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.

Prerequisites

None. Students may enroll in the Hospitality, AA program without prior hospitality management education or college credit in the field.

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.

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.

Accreditation Statuses

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. .

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.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

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.

The curriculum combines 24 credit hours of hospitality major coursework with a 36-credit-hour general-education foundation. Major courses build from an introduction to the industry through food and beverage management, marketing and sales, supervision, hotel financial accounting, and two hotel operations externships.

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.