increased mobility.

Many physical therapists do work during regular business hours, the BLS reported, but there are also plenty of opportunities to work outside the 9-to-5 schedule at facilities that offer evening or weekend appointments for the convenience of their patients. Besides the possibility of a flexible work schedule, there are plenty of other benefits to a career in physical therapy. A median salary well over twice that of all occupations, an expected job growth rate nearly five times that of all occupations, and of course, the rewarding nature of the work are just a few of the advantages.

Salary: $82,390

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

7. Architect

If you’re more interested in developing building designs than treatment plans, architect is another great job with the potential for a flexible work schedule. Architects are the professionals who plan, design and sketch scaled drawings of indoor and outdoor building structures that range from single family homes to apartment complexes and massive office buildings. They need creative, technical, analytical and visualization skills to thoroughly plan and design a building or space that doesn’t yet exist. If you’re thinking about becoming an architect, expect to be in the career for the long haul. Not only does an undergraduate degree require five years of full-time study, but candidates must also spend years gaining job training through a paid internship and pass the Architect Registration Examination before they can finally attain a license.

Architects begin their days bright and early. In fact, more than a third of employees in the architecture industry are already at work before 7 a.m., according to the BLS. This makes the job a good choice for candidates who are natural early risers as well as good communicators, visualizers and creators. Keep in mind, though, that architects must also work longer hours if necessary to meet deadlines. Work schedules are most flexible among the 20 percent of architects who work for themselves, according to the BLS.

Salary: $74,520

Education: 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or Master of Architecture Degree

8. Dental Hygienist

If a career in dental health interests you but the prospect of spending years upon years earning a doctoral degree doesn’t, consider a career as a dental hygienist. These professionals use hand, power and ultrasonic tools to clean patients’ teeth, the BLS reported. They take X-rays, administer treatments like sealants and fluoride and evaluate patients’ oral health before they see the dentist. They earn a median salary twice as high as that of all occupations – and they do it all with an associate’s degree.

Check out these 15 affordable degrees in dental hygiene (associate’s and beyond).

Dental hygienists work nonstandard schedules for the same reasons dentists do – to offer convenient appointment times to patients who need extended office hours. If you’re specifically looking for the opportunity to work a flexible schedule, seek employment at a dental office that doesn’t just operate 9-to-5.

Salary: $71,520

Education: Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene

9. Producer or Director

If you’ve got a passion for drama or filmmaking, a nonstandard work schedule is typical. Producers and directors are the professionals who create performing arts productions that range from onstage plays to movies and television shows, the BLS reported. While directors and producers start with a written script (which they often select themselves), they choose the cast and crew, manage design decisions, make sure the production stays within budget and supervise the entire preproduction, production and  postproduction process. Directors have a bigger role in the creative aspects of a production, while producers are more involved in the show’s finances, but both are critical to the success of a performing arts venture.

Most producers and directors find work in either the motion picture industry or the television and radio broadcast industry, but some work in performing arts creating live productions. In either case, expect to put in odd hours during your career as a director or producer. If you create live theater performances, you’re likely to find that many show times take place on evenings, weekends and even holidays. Even if you’re not working on a production that is broadcasted live, you may have to work long hours to meet deadlines. Many producers and directors also travel, either to film on location or take a performance on tour.

Salary: $69,100

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Film

10. Nurse

The last healthcare career to make our list of the best jobs with a nonstandard work schedule also happens to be the largest career in the entire healthcare industry, according to the BLS. Registered nurses, or RNs, care for patients under the supervision of doctors in a wide range of settings, from hospitals and doctors’ offices to nursing homes, home health services and even schools. With three different education paths into the career, aspiring nurses have plenty of options to get started.

Nonstandard work schedules are common for many nurses. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes require nurses on staff 24/7 to care for patients who are admitted to the facility overnight, or those who come into the hospital in need of treatment during the evening or early morning. At these facilities, it’s not unusual to work fewer days than a standard workweek, but significantly longer hours than a standard workday throughout. With many private practice medical offices extending their hours to better serve patients, even nurses who intend to work in physicians’ offices may need to work some night or weekend shifts.

Salary: $66,640

Education: Nursing Program Diploma, Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN)

11. Police Officer or Detective

If you have a drive to protect and serve your community as well as a preference for a schedule outside the typical 9-to-5, you’re in luck. The most fulfilling job you could have also happens to be one where odd hours are common. Crime never sleeps, so law enforcement departments need police officers and detectives on duty round-the-clock.

