Hotel Management

Why Choose Hotel Management?

The hotel industry leads the service segment of our economy with continued expansion and opportunities abounding. Students are prepared for management, sales and marketing opportunities in the hotel industry by course work that combines theory with authentic hands-on learning experiences. Students have numerous opportunities to interact with hotel industry professionals, as they are regular guest speakers in classes, and provide site visitations and internship opportunities. The program has an industry advisory board made up of professionals from across the spectrum of the hotel industry and provides students with employment opportunities by inviting the top companies in the industry to campus to recruit. The placement rate of graduates exceeds 95 percent.

More than 20 scholarships are available in the program. The awards are generally based on scholastic accomplishment, industry experience, extracurricular activities, career aspirations and need. In addition to course work, the program requires a minimum of 400 hours of paid work experience (internship), which is often completed with the nation's finest hotels and lodging establishments, as well as international experiences.

A 12-credit Hotel Management certificate and an 18-credit Restaurant and Food Industry/Hotel Management minor are available.

Get a Great Job

The hospitality industry is a people- and service-oriented business. Individuals trained in hospitality programs manage operations where food, lodging or both are provided. These may include luxury, full-service, convention, all-suite, mid-scale and budget hotels, motels, resorts, conference centers, inns, bed and breakfasts, and airline operations.

The Hotel Management program has a joint education partnership with the University-owned Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center to increase student awareness of the complexity of the hospitality industry and provide hands-on opportunities. The hotel allows students to 'test the waters' of the hospitality industry.

The demand for better qualified and professionally trained hospitality managers continues to increase. Social, technical and demographic changes suggest that the industry's growth will extend well into the 21st century. In addition to traditional hospitality venues, there are excellent opportunities for advancement in multi-unit franchise management, corporate staff positions with national and international corporations, and opportunities within the travel and tourism industry.