Hospitality Degree

Earning a hospitality degree gives graduates a wide variety of careers from which to choose. Individuals who hold such a degree may seek employment on cruise ships, in hotels, at spas, behind the scenes in restaurants, or on the floor in a casino. This diverse and growing industry should provide excellent employment opportunities in the coming years and many employers will be hiring qualified candidates. Possessing a hospitality degree gives students a broad range of opportunities that might not otherwise be available. With such an education to rely on, people can maximize their income potential and reach a fulfilling point in their career much earlier than those who have not received such an education.

People interested in earning a hospitality degree have the choice of entering either a two year or four year program. If the student chooses to attend school part time, then they can expect to be enrolled in school for at least one, if not two or three, additional years. Hospitality programs can be found at community colleges, trade schools, and at four year universities. Depending upon the specific program, students may select a general course of study within the hospitality program or select a specialization. Some examples of such specialization are:

• Health Care and Wellness
• Culinary Arts
• Event Planning
• Hotel Management
• Restaurant Management

Individuals enrolled in a hospitality degree program will find that their curriculum consists of a core of hospitality classes that are required for all students. These classes may be:

• Marketing Principles
• Principles of Business
• Introduction to Hospitality Management
• Principles of Management
• Financial Accounting
• Human Resources Management
• Professional Food Production

Students may also be required to spend one or two sessions as an intern with a hospitality related business. These internships are a valuable opportunity for students to gain on-the-job experience as well as to make contact with professionals who may be able to offer them employment.

Those who are in pursuit of a four year degree will typically also have to fulfill various general education requirements. These requirements will differ from one program to the next, but most students will be required to study subjects such as:

• Public Speaking
• Computer Applications
• English Composition
• Social Sciences
• Mathematics
• History

It is often helpful for students enrolled in a degree program to be working simultaneously within the hospitality industry. Such work experience provides valuable insight that will inform the student’s work with a greater sense of real world applicability. Even if the job which is held concurrently with the pursuit of the degree is an entry level position, the student can still benefit from having the combination of a degree and actual work experience when they seek other employment or advancement.