Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management gives students the business knowledge and hands-on experience to launch a career in one of the fastest growing industries in the country.
Sharpen Your Business and Operations Skills
Build core skills in hotel management, food and beverage management, financial accounting, and hospitality marketing.
Learn from Faculty Who Know the Industry
Learn from experienced faculty with real-world expertise in hotel and resort operations.
Study On Campus at Florida Locations
Choose one class at a time in a format that fits your schedule. Evening and weekend options become available for working professionals at select campuses.
Launch Exciting Careers in Hospitality
Prepare for career paths as hotel managers, lodging managers, event planners, and restaurant management professionals.
60
Credit Hours
16
Courses
24
Months*
4
Week Terms
* Time to degree completion and the number of transfer credits are estimates, not intended as a guarantee, and can vary based on many case-by-case factors.
** Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all your financial aid and funding options.
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management gives students a thorough grounding in hotel and resort operations, food and beverage management, hospitality sales and marketing, and financial accounting for the hospitality sector. The curriculum prepares students to understand daily operations, apply practical accounting skills, lead teams, and adapt to changing conditions in the job market. Externship is incorporated to solidify overall skills.
The degree covers both the operational and business sides of the hospitality industry, so graduates understand not just what makes a great guest experience but also what keeps a hospitality business financially healthy and competitive.
The mission of the Associate of Arts in Hospitality program at Keiser University is to empower students to contribute effectively and ethically to the global hospitality and tourism industry by instilling the qualities needed to excel in various sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotel management, food and beverage operations, and hospitality marketing.
None. Students may enroll in the Hospitality, AA program without prior hospitality management education or college credit in the field.
Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the university’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about Keiser University accreditation.
Available On-Campus
Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management Degree Courses
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management gives students a solid grounding in the business side of the hospitality industry. The curriculum blends core general education with specialized hospitality courses in hotel operations, food and beverage management, financial accounting, sales, and supervision. Two externship courses connect students with real workplaces, putting the skills they develop in the classroom to work in actual hospitality settings. Graduates finish the program ready to pursue entry-level management roles in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event planning organizations.
To receive an Associate of Arts degree in Hospitality, students must complete 60 credit hours as follows:
| Hospitality Major Courses (24.0 credit hours) | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Hospitality Industry | 3.0 credit hours |
| Food and Beverage Management | 3.0 credit hours |
| Selected Topics in Hospitality Industry | 3.0 credit hours |
| Hospitality Marketing, Sales & Promotion | 3.0 credit hours |
| Supervision in Hospitality Industry | 3.0 credit hours |
| Hotel Financial Accounting- Night Auditing | 3.0 credit hours |
| Hospitality: Hotel Operations Externship I | 3.0 credit hours |
| Hospitality: Hotel Operations Externship II | 3.0 credit hours |
| General Education Courses (36 credit hours required) | |
|---|---|
| Behavioral/Social Science (3 credits required) | |
| American History Pre 1877 | 3.0 credit hours |
| American History Post 1876 | 3.0 credit hours |
| Political Science | 3.0 credit hours |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 credit hours |
| Sociology | 3.0 credit hours |
| Communications (3 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| Speech Communication | 3.0 credit hours |
| Computers (3 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Computers | 3.0 credit hours |
| Economics (6 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| Microeconomics | 3.0 credit hours |
| Macroeconomics | 3.0 credit hours |
| English (6 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| English Composition I | 3.0 credit hours |
| English Composition II | 3.0 credit hours |
| Humanities/Fine Arts (3 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| American Literature | 3.0 credit hours |
| English Literature | 3.0 credit hours |
| Mathematics (6 credit hours) | |
|---|---|
| College Algebra | 3.0 credit hours |
| College Mathematics | 3.0 credit hours |
| Applications of Mathematics | 3.0 credit hours |
| Statistics (required) | 3.0 credit hours |
| Natural Science (6 credits required) | |
|---|---|
| General Biology | 3.0 credit hours |
| General Biology Laboratory | 1.0 credit hours |
| Advanced Biology | 3.0 credit hours |
| Advanced Biology Laboratory | 1.0 credit hours |
| Environmental Science | 3.0 credit hours |
Credit hours in parentheses indicate the required number of credit hours in each discipline. Not yet reviewed by ACBSP.
