Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Service Entrepreneurship and Management
Majors Overview September 29, 2014Students in bachelor’s degree programs in food service management and entrepreneurship will be prepared to manage or own restaurants and similar institutions. They will be taught basic and advanced skills in business that relate particularly to hospitality and/or food service industries.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Food Service Entrepreneurship and Management
Schools that offer bachelor’s degree programs in food service entrepreneurship and management often award a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Service Operations and Restaurant Management. Students enrolled in the programs are taught the core ideas they would need to know in order to manage and own a restaurant or any other business in the food service industry.
Although the focus of the degree programs in culinary management is on offering a balance between skills relevant to business management and food preparation, bachelor’s degree programs in food service entrepreneurship and management typically cover financial management, marketing strategies, and leadership skills.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework is devised to counterbalance specialized training in business management by general education covering rudimentary computer skills, English composition, and basic mathematics. While the emphasis of the programs may vary, common coursework may include these core concepts:
•Internet marketing
•Macroeconomics
•Microeconomics
•Sociology
•Business accounting
•Entrepreneurship
•Food service operations
•Project management
Career Choices
Graduates with bachelor’s degrees in food service management may choose to own or operate various types of dining services or restaurants. While some may prefer to begin a business from scratch, others may focus on expanding preexisting retail chains. They may choose from career options such as:
•Catering service manager
•Business dining service manager
•Restaurant entrepreneur
•Healthcare facility food service provider
Job and Wage Outlook
A 2% job growth was predicted for food service managers from 2012 – 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This may be due to the fact that fewer restaurants are opening compared to past years. In May 2012, the annual average salary for this profession was $47,960.
Continuing Education Choices
Students that successfully complete a bachelor’s degree program are provided with the requisite skills necessary for owning and operating their own food service businesses and restaurants. However, individuals may opt for continuing education aimed at learning additional skills and enhancing their job opportunities by earning a master’s degree program in restaurant management or other related business fields.