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What to Know About Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree Programs

Hospitality management degrees are designed to train future leaders in the hospitality industry.

How to Study Hospitality Management

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Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests.

The art and science of hosting strangers is an essential skill for people working in many kinds of businesses, including airlines, casinos, cruise ships, festivals, hotels and restaurants.

Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests. Cultivating that marketable skill set is the goal of associate, bachelor's and graduate programs in hospitality management.

What a Hospitality Management Degree Is and What Classes It Requires

The goal of any course of study in hospitality management is to train people to create and maintain spaces where others will immediately feel at home.

“Understanding how to take care of the customer is a foundational aspect of the hospitality discipline,” Angela Ramsey, senior director of communication at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, explained in an email.

Hospitality management degrees are, foremost, degrees in business, says Michael Sabitoni, chair of the food and beverage management department and the international travel and tourism studies department at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. They include classes in accounting, finance, human resources, law and technology, he says.

However, unlike a general business degree, a hospitality degree typically includes specialized coursework focusing on the hospitality industry, such as classes on food service business operations, event management principles, and hotel and resort leadership, Sabitoni says. An overview class about tourism is also typically included in hospitality management programs, and industry internships are often mandatory, he adds.

Many hospitality degree programs require students to participate in experiential learning by helping to operate a student-run hotel or restaurant. They may also contain classes on:

• Eco-tourism or sustainable travel
• Global tourism and special considerations involved with international trips
• Customer service protocols
• Assessing the quality of guest experiences
• Specific types of hospitality establishments, such as country clubs, golf courses, resorts, stadiums, timeshares or theme parks
• Nuances involved in planning certain kinds of events, such as conventions or weddings
• Concerns that face certain demographics of customers, including women and people of color
• Various types of tourism, including business trips and visits to cultural destinations or historical sites

Top Undergraduate Schools With Hospitality Management Majors

Many U.S. colleges and universities allow undergraduates to major in hospitality management, including multiple nationally renowned academic institutions. Cornell University of New York, an Ivy League college, has a school devoted to hospitality.

Exceptional hospitality programs are often based in major metropolitan areas that attract significant tourism. For example, New York University and Boston University in Massachusetts offer a hospitality management degree.

How to Know if a Hospitality Management Degree Is Right for You

An interest in the food and beverage sector, a love for travel or an interest in entertaining people may lead someone to consider pursuing a degree in hospitality management. But prospective students should be aware that the hospitality sector has leadership roles for people with all kinds of interests and personalities.

Though some managerial positions in the hospitality industry are customer-facing jobs that require significant people skills, there are also back-of-the-house managerial jobs that concentrate on logistics, Sabitoni says.

Significant cultural awareness and strong communication abilities are essential in hospitality. Foreign language skills are also valuable but not mandatory, Sabitoni says.

What You Can Do With a Hospitality Management Degree

Hospitality programs are designed to train future leaders in the sector.

“It can include anything within the hospitality vertical, from hotel investment companies to real estate firms to our big brands which are the Marriotts, the Hiltons, the Four Seasons, to data analytics companies to Googles to Amazons,” says Kate Walsh, dean of the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell. “Anything that touches hospitality as a part of their business product is something where our students get involved.”

Real estate investment firms often invest in hotel buildings, so people with degrees in hospitality management sometimes find jobs in the real estate sector, Walsh says. Alumni of hospitality management programs sometimes become management consultants who concentrate on assisting companies in the hospitality industry, she adds.

Executive and director roles in the industry typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Many high-level leadership positions at U.S. hospitality firms pay annual salaries above $70,000, according to an article published by Monster.com, a job website.

In 2020, graduates of Cornell's Nolan School had an average base salary of slightly over $69,000 and an average bonus of nearly $15,000, according to the school's employment report .

Considerations for Potential Hospitality Students

Aspiring hospitality managers should be aware of trends that may affect them when they enter the industry, experts say.

This sector has severe labor shortages at hotels and restaurants, many of which laid off workers due to pandemic-related safety measures and now have struggled to replace those workers even after raising wages.

Because of these staffing concerns, many hospitality companies have introduced initiatives to recruit and retain talented staff, improve working conditions, increase job satisfaction and reduce employee turnover, Walsh says.

When comparing hospitality programs, prospective students should investigate whether those programs include experiential learning opportunities, experts say, noting that hands-on projects are one of the best ways to gain hospitality skills. It’s also optimal if hospitality schools offer courses on design, which can inform aesthetic choices about how a hospitality venue looks, according to experts.

