Online Certificate in Hospitality Management
The online Certificate in Hospitality Management prepares students for a career in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Whether students are looking to advance in their current careers or pivot into a new field, this program’s industry-relevant curriculum provides the skills and knowledge to thrive in customer service, hotels, management, food and beverage, event planning, tourism, and more.
What Is Hospitality Management?
Hospitality Management involves overseeing the daily operations of businesses like hotels, restaurants, resorts, event planners, and travel agencies. Customer service, marketing, human resources, finance, and facility management come together to create a positive experience for customers.
If you enjoy fast-paced environments, making guests feel welcome, and hands-on work, a degree in Hospitality Management may be right for you. Our 61-credit Associate of Applied Business in Hospitality Management program builds a foundational skill set that positions students to thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. Through in-field learning via professional internships, students will complete this program well-prepared for post-graduation employment.
Not sure which program is right for you? Compare programs here or contact an Enrollment Services Advisor.
Hospitality Management Certificate Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Career Counseling: Our program provides personalized career counseling services to help students identify their strengths, interests, and career goals within the hospitality and tourism industry.
- Professional Development: Workshops and seminars focused on professional development topics such as customer service skills, leadership development, and industry trends are regularly organized to help students enhance their employability and stay competitive in the job market.
- Additional Professional Certifications: Students graduate with the knowledge to test for additional certifications from reputable institutions such as the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) to gain accreditations such as START – Certified Guestroom Attendant and/or Certified Front Desk Representative, Certified Hospitality Manager, and Certified Hospitality Revenue Manager. Students may take an examination to gain ServSafe® certification from the National Restaurant Association.
Flexibility
- Flexible online and asynchronous schedule
- Three start dates per year; Spring, Summer, or Fall
- Easy-to-transfer credits
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
The online Hospitality Management Certificate is 21 credit hours and students that earn their certificate will be able to:
- Demonstrate customer service skills, including effective problem-solving, and empathy, ensuring guest satisfaction in various hospitality settings.
- Explain the scope and components of the multifaceted hospitality and tourism industry.
- Describe the day-to-day operations within the hospitality industry, such as front desk management, housekeeping, human resources, security, and food and beverage service.
- Describe food and beverage handling strategies, sanitation, safety, and state and federal regulation compliance.
- Identify the core technologies in the hospitality industry and their strategic significance.
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| HM1001 | Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Industry This course will provide students with a broad introduction to the hospitality, lodging, travel and tourism industry. Students will learn about the important components of tourism and the impacts of tourism on cultural, environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The course delves into the core concepts of tourist behavior and motivation, guest expectations, guest satisfaction, and service quality. The industry sectors of food and beverages, attractions, cruises, clubs and gaming, as well as meetings, expositions, events, and conventions (MEEC) will be introduced. Current trends in hospitality and tourism will be introduced. This course equips students with the foundational knowledge required to navigate the multifaceted world of the hospitality and tourism professions. |
3 |
| HM1005 | Introduction to Hotel and Lodging Operations Management This course provides an introduction to the hotel and lodging service areas of the hospitality industry. Students will learn about all hotel and lodging operating areas and obtain an understanding of how each department is organized and operates, and the career opportunities each provides. Students will gain knowledge of the function, procedures, duties and tasks within the different departments. The course will introduce students to hospitality distribution channels, franchises and contracts, financial control and yield management, and legal and ethical issues in hotel and lodging industry. The topics of best practice in guest service and service quality, facility maintenance and guest safety in the hotel and lodging industry will be covered. Students will learn about emerging typologies and trends in the lodging industry such as AirBnB, Vrbo, and senior living communities. At the end of this course, students will qualify to take the Guest Service Professional certification exam. |
3 |
| IS2080C | Digital Technologies for Business Information Systems (IS)-and the enabling digital technologies-constitute integral and critical resources for all aspects of a business, from operational efficiency and managerial decision making, to the implementation of transformative business strategies. Businesses spend over $1 trillion annually on technology and related information systems. This course is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of digital technologies, to understand business opportunities created by digital technologies, and to gain awareness of how organizations leverage digital technologies to improve organizational processes and enhance related business strategies.The course also has a hands-on component-students will develop specific competencies in using spreadsheet, database, and web development tools to make informed business and financial decisions. |
|
| HM2030 | Food and Beverage Management This course will provide students with step-by-step knowledge of food and beverage management, starting from concept development, through management and operations. Students will acquire essential skills and knowledge related to various components of food and beverage operations, including cost control, pricing strategies, purchase specifications, food flow, and marketing. Furthermore, they will delve into the principles of food sanitation, safety, and food allergens mitigation and gain knowledge of the causes of foodborne illnesses. Students will gain insights into the laws, regulations, and standards established by governing bodies, including the Ohio Department of Health, FDA, USDA, and OSHA, within the framework of the hospitality and tourism industry, and their implications for operational procedures. The course will also touch upon facility design considerations specific to the food and beverage industry. At the end of this course, students will qualify to take the ServSafe Manager certification exam. |
3 |
| HM2015 | Room Division Management This course introduces students to the room division and its role within lodging operations. Students will gain essential knowledge of the functions, roles and best practice in front office operations, such as various types of reservations, registration and check-out processes, front office accounting, front office audit, and guest relations. Students will also learn about the functions and responsibilities of the housekeeping and human resources departments as well as formulas to manage revenue. Students will gain knowledge of security and guest safety measures, including the concierge and security service units, ensuring a well-rounded education in the field of hospitality management. |
3 |
| HM2060 | Managing Technology in the Hospitality Industry This course will introduce students to the roles and applications of technology in different sectors of the hospitality industry, with an emphasis on the place of technology within overall strategy and management in hospitality businesses and the competitive advantages that these systems can bring. Students will be introduced to core and current technologies employed in hospitality and their functions in hospitality operations. This course will also familiarize students with customer relationship management software and the role of eCommerce applications in marketing and advertising. Students will gain proficiency in the typical applications and interfaces used in the industry. |
3 |
| COMM2081 | Business Communication This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives. |
3 |
Your guide from application through admission is your Enrollment Services Advisor. Every student is assigned a dedicated Enrollment Services Advisor who can answer questions, provide guidance, and help navigate your unique educational needs.
Prerequisites
- GED or High School Diploma from an accredited institution.
- Some students may need to take Math or English assessments (at no charge) to ensure proper course placements.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Dr. Ryan Maloney is the Hospitality Management Director at the University of Cincinnati, bringing a dynamic career that spans Walt Disney World, Marriott International, the Ritz-Carlton, and a variety of restaurant and brewery settings. With a PhD in Hospitality Management and a passion for people at the center of his work, he blends industry expertise with an energetic, student-centered teaching style. Dr. Maloney teaches all core hospitality courses at UC and focuses on helping students build confidence, think critically, and navigate real-world scenarios. His research explores craft beer tourism and horror tourism, and he remains deeply engaged with Cincinnati’s thriving hospitality community to create meaningful opportunities for students.
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