* Must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher for Gordon Rule credit.
People, places, and making every experience feel memorable,
A hospitality management degree could be your thing.
Hospitality students are natural communicators, detail-oriented, and thrive in fast-paced environments with the drive to keep operations running and guests coming back.
Whether you want to manage a hotel, oversee food and beverage operations, or coordinate events, this path gives you the skills to turn your passion for people into a real career.
Top 100 Hispanic-Serving Institutions
(2024, Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine)
Top 25 university in the country in providing Social Mobility, including being ranked #1 in 2023
(U.S. News & World Report)
#2 Best 4-year graduation rates, private, nonprofit, nonresidential
(2023, The Chronicle of Higher Ed.)
Graduates of Keiser University’s associate degree in hospitality management programs step into roles across hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand across lodging and food service management, making this a field with meaningful employment opportunities for those ready to lead. This associate degree lays a foundation for entry-level management positions, and many graduates continue on to a bachelor’s degree or higher to advance into senior roles in hospitality leadership, property management, or human resources within larger organizations.
Career Pathways in Hospitality Management
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.
Since 1977, Keiser University has helped students turn their career ambitions into reality through its well-known Students First philosophy. With small class sizes, a focused one-class-at-a-time schedule, and career-driven programs in nursing, health care, technology, and beyond, students gain a learning experience designed for success.
Keiser is one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit universities serving nearly 20,000 students at multiple Florida campus locations, online, and international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees and offers more than 100 degrees.
Keiser University is a proud member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, it was ranked in the top 50 for social mobility for the sixth straight year by U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Colleges.
At Keiser University we are here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives.
Once I graduated, I found a job right out of college within my degree. I now proudly work for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Tom Buchanan, a military veteran and nursing student, says Keiser helped him transition into a meaningful healthcare career where he could continue serving his community. He appreciates the strong support available to veterans, including a dedicated VA adviser who is responsive, helpful, and committed to ensuring students fully use the benefits they earned through service.
Audrey Chouraqui Azoulay, a Cinematic Arts program graduate, has shared her positive experience. She expressed gratitude to her professors, Samantha Kountz and Jean Jacques, for their encouragement and support during her studies. Her story highlights a passion for film production and acknowledges the program’s contribution to her success.
The environment is friendly. The instructors really actually care about how you are going to get your degree. Keiser was a great fit.
Keiser University has always supported me in every aspect of my life. Athletically, they have provided top-notch coaches, athletic trainers, and strength coaches who truly helped mold and build me into the player that I am today. Academically, my professors brought out the best in me and constantly made me think critically in real-world situations, and professionally, my professors truly prepared me for my current job. Every task I am given, I can think back to my time at KU and think of an assignment or discussion that I had.
I picked Keiser because, first of all, it’s a school sports management, so I knew that there would be a higher focus of that here, and I knew I could get the best education that I wanted to have if I attended.
Being able to solve problems and try to figure out what exactly happened and try to help whoever is the victim is amazing. In a smaller classroom setting you have more time with your teacher. A lot of times you’re just a name on a paper in a bigger class but in Keiser’s smaller classes format, it’s a little more personable, and one class at a time is very helpful.
I chose Keiser because of a good friend of mine. She graduated last year and hearing all the good things about the program really made a difference. And this is possibly the best school experience I’ve had. Your teachers know your name. They know your personality. They know what to expect of you. Honestly, they push you to be the best version of yourself.
Keiser University is one big giant family and I feel that I’ve I learned a lot more here than I would on a traditional campus. This university has changed my life; I’m more assertive, I am completing tasks more efficiently, and I’ve learned a whole lot about it and cyber security.
What I love about Keiser is the fact that there’s intimate class sizes, teachers that actually care about what you’re going to school for and they have real life experience; they’re going to be there for you throughout your journey; it’s not just you see that teacher one time and you’re done.
I heard about Keiser University through a battle buddy that I was overseas with in the military. For me school was tough; the more one-on-one attention at Keiser helped me a lot and the teachers that seemed to reach out to you and care. I think that little push right there kept me dedicated. I became a gym owner because I got the skills I needed at Keiser.
Hands On, Practical Instruction. We have incredible instructors who are very knowledgeable in this field.
