Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management
Majors Overview May 2, 2014It is uncommon to find the Bachelor of Science in Business (B.S.B.) degree program in Hospitality Management; alternatively, those interested may look into Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) programs in this major. Those who attend and graduate from this program will be prepared for managerial careers in restaurants, tourism, planning special events, recreational facilities management, and hotels.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Hospitality Management
The majority of BS degree programs in Hospitality Management are offered by colleges through their business departments, and aim to provide a liberal arts background to augment solid business coursework. Additional specialized coursework may also be selected by students, including large and small lodging, food and beverage operations, and event planning for large-scale events like concerts, marketing tourism and trade shows. Work study components or internships may also be required in many programs – this is aimed at giving students hands-on experience and real-world exposure to the field.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students enrolling in the program will be benefited by strong people skills and abilities related to the management of human resource activities. They must be adept at handling client service and employee issues, and be able to hire and train employees.
Coursework
Business foundation coursework is covered in the course curriculum; this includes organizational behavior, business law, economics, marketing, and accounting. Coursework is devised to help students develop skills such as effective decision-making, critical thinking, research, and business communications. Coursework may also cover subject areas such as:
•Strategic management
•Facilities management
•Restaurant management
•Hospitality financial accounting
•Hotel operations
•Information systems management
•Catering
•Advertising and promotions
•Events management
•Human resource management
Career Choices
Graduates can expect to become adept at overseeing operations in recreation facilities, cruise lines, food and beverage establishments, convention centers, and hotels and motels. New employees in large restaurant and hotel chains may be required to participate in management trainee programs. They may choose from entry-level management positions, such as:
•Lodging manager
•Housekeeping manager
•Food service manager
•Meeting and convention planner
•Gaming supervisor
Job and Wage Outlook
There can be wide variation in the wages earned in these positions. In May 2012, lodging managers took home an average salary of $46,810 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) while the corresponding earnings for gaming supervisors amounted to $49,700, and the average annual wage earned by event, convention and meeting planners was $49,830. A job growth of 44% has been predicted for meeting, convention and event planners over the 2010 to 2020 decade; however, a decline of 3% has been predicted for jobs as food service managers.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates may pursue continued education by enrolling into a master’s degree program in Hospitality Management or other specialized area, and thereby enhance their career advancement opportunities. Two to four years of further study may be required to complete a master’s degree program, including an internship. Graduates would stand to gain additional career opportunities through knowledge of foreign languages.
