For a successful career in hospitality management, you must be equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills. Although, a high school diploma or equivalent may qualify you for an entry level job in this sector, a college degree will help you gain a higher position and enable you to accomplish so much more.
Hospitality management programs home management skills, decision making, and interpersonal skills that are crucial for this profession. Degree programs are available at various levels. An associate's degree could be completed in 12 to 24 months. A four year bachelor's degree program may allow you to choose hospitality management as a major. A master's degree program could take up to two years to complete, and may include the option of a thesis. Certificate and diploma programs are also offered. Those who are interested in research or instruction at a university level can pursue a Ph.D. in this field.
Program Overview
The coursework in hospitality management programs involves a combination of classroom instruction, case studies, group projects, presentations, practical training through experimental learning, and internships. Courses will cover a variety of topics in subjects such convention and exhibition management, food service management, and lodging management. You will gain a sound understanding of business principles through courses in accounting and finance, operations management, sales and marketing, and human resource management. Along with this, considering the importance of technological advances to this sector, students will learn about different software management systems. They will also learn about ethics and legal standards related to this work.
What You Will Learn
This degree will prepare students for a variety of tasks that they will be expected to do in their jobs in the hospitality industry. They will learn to execute the following responsibilities:
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Monitoring budgets and payroll records
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Counting money and making bank deposits
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Establishing standards for employee performance
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Addressing complaints about food quality and service.
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Monitoring food preparation
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Scheduling staff hours and assigning duties
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Coordinating assignments to ensure on-time delivery of food
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Ordering food and beverages, supplies, and equipment
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Ensuring that health and safety standards are being met
Hiring Organizations
Graduates are employed by businesses related with travel and tourism, hotel operations, restaurant management, catering, casino operations, and cruise ships operations. The salaries offered depend upon the organization and its location, but generally they are quite competitive. They work under the following titles:
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Country Club Hospitality Manager
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Restaurant Front-end Manager
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Cruise Ship Hospitality Manager
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Hotel Concierge
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Hotel Front Desk Manager
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Resort Manager
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Hotel Conference and Special Events Manager
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Travel Agent
Online Education
Individuals who are hindered by work and family obligation may pursue an online degree in hospitality management. Students will be equipped with strategic and conceptual skills and their technological and analytical abilities will be developed. These programs are very popular among students and professionals who want to switch or upgrade their careers, but cannot leave their current full-time job. Course schedules are convenient and highly flexible in these online programs. You will be able to complete coursework from your home or office as long as you have an internet access.