I chose to study at Keiser University because they offer the accelerated nursing program which I could get my BS in in 16 months. They push us to do our best and they’re very fixated on us passing all of our classes and understanding the concepts. And they really prepare us well for the NCLEX exam.
“I know that when I go for a job interview and I have Keiser University on my resume that I am going to get the job.”
Jillian Bellis, a nursing student, says Keiser University gave her the opportunity to return to school and pursue her lifelong passion for nursing. She highlights key benefits of Keiser, including flexible pathways for adult learners and career changers, supportive programs designed for students at different life stages, and the chance to pursue meaningful, career-focused education later in life.
Seeing Keiser nurses out in the field – Keiser pushes out good nurses. So, I know I’m going to be prepared once I step out of the program.
The environment is friendly. The instructors really actually care about how you are going to get your degree. Keiser was a great fit.
Keiser University provided me with the foundation to turn ambition into action, equipping me with the discipline, purpose, and support necessary to make a lasting impact. The dedicated faculty and my incredible colleagues continually challenged, inspired, and encouraged me, shaping both my personal and professional growth. With my Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, I’ve been able to pursue meaningful contributions in public service and technology, while advancing my career as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst for Behavioral Pedestal LLC and Spring Health ABA.
I was an active reservist and wanted to enter nursing. Keiser University provided me with new opportunities to do much more in life.
I learned a lot about my subject field while attending Keiser. All my teachers continually promoted success and successful thinking, and my peers helped me to a higher standard than others because they knew I could achieve more.
KU taught me how to thoroughly do an investigation, read a police report, and understand crime scenes and photos of crime scenes along with any other evidentiary items. I really loved the classes in our program as well as being able to focus on one class a month. It allowed me to learn more.
“My experience at Keiser has been incredible, especially because of the small class sizes—they’re really catered to us and make learning more personal and engaging. As a veteran, I was worried about adjusting back to a structured routine, but the campus made that transition much easier. Overall, this campus has truly become like a family to me.”
I cannot thank Keiser University enough for the experience and the learning opportunities I have had here. I never thought that at 20 years old, I would be halfway through my bachelor’s degree and working full-time as a medical assistant.
“I have had the experience of dealing with classes that accommodated my schedule of being a full-time employee as well as a full-time mother of three. The hands-on experience and the knowledge received was outstanding. I was elated by the amount of information I received in such a short period of time.”
“Choosing Keiser was instrumental because they offered small class sizes and the faculty provided one-on-one time with all of the students. Being in an online program, it is essential to have someone accessible to you and the faculty was always there when we needed them. I was also impressed at the structure, organization and curriculum for the program at Keiser.”
“Keiser University provided me with everything I needed for my future career as a licensed Florida Bar Attorney. While at KU I retained an Associates Degree in the Paralegal Studies Program. The Program helped me develop not only the essential skills a paralegal is required to hold but also long-term practical and professional skills.”
“The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.”
“When I first enrolled, I was new to the online educational environment and nervous as to how the experience would go. Keiser University has a knack for selecting educators who are perfect for this method of instruction, which allowed me and my fellow classmates to get up to speed quickly.”
“KU prepared me for Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy and the Florida State Correctional program. I have finally reached my goal of becoming a full-time deputy, with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.”
“At Keiser University we’re here to help you succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation to meet your educational goals and objectives.”
“Because of the experiences I had at Keiser, along with the contacts I made, I made great progress throughout my career already. I thoroughly enjoyed the quality of my education at KU.”
“The C & I program at Keiser University is one of the best PhD programs, offering student-center learning and student-first learning. KU provided the rigor and growth I needed to be prepared for my future endeavors.”
“I chose Keiser University because I was looking for a local University that was flexible and suited my needs as a parent and full-time RN. The weekly live interactions with the professors were a definite plus. The tuition was reasonable and less than other Universities. Keiser University’s motto, “purity, truth, wisdom” was honored by the commitment of the nursing faculty to the students.”
“My name is Javier Araki, and I’m in the nursing program at Keiser University. What stands out most to me is their students-first approach. Everything is centered on preparing us for the real-world demands of the field. The faculty and staff genuinely support you and help in every way they can. Because of that environment, I truly feel empowered and confident about my future in nursing.”
