The 20 Best Online For-Credit Certificates In Hospitality Management

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Generally, online Hospitality Management Certificate Programs offer suitable and flexible means for learners to pursue occupations in one of the most lucrative and largest industries in the U.S. Undergraduates learn various industry sections such as foodservice and lodging. Also, they obtain a working comprehension of the popular strategies, and tools professionals employ to build success in restaurants, entertainment centers, and amusement parks. Hospitality management is an umbrella group that entails more specialized programs such as online hotel management courses, online Tourism & Travel Management Certificate program, online restaurant management certificates, Hospitality operations, Lodging Management, Event Management, and more. Depending on a person’s professional goals, one of these specializations may be suitable for his/her needs than a General Hospitality Management degree.  Hospitality management is a wide field and enormous industry that includes recreation centers, hotels, art facilities, music venues, hotels, restaurants, etc.  Many universities and colleges offer online Hospitality Management Certificate Programs. The following sections will highlight the best institutions that offer the certificates. 

  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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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