Hospitality management is the study of the hospitality industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, amusement parks, destination marketing organizations, convention centers, country clubs, and many more. A degree in hospitality management may be awarded by a university college dedicated to the studies of hospitality management or a business school with a relevant department. Degrees conferred in this academic field include BA, Bachelor of Business Administration, BS, BASc, B.Voc, MS, MBA, Master of Management, PhD, and short-term courses.

Hospitality management covers various aspects associated with managing a hospitality business, including welcoming customers and providing them with pleasant experiences through dining, lodging, events, entertainment, or travel. The curriculum of hospitality and tourism management curricula follows similar core subject applications to that of a business degree, but with a focus on tourism development and hospitality management. Core subject areas include accounting, administration, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, marketing, human resource management, public relations, strategy, quantitative methods, and sectoral studies in the various areas of hospitality business.

A hospitality management degree provides an in-depth understanding of the structure and operation of the hospitality sector and related industries. Graduates develop skills and knowledge in people and business management, service delivery, leadership, finance, and marketing, as well as identifying, understanding, and responding to the needs of clients. A background in hospitality management may open a variety of job opportunities, including hotel general manager, event planner, food and beverage manager, travel agent, and more.

Whether or not a degree is required to work in hospitality management depends on the job. While a tour guide may not need a college degree, a hotel general manager often requires a masters degree. Relevant industry experience is essential to work in the hospitality sector, and many hospitality management degrees offer an industrial placement for a year, which allows students to build key professional contacts while also expanding their practical skills.