“I am forever grateful to have been a part of the Keiser Sports Management program! Not only did I gain professional momentum to kickstart my career, I received help from professors that truly care about their students and made great friends along the way.”
“My instructors weren’t interested in just teaching. They were invested in every single student. They were invested in me. I’m proud to say I went to Keiser University, if for no other reason, because of my personal and professional development my instructors brought me.”
“I really enjoyed the small class sizes and having an advisor at the campus who was able to guide me when I needed advice. I could take the program online, which helped tremendously as I was staying home with my children. Being able to do my schoolwork on my own timetable helped me to be accessible for my children and my husband.”
“The Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Keiser University is an excellent program managed by a group of dynamic and dedicated professional educators. During my time at Keiser University, there was never a moment when I felt alone or lost. The support and guidance of my instructors were instrumental in accomplishing my professional goals and certification.”
“The dedicated faculty and my incredible colleagues continually challenged, inspired, and encouraged me, shaping both my personal and professional growth. With my Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, I’ve been able to pursue meaningful contributions in public service and technology.”
“Keiser was one of the best choices I made for culinary school but you must put in the time, show up, and listen to your chefs.“
When I came to Keiser University, I had no idea what I was capable of doing. I knew if I made good grades and worked hard, it would look good on my resume. It would also show my girls how important an education was. So, I worked hard. KU prepared me for Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy and the Florida State Correctional program…I have finally reached my goal of becoming a full-time deputy, with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
Liska said he chose the Keiser University Fire Science program because of the professors’ real-life experiences in the field and the convenience of the one-class-at-a-time and one-class-per-month schedule. “You’ve got to find a way to balance things and Keiser was very beneficial in providing me that balance.”
I loved that Keiser University focused on one class per month. I feel I gained a lot from this because there were no distractions from other subjects in the same period of time. I found the information for each subject was better retained this way. In addition, my professors were always available for one-on-one help which is nearly unheard of in a large university or state college.
My time at Keiser gave me hands-on experience teaching golf and great mentors to look up to.
“Huge gratitude towards Keiser University, you know, I was a golf enthusiast and wanted to get into the game. And it was a perfect school that opened its doors to me, let me in, and showed me the ropes. And their guidance and education, and not to mention mentorship, even after I graduated, has really propelled me into the professional I am today.”
I’m Samuel Fernandes of Keiser University. I’m currently enrolled as a student under the animation and game design bachelors and I enjoy with my whole heart right now. I came to Keiser because it welcomes people and it was very warm and inviting. It allowed me to create the world I want. Here at Keiser, if you want to create world environments, if you want to enlist in characters, the game design program here is perfect.
Keiser University’s hospitality management programs give career changers, recent high school graduates, and working professionals a practical path into the hospitality industry. With flexible on campus and associate degree online formats, experienced faculty, hands-on externship opportunities, and financial aid available for those who qualify, this program fits into your life while preparing you for the job market. Whether your goal is to manage a hotel, oversee restaurant management operations, or coordinate events, Keiser gives you the foundation to get there.
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), ensuring your education meets rigorous academic standards.
Study on campus at Florida locations. Choose one class at a time in a format that fits your schedule. Evening and weekend options become available for working professionals at select campuses.
We’re here to help guide you through the financial aid process and provide assistance. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid available for students who qualify.
The Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management is available on-campus.
Graduates pursue career paths as hotel managers, lodging managers, restaurant management professionals, food and beverage supervisors, event planners, and front office coordinators. The hospitality sector, leisure and hospitality sector, and tourism industry all offer strong employment opportunities for graduates with an associate degree in hospitality management. Potential earnings and career advancement often increase with additional certifications or a continued bachelor’s program.
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Online students pursuing an online degree can access the same financial aid resources as campus-based students, including grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
The Associate of Arts in Hospitality Management requires 60 credit hours, with an estimated completion time of approximately two years for full-time students. Time to degree completion varies based on individual circumstances, transfer credits, and course load. Contact an admissions advisor for a personalized estimate.
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.
Hospitality management covers the operations, leadership, and business practices behind hotels, resorts, restaurants, event organizations, and other service-focused businesses. Professionals in hospitality management oversee daily operations, manage teams, control budgets, and ensure guests have positive experiences. An associate degree in hospitality management gives students the hospitality management education needed to enter this field and grow into supervisory and management roles.
