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?
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
NECC Connect
What Can I Do With This Major?
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.
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
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
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!
FAQs
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.