As a member of law enforcement, you’ll have many serious responsibilities. You will handle patrol and traffic stops, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, gather evidence and make arrests, the BLS reported. Being a police officer or a detective isn’t easy. The job can be dangerous, and physically and emotionally difficult. For the right candidate, though, knowing that you are saving lives, catching criminals and making your community safer is more than rewarding enough to make up for the challenges of a life in law enforcement.

Salary: $58,630

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice

12. Avionics Technician

If you’ve got an interest in aerospace and great mechanical skills, why not pursue a career as an avionics technician? These trained and FAA-certified technicians maintain and repair planes and other aircraft. Avionics technicians specifically are responsible for the safe functioning of a plane’s electronic instruments, like radar, communication and navigation systems, the BLS reported. To uncover any malfunctions, they review flight test data and use tools and equipment designed for testing electronic flight instruments. They work on and install instrument panels and software.

An associate’s degree in avionics – which includes the studies of computerized flight instruments and aircraft controls – is popular among candidates pursuing the career. Avionics technicians must also earn certification from the FAA.

Avionics technicians need to work nonstandard shifts for the same reasons air traffic controllers do. Travel by aircraft happens at all hours of the day, and it’s necessary to have a professional with the capability to find and repair problems available at all times.

Salary: $56,910

Education: Associate’s Degree in Avionics

13. Telecom Technicians

If you’ve got great mechanical and troubleshooting skills, a career as a telecom technician can offer you a nonstandard work schedule, the chance to put your skills to good use and a median salary well above that of all occupations. You don’t even need to spend several years earning a degree to get there.

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers – telecom technicians, for short – are the professionals who set up, maintain and fix the telecommunications lines used to transmit phone, Internet and cable signals. They work with components like wiring and phone jacks as well as computer hardware and diagnostic equipment, according to the BLS. To develop the mechanical skills and troubleshooting knowledge necessary for success, telecom technicians need an education – but they don’t necessarily need a traditional degree. Some candidates earn a certificate from a technical school, though the BLS reports that telecom technicians with associate’s degrees will have the best employment prospects in this competitive job market.

Not every telecom technician works nonstandard hours. Your work schedule will depend on your employer. If you’re looking for hours outside the 9-to-5 shift, you’ll want to find work with a carrier or contractor that offers 24-hour emergency repair service. You might also find yourself on call in case of equipment malfunctions and emergencies.

Salary: $55,190

Education: Associate’s Degree in Telecommunications

14. Civil Engineering Technician

Early risers with skills in mathematics, problem-solving and critical thinking can find a great fit in the form of a civil engineering technician career. The job is an especially good choice for candidates who have an interest in civil engineering work but aren’t willing or able to put in the time and money required to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete years of training and attain a license. An associate’s degree is sufficient for aspiring civil engineering technicians to get started in their careers.

Civil engineering technicians work with licensed engineers, and they even handle some of the same tasks, like preparing plans and drawings, estimating costs, monitoring project sites, testing construction materials, analyzing data and using computer aided design (CAD) software, the BLS reported. The only things they specifically can’t do, according to the BLS, are supervising overall engineering projects and approving designs.

Civil engineering technicians tend to start their workdays before 7 a.m., which makes the job ideal for early birds who like to get up with – or even before – the sun.

Salary: $48,340

Education: Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

15. Real Estate Agent or Broker

If you work well with others and are good at solving problems, you could make a career out of helping people buy, sell and rent homes, business spaces and other real estate properties. Real estate agents and brokers work closely with clients to help them navigate the complex process of making real estate transactions. They show off real estate properties to potential buyers and renters and assist with setting and negotiating prices and preparing contracts, deeds and other essential real estate documents, the BLS reported.

When you’re selling as large a purchase as real estate, it’s essential that you’re available when your clients are. For many real estate brokers, this means working hours in the early evenings and on weekends. On the bright side, you’re not likely to need to work overnight shifts and will probably be done your workday by 10 p.m., if not hours earlier – which means you still have a chance to enjoy the night life or some quality time with loved ones.

Salary: $43,430

Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Real Estate

16. Chef or Head Cook

A preference for work hours outside the 9-to-5 schedule is ideal for aspiring chefs. After all, chefs and head cooks have to be available to work at the same times when customers are dining out – like early mornings for breakfast, into the evening and even late at night for dinners and snacks and, of course, on weekends.

Of course, chefs and head cooks prepare food. They create recipes, plan menus and design the presentation of a dish. Chefs also order and check ingredients for freshness and make sure equipment and workspaces are clean for food preparation. They are also often responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, from hiring them and training them to coordinating the various tasks necessary to keep a restaurant kitchen operational.

