What is involved in a Hospitality Management Degree Program?

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Are you interested in having a career in the hospitality industry? Then, you will be happy to know that you can earn a hospitality management degree and acquire the skills that you need in order to have a great career in this field. With the skills you acquire, you will be able to plan events, work in and also manage hotel establishments, food service and casino facilities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2012, lodging managers earn $46,810 per annum (at $22.50 per hour) – which makes the hospitality industry quite interesting and rewarding as well.

Want to Earn an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management?

Students who enroll in an Associate’s degree program in hospitality management are trained and prepared to fill entry-level positions in establishments that offer food and lodging services. A standard course in business and specific skills like accounting and food preparation provide the essential skills needed to begin a career in the hospitality management field.

Education Prerequisites

Applicants will need a high school diploma or GED to get into a community college. A couple of hospitality courses will require specific reading, keyboarding and math skills.

Coursework

The hospitality management coursework within an Associate’s degree program will focus more on practical skills required for employment within the service industry. Courses might include:

•Nutrition
•Accounting
•Management basics
•Catering
•Purchasing & pricing food preparation

Popular Career Options

Graduates who have earned an Associate’s degree in hospitality management, can fill entry level positions in the hospitality industry, and can seek work as:

•Dining room supervisors
•Management trainee
•Office supervisors
•Guest services managers
•Maitre d’hotels

Earning a Bachelors in Hospitality Management Degree

Students who enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in hospitality management study an array of subjects, which will include every aspect of managing businesses such as restaurants, hotels and other kinds of food service facilities. Applicants enrolling as freshmen must have a high school diploma; applicants with an Associate’s degree could transfer credits and enroll for a bachelor’s degree program as upperclassmen. An array of courses is available, and the admission requirement varies by college.

Hospitality Management Degree Coursework

Baccalaureate courses offer more in-depth knowledge in management and business techniques. Specific class topics include:

•Legal issues
•Building management
•Marketing
•Information services
•Human resources
•Accounting

Popular Career Options in Hotel Management Field

Earning a hospitality management degree usually provides a graduate with necessary skills required to fill managerial positions in a wide range of setting that include lodging or restaurant facilities. Other popular career options include:

•Culinary arts supervisor
•Event planner
•Casino manager
•Hotel manager
•Restaurant manager

If you are interested in having a career in the hospitality industry, then earning a hospitality management degree could be your first step getting up the ladder of success in the hospitality industry.