The Hospitality Management Major offers a broad educational approach to a career in the hospitality industry. Its varied course of study prepares students with both the management theories and operational competencies necessary to enter any segment of the industry upon graduation. In addition to the university’s general education requirements, students take classes specific to the industry including an introduction to hospitality, human resources management, organizational behavior, facilities management, hospitality law and a course in leadership, management and ethics. Students also study food sanitation, food service operations, cost control, career development, financial and managerial accounting, financial management, hospitality service management, and operations and strategic management.

The inclusion of 22 credits of elective courses allows the student to customize their educational experience based on their personal interests through the selection of the elective topics of their choice. Although it is not required, students may elect to declare a concentration to provide an opportunity to focus their elective credits toward a specific area of study. Rounding out this curriculum is an internship, two senior-level capstone classes that will have students using all of their learned managerial and leadership skills, and actual work experience in the hospitality industry. This approach offers prospective employers a well-rounded graduate who understands day-to-day operations, has the ability to do strategic planning, and can adapt to a multitude of positions. With this expansive knowledge base, students will be ready to look at numerous career opportunities upon graduation.

The hospitality management program offers concentrations in: Gaming Management, Event Design and Management, Innovative Restaurant Management, Hospitality Beverage Management, and PGA Golf Management. Declaration for a concentration can be made anytime after acceptance into the Hospitality Management program.

The objective of the restaurant focused concentration is to provide general management knowledge and skills associated with the foodservice industry. Students will gain experience in all aspects of managing a restaurant. This concentration is targeted not only to those who will work in restaurant operations, but also to students who are thinking about careers in other foodservice operations such institutional foodservice, in-flight catering, and food suppliers. Concentration Outcomes: Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual and digital modes to different audiences. Develop knowledge of and problem-solving skills related to the global and multicultural restaurant industry. Apply critical thinking to the development of sustainable practices in the restaurant industry. Solve problems related to the management and operations of restaurants.