Hospitality management is a career many individuals interested in travel and leisure pursue. Hospitality management's educational programs teach students how to become managers in hotels, travel agencies, restaurants, and in an array of other business settings. Hospitality management bachelor's programs discuss the management, business law, and food and beverage skills needed to work in today's service industry. Classes featured in a bachelor's degree program often include food safety, hotel and restaurant management, geography (for tourism management), restaurant marketing, food production analysis, and more.
Why a Bachelor’s Degree?
The hospitality industry is constantly hiring new talent, and many of the individuals who earn a degree in the field are eager to begin their careers right away. A bachelor’s helps students cultivate an understanding of hospitality management in an efficient manner. Those with a bachelor’s degree can secure mid-level careers in hospitality management. These positions include but are not limited to food service managers, executive chefs, restaurant managers, catering specialists, guest services managers, food and beverage managers, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, on-the-job training is the most common training for these positions; however, higher-level degrees, such as an associate, bachelor’s or master’s, can help students quickly advance their careers.
Inside a Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree Program
A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management takes an average of four years to complete. Some of the most common courses featured in a hospitality management degree program include principles of management, public relations, human relations, hotel operations, event planning, financial accounting, tourism sales, baking and pastry arts, and more. These classes will inevitably vary by schools, however.
An online bachelor’s in hospitality management is a unique degree program, in that students can complete their classwork either partially or fully online, permitting students to enjoy a great deal of flexibility. By the end of their online program, students will have cultivated the necessary skills to work in the industry.
What’s Next for Hospitality Management Degree Holders?
A bachelor’s in hospitality management prepares students for mid-level hotel, restaurant, and tourism careers. For recent graduates, food service management is one of the field’s most common entry points. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2014 report, the average annual salary is $53,500 a year. Since there are less and less dining establishments opening as the years go by, the BLS reports that the employment of food service managers is only expected to grow by 5% over the next few years.
Lodging manager, as termed by the BLS, is another commonly sought after position, with the average annual salary set at $57,230 and overall job growth set at 8%. Many bachelor’s grads choose to pursue additional degrees and certifications, such as a master’s or doctorate in hospitality management.