Online bachelor's degree programs in tourism and hospitality

If you are creative, enjoy making others feel comfortable and have a knack for details and organization, you might be the perfect candidate for online degree programs in hotel and restaurant management. The U.S. Travel Association reports that travel and tourism generated $704.4 billion and 7.4 million jobs in 2009. If you're interested in online bachelor's degree programs in tourism and hospitality management, you're likely to enter a field full of opportunities.

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Online bachelor's degree programs in tourism and hospitality management: Coursework

While it's possible to enter the tourism and hospitality industry with a high school diploma, online bachelor's degrees in tourism and hospitality can provide education and training needed to succeed in both entry-level and management positions. Depending on your area of focus, coursework can include:

Geography and culture
Lodging management
Airline computers
Event planning
Food and beverage management
Sales and marketing

Your exact curriculum will depend on your specialization, interests and career aspirations. While no degree can guarantee a specific job or salary, online degree programs in hotel and restaurant management help prepare you for any endeavor.

Careers for graduates of online degree programs in hotel and restaurant management

The tasks you perform as a graduate of online degree programs in hotel and restaurant management will depend on your interests and area of focus. You could work for a cruise line, hotel, hostel, travel agency or restaurant, and daily tasks could include everything from booking accomodations, dinner and transportation reservations to locating unique attractions for guests.

Flight attendants help ensure that airline passengers are safe and comfortable. While all flight attendants must complete a training period with their airline and be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, many airlines prefer those who already have a bachelor's degree in a field such as hospitality and tourism. May 2009 average salary for flight attendants: $43,350.

Travel agents help their clients choose destinations and make travel arrangements, reserve lodging, rent cars and book tours. May 2009 average salary for travel agents: $32,450.

Lodging managers help ensure the comfort of hotel guests and the profitability of an establishment. Their job duties may include setting room rates, hiring and training personnel and helping with housekeeping when needed. May 2009 average salary for lodging managers: $53,500.

Food service managers oversee the daily operations of a restaurant. Duties include hiring and training employees, making sure the kitchen is stocked, overseeing the maintenance of the equipment and facilities and focusing on customer satisfaction. May 2009 average salary for food service managers: $51,400.

While a high school diploma with significant on-the-job training may be sufficient for some of these jobs, many employers increasingly prefer those with formal training. Hospitality and management occupations are growing at a regular pace, increasing the overall level of competition--an online bachelor's degree in tourism and hospitality management or restaurant management could boost your resume.

If you are interested in pursuing an online bachelor's degree in tourism and hospitality management, explore the Guide to Majors for potential studies in hospitality management or restaurant management. If you're looking for a rewarding career, make sure to prepare yourself by getting the right education.