Associate Degree Program in Hotel Management
Majors Overview June 18, 2013Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program related to hotel management are provided with the hospitality skills and business knowledge they would need to oversee the day-to-day operation of a lodging establishment such as an inn or a hotel. An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Hotel and Restaurant Management is among the degrees that schools commonly offer at this level.
A.A.S. in Restaurant and Hotel Management
Coursework in an associate’s degree program in restaurant and hotel management is devised to arm students with basic knowledge about the general business principles that govern the lodging industry. In addition to focusing on management procedures, communications, marketing and accounting, courses are tailored to the specific application of the procedures in managing hotels.
An associate’s degree program in restaurant and hotel management is aimed at equipping students with an understanding of topic areas such as housekeeping management, tourism management, food and restaurant sanitation, guest accommodation, and front desk operations, among the practical tasks applicable uniquely to the industry. Most programs in this field require students to complete paid working experience or an internship at an inn or a hotel located near the school.
Education Requirements
Specialized for-profit institutions, vocational schools and community colleges are among the most common institutions offering associate degree programs in the hospitality and hotel management field. Admission criteria related to these programs typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Course Topics
Hotel management associate degree program courses are usually a combination of specific hotel hospitality-related and business-related courses. Program course topics may include the following:
•Hospitality cost control
•Front desk operations
•Food and beverage management
•Hospitality industry trends
•Hospitality resort tourism and hotel
•Hospitality supervision
•Hotel staff management
•Computer office applications
•Marketing and sales in the tourism industry
•Business communications
Career Information and Employment Outlook
In 2008, there were about 59,800 lodging and hotel managers employed in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). Jobs are expected to grow at five percent for hotel managers by 2018, a rate that is much lower than the average compared to all other occupations. In 2008, these professional took home an average annual salary of $45,800.
Continuing Education Information
Graduates of an associate’s degree program in the field of hospitality and tourism management or hotel and restaurant management who want to continue their education should consider enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in the field. The direct transfer of credits to a four-year bachelor’s degree program is allowed by most schools. Individuals who want to run their own hotels can enroll in the master’s degree programs in hospitality management or hotel management that have a business orientation.
