Degree Overview: Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) – Restaurant and Hotel Management
Majors Overview June 5, 2013While schools do not offer Associate of Occupational Studies in Restaurant and Hotel Management programs, they do offer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Restaurant and Hotel Management for students to enroll into. Students enrolled in such programs are taught how to properly prepare food and management of both lodging facilities and restaurants; they are also offered internship opportunities. Students who successfully complete the program have different career options.
A.A.S. in Restaurant and Hotel Management
Students who have graduated from an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program in restaurant and hotel management will obtain the educational foundation needed for entry-level management roles in various hospitality-related settings. The restaurant segment of the associate degree program is devised to train students in catering, menu planning, safety, sanitation and the preparation of meals. The hotel management segment of the program will cover event planning, human resources, finances, and guest service. Internships may also be offered to students who are trained for industry certifications. In a majority of cases, it takes about two years for aspiring students to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree program.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require students to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma; they would also be required to submit standardized test scores. In some cases, students need to pass placement tests before being allowed to enroll into a degree program. Some A.A.S. degree programs in hotel and restaurant management admit students who have work experience in the field.
Program Coursework
The associate degree program in hotel and restaurant management teaches students through a combination of field trips, internships, guest speakers, and courses. Students may also learn business abilities related to their field while being instructed on effective hospitality skills. The program course topics can include the following:
•Financial information systems
•Table service
•Composition
•Sociology
•Spanish
•Social psychology
•Tourism services
•Nutrition
•Accounting
•Cost control
Career Options
Associate degree program graduates will have different career options in the hospitality industry. Depending on the programs, some will offer students the opportunity to manage the college or university’s on-campus fine dining restaurant. Individuals can obtain the following career titles:
•Guest services manager
•Hotel supervisor
•Banquet manager
•Restaurant supervisor
Certification and Continuing Education Information
Some Associate of Applied Science programs have transfer agreements with other universities, which allow students to transfer credits earned to a four-year bachelor degree program in hospitality, restaurant, or hotel management. A bachelor or master degree might be preferred for managers at upscale hospitality organizations.
Associate degree program graduates will find that certification will provide them with additional career advancement opportunities. Examinations, additional courses, and job experience will be required for certification that may be earned through individual hotel associations. Restaurant managers can obtain voluntary certification as Foodservice Management Professionals through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF – www.nraef.org).
 – Restaurant and Hotel Management on http://educationcareerarticles.com "Pin It")
