Should I Consider a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management?
Majors Overview March 28, 2014Students will be prepared for different careers in the travel, food service, and hotel industries with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Hospitality Management. This program emphasizes courses in marketing, economics, and public relations. Those who graduate will be able to complete positions that require a high-level of problem-solving and leadership skills.
B.S. Programs in Hospitality Management
Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Hospitality Management are taught about how to ensure resolution of guest conflicts, preservation of cost controls, anticipation of market conditions, management of team members and the provision of high-quality service. Topic areas that may be explored in the program include international business, risk management and hospitality law. Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are emphasized in the program.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework involves investigation of hospitality information systems, hospitality accounting, business law, and event management. The curriculum typically includes various liberal arts courses, including social science, foreign language, mathematics and history. Students may also opt for elective courses in gaming operations or travel and tourism management. Internship or co-op opportunities may be offered in programs, whereby experience can be gained by students, hotel operations, sales, marketing, catering, and public relations. Additional courses may include subject areas such as:
•Personnel management
•Human resources management
•Economics
•Managerial accounting
•International business
Career Choices
Students enrolled in a BS in Hospitality Management program are prepared for various career opportunities in retirement communities, tourism companies, sports complexes, shopping malls, convention centers, resorts, restaurants, theme parks or travel agencies. They may choose from numerous career titles such as:
•Gaming manager
•Food service manager
•Restaurant manager
•Lodging manager
Job and Wage Outlook
An 8% employment growth has been predicted for lodging managers over the 2010-2020 decade, while the decline in job growth of 3% has been projected for food service managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, lodging managers took home an average annual wage of $46,810 while food service managers earned $47,960.
Continuing Education Choices
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Hospitality Management is best suited for those seeking to develop leadership or managerial skills. Prior industry experience may be required by students seeking admission to the program. Coursework may include topic areas such as hospitality budgeting, training, recruitment, crisis communication, and international tourism.
