A Business Hospitality Management Degree can get where you want to go

Start Your Career in the Services Industry with an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management from NECC

A student in the Hospitality program at our NECC Campus

Why pursue a degree in Hospitality Management?

Do you like to travel or entertain? Do you enjoy making other people happy? If so, NECC’s Associate in Science Degree in Hospitality Management program will help you prepare as you embark on an exciting career journey in the rapidly growing hospitality and leisure industry.

Winning Hospitality Careers Start with NECC Degrees

At NECC, our Associate Degree in Hospitality Management will show you how to improve your communication, organization, and problem-solving skills while building your understanding of business operations. Once you’ve completed our program, you can enter the workforce or transfer credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism, or a related field at a four-year college or university, saving you thousands of dollars on your education!

Ready to explore where this journey can take you?

What you’ll get from our Hospitality Management program

Learn the Ins and Outs of the Leisure and Hospitality Business

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of hospitality and leisure, where you’ll get to learn about a wide range of business and liberal arts topics, including hotel and restaurant management, event and meeting planning, and customer relations. You’ll gain an international perspective and expand your cultural understanding, proving that following your career dreams can lead to something truly amazing!

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local hospitality and leisure community.

Gear Up for a Great Career in the Hospitality Industry

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as the next great hotel manager, casino general manager, event planner, client relations specialist, or something else, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

Gain a solid foundation in business and liberal arts
Acquire an international perspective and expand your cultural understanding
Gain real-world experience through hospitality and tourism internships
Take advantage of elective courses that enable you to focus on specific career or transfer goals
Embark on a variety of career paths at hotels, resorts, or entertainment venues located nearby, throughout the U.S., or anywhere around the world
Transfer to one of the many hospitality programs offered at four-year colleges or universities, saving you thousands of dollars on your education

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No sweat. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around.

Once you’ve completed our Hospitality Management Associate Degree program, you’ll have the option of applying those credits towards a bachelor degree in Hospitality Management, Travel and Tourism, or a related field at a four-year institution.

Where this journey can take you

Many above entry-level jobs in the hospitality and leisure industry offer much potential for growth. In some ways, starting out with an associate degree is an advantage—you can begin working in the field and decide whether you like it before investing additional time and money obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

If you’re already employed in the hospitality and leisure field, our associate degree program will empower you to enhance your skills within your current position or prepare you to pursue additional responsibilities.

Imagine yourself serving in one of these exciting roles:

Ensuring attendee satisfaction as a Meeting and Event Planner
Keeping guests safe, happy, and comfortable as a Hotel Manager
Enhancing the dining experience as a Restaurant Manager
Streamlining gambling operations as a Casino General Manager
Pampering clients as a Spa Manager
Elevating the customer experience as a Client Relations Specialist
Planning winning travel itineraries as a Travel Agent

Why Choose NECC for Your Hospitality Management Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Hospitality Management Associate Degree courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe hospitality and leisure management.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.

Visit Career Services

NECC Connect

Networking and mentoring opportunities for NECC students and alumni.

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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

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Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career Outlook for Hospitality and Leisure Professionals North of Boston

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leisure and hospitality industry will experience significant growth over the next seven years, accounting for over 23% of all new jobs created.

At NECC, our Hospitality Management Associate Degree graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in various settings, including hotels, casinos, restaurants, amusement parks, resorts, cruise ships, travel agencies, and entertainment venues. Some have gone on to start their own successful businesses!

How Much Can I Expect to Make While Working in the Hospitality and Leisure Field?

The earning potential for hospitality and leisure professionals varies based on several factors, including education, certifications, experience, setting, location, and skills. For example, according to Salary.com, the average salary for a Hotel Manager in Massachusetts was $130,037 as of August, 2024.¹

With a Hospitality Management Associate Degree from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these roles:

Meeting and Event Planner

Plans and coordinates all event aspects, from conception to completion, to ensure a quality experience for attendees and clients. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $69,082 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $62,095 and $76,578.¹

Hotel Manager

Oversees the daily operations of a hotel, manages staff, handles budgets, implements marketing strategies, ensures customer satisfaction, and maintains compliance with laws and guidelines. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $130,037 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $105,983 and $155,601.¹

Restaurant Manager

Hires, trains, and mentors new staff members. Schedules shifts and assigns table sections to waitstaff. Resolves customer questions and complaints professionally. Conducts payroll activities accurately and on time. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $63,808 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $57,955 and $71,760.¹

Casino General Manager

Primary duties include overseeing daily operations, ensuring regulations are adhered to, managing staff, and enhancing customer experiences. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $190,400 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $152,100 and $229,300.¹

Spa Manager

Assists ownership with hiring, training, product inventory, payroll, scheduling, customer relations, and financial reporting. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $76,957 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $69,733 and $87,942.¹

Client Relations Specialist

Manages customer inquiries, resolves issues, provides product or service information, and ensures that customers have a positive experience. CRSs often work for cruise ship lines, amusement parks, resorts, and sports and entertainment venues. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $88,048 as of August, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $76,491 and $102,458.¹

Travel Agent

How to Get Started as a Hospitality and Leisure Professional in the Merrimack Valley Region

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Learn more about how to apply for the Associate in Science Degree in Hospitality Management program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you? Contact us to chat more about why this could be the best decision you’ll ever make!

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree

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Courses and Requirements

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Faculty

Program Coordinator

Denis Boucher, Program Coordinator

dboucher@necc.mass.edu
978-241-4781

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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Hospitality Management Associate Degree

Start Your Career in the Services Industry with an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management from NECC

Why pursue a degree in Hospitality Management?

Winning Hospitality Careers Start with NECC Degrees

What you’ll get from our Hospitality Management program