Hospitality

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.

Program Mission

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.

Program Goals

1. Industry Relevance: Ensure curriculum relevance by incorporating current trends, technologies, and best practices in the hospitality industry.
2. Professional Development: Foster professional growth by equipping students with essential skills in sales, financial management, food and beverage operations, and housekeeping.
3. Practical Experience: Enhance learning through externships that offer real-world experience in hospitality settings.
4. Leadership and Ethics: Instill leadership qualities and ethical standards that prepare students for responsible and effective management roles in the hospitality industry.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on externship courses in hotel operations
• Curriculum focused on the business side of hospitality, not just service delivery
• Coursework in food and beverage management, hospitality law concepts, and hotel financial accounting. General education foundation covering economics, communications, and applied science Clear pathway into a bachelor’s degree program for those seeking continued advancement.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Hospitality Management Career

• Hotel and resort operations
• Food and beverage management
• Financial accounting and budgeting
• Hospitality sales and marketing
• Team supervision and leadership
• Guest experience management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Hands-on externship experience

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.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 20 months and 60 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

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 school’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.

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

• Hotel manager
• Assistant hotel manager
• Food and beverage manager
• Restaurant manager
• Event planner
• Guest services supervisor

• Resort operations coordinator
• Property manager
• Sales and marketing coordinator
• Catering supervisor
• Tourism industry roles

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.