Some chefs attain their position – not to mention their cooking skills – purely through experience and on-the-job training. However, many aspiring chefs seek out formal training through culinary arts education programs at community colleges, technical schools and four-year colleges and universities, the BLS reported.

Salary: $41,610

Education: Culinary Arts Degree

17. Broadcast Technician

Modern television channels and radio stations offer round-the-clock programming. These constant entertainment options wouldn’t exist without trained professionals known as broadcast and sound engineering technicians.

Broadcast technicians handle the audio, video and broadcasting equipment necessary for communication over TV and radio as well as maximizing the sound quality in recorded and live music, the BLS reported. They handle everything from setting up sound and broadcasting equipment to running that equipment during a broadcast and even maintaining and repairing that equipment.

Depending on the medium they focus on and the station, channel, studio or company employing them, broadcast technicians can have very different job duties. Some record music in recording studios or at live performances. Others spend much of their time installing audio and visual equipment in settings like schools, offices and hotels. Those who work in television may be responsible for making sure the dialogue and sound effects used in a program match up correctly with the visual images on the screen.

To keep broadcasting 24/7, radio stations and television networks need to have broadcast and sound engineering technicians on the clock even during nonstandard hours, which is why these professionals tend to work early morning, late night, weekend and even holiday shifts.

Salary: $41,350

Education: Associate’s Degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology

18. Musician

Not every job is easily quantifiable by salary or other factors. Some professional musicians become world-famous stars or celebrities, while many more pursue music as a part-time gig, often while holding other jobs. Overall, the BLS reports that musicians earn a median wage of $24.16 per hour, but there’s plenty of variation in income from one musician to the next.

Likewise, there is also a great degree of difference in education level among musicians. Some musicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma, while others spend years studying music at the college level to earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. What musicians have in common is that they have to spend a lot of time training and practicing to develop their musical talents. They also spend time creating and recording new material and rehearsing for performances.

Live shows are precisely the reason so many musicians work odd hours. Concerts are commonly held on weekends, in the evenings or even late at night. Successful musicians must not only put up with occasional evening work, but deliver energetic and entertaining performances consistently during these nonstandard hours. For most musicians, though, it’s having a passion for their art that makes a career in music fulfilling.

Salary: $24.16 per Hour

Education: Long-Term Music Training, Often a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher in Music

19. Athlete

Given the massive contracts awarded to top athletes in the big leagues, would it surprise you to learn that the median annual salary for athletes according to the BLS is $43,350? Like musicians, professional athletes run the gamut from the rich and world-famous sports stars to more down-to-earth athletes who live normal lives and bring home more modest salaries. While a college degree isn’t a requirement for the career, many professional athletes sharpened their skills playing their sport at the college level.

Still, professional athletes have a couple of things in common. For one, they must work hard at excelling in their sport, which means spending many hours training and practicing. They also work odd and sometimes difficult schedules, often playing on weekends, evenings and holidays. Traveling to compete is typical for professional athletes, which means they may also spend long amounts of time on buses, planes and other forms of transportation, the BLS reported. Like musicians, though, professional athletes tend to dream of their careers for a long time. The best professional athletes play as much for the love of the game as they do for the salary and reputation.

Salary: $43,350

Education: College-Level Playing Experience

20. Actor

Show business is certainly no 9-to-5 job. Like directors, actors and actresses often work unusual hours, whether their performance is live onstage or whether they’re just working overtime to meet a filming deadline. Actors also travel frequently for work, either to take a show on tour or to film on location.

To develop their acting skills, many aspiring actors will take acting classes. Some take these courses as part of their college-level studies to earn a bachelor’s degree, while others take acting classes separately at community colleges or private acting conservatories or film schools, the BLS reported. Relatively few professional actors become world-renowned movie or television stars, but about two-thirds do find full-time acting work, according to the BLS. Others work part-time, often along with other jobs. As with musicians and athletes, actors often pursue the career for the love of the craft rather than an expectation of steady long-term work or consistent earning potential.

Salary: $19.82 per Hour

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre

Editor’s Note:

The salary, education, work environment and career preparation information presented in this article comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This article is just a partial list of the many existing careers without a 9-to-5 work schedule. For more information on jobs with nonstandard hours, consult the blog post Careers for night owls and early birds published by the BLS.

For Further Reading: 

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What Are My Degree Choices to Be a Film/TV Producer?

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Do You Need College to Be a Real Estate Agent?

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