“I think the industry needs innovative thinkers," Walsh says. "They need people who think big culturally, who are comfortable with different modes of work, so it’s a great time to join the industry. The industry is trying to be extremely intentional in providing compelling career paths.”

Searching for a grad school? Get our  complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

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Open up a world of career options.

The hospitality and tourism industry is booming as people are again traveling worldwide, and industry jobs are adapting and changing to meet the ongoing needs of travelers. Our program will give you the skills to jump into a career as a travel consultant, cruise or tour agent, hotel front desk or reservation agent, airline reservation or ticket agent, or many more of the hundreds of job descriptions in the industry.

Have you already got a college degree or industry work experience? Then, train with a one-year certificate. Are you looking for a two-year or even a transfer degree (which would allow you to transfer to select university programs to earn a bachelor’s degree)? We have four associate degree options from which to choose. Whatever career you want and wherever you want to go, our Hospitality and Tourism program can get you there.

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Hospitality and Tourism Management Major

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Consistently ranked as one of the leading hospitality and tourism management programs, both globally and nationally, Purdue’s hospitality and tourism management program will immerse you in the fast-paced hospitality industry and prepare you to work in a variety of management positions. Hospitality is internationally relevant and a powerful economic driver, and Purdue’s hospitality and tourism management major equips you with valuable skills to create memorable experiences for consumers.

Coursework is challenging and relevant to today’s workforce needs, and you’ll learn from faculty who bring years of industry experience into the classroom. To prepare you to be a well-rounded hospitality business professional, courses explore accounting, marketing, lodging, food service, tourism, human resource management, law and more. The major also offers a strong foundation of management classes. Additionally, the program’s hands-on learning experiences will prepare you to work in any facet of the industry, from food service to lodging to tourism and beyond. You’ll also participate in a 320-hour hospitality and tourism management paid internship that aligns with your professional career goals. 

Through a tremendous partnership with White Lodging — a relationship that is unique to Purdue — students are also provided with opportunities and support from a leading hospitality company that is second to none. The White Lodging LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program provides hospitality and tourism students the opportunity to work on campus at the Union Club Hotel , part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of brands. These world-class facilities provide an exceptional learning laboratory for students, and is the only luxury student-run hotel of its kind.

Career Opportunities

Students who majored in hospitality and tourism management have a 98% job placement rate, finding successful careers at Amazon, Disney, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, White Lodging Services, and more. The following are notable career paths for hospitality and tourism management majors:

• Account executive
• Airline operations manager
• Catering director
• Convention/event planner
• Corporate recruiter
• Corporate travel manager
• Country club manager
• Director, convention and visitors bureaus
• Entrepreneur
• Events services manager
• Event planner
• Facilities manager (casino, healthcare, resort, sports venue, etc.)
• Food and beverage director
• Food service manager
• Hotel general manager
• Hotel operations director
• Human resources recruiter
• Marketing associate
• Product/equipment supplier
• Property manager
• Reservations coordinator
• Restaurant designer
• Restaurant owner/manager
• Revenue manager
• Sales representative
• Travel agency manager

Career Resources

• The  HTM Career Center  provides career planning services and coordinates more than 700 interviews each year.
• HTM Career Day  brings representatives from the industry to campus each fall for a career fair, keynote address and reception for employers and students.
• The  Center for Career Opportunities offers additional career fairs and assistance.
• The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation can complement your hospitality and tourism management degree without the need to take additional credits.

Learning Experiences

• Connect all your hospitality and tourism management knowledge in the capstone course as you build your own hospitality business with a team of classmates.
• Complete two mandatory  paid internships .
• Immerse yourself in a world-class hotel learning experience right on campus at the Union Club Hotel when participating in White Lodging’s LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program . 
• Train in the school’s two  restaurants : the John Purdue Room (fine dining) and the Boiler Bistro (quick service).
• Complete an optional six-month paid internship at a Shangri-La Hotel in China, or  study abroad  at various destinations around the world.
• Join  HTM student organizations that are mentored by our award-winning faculty, including the HTM Society, which organizes the annual  Black Tie Dinner fundraising event.
• Enhance your plan of study by completing the event and meeting management minor or a certificate in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Participate in research activities to explore of a variety of topics within hospitality and tourism management.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type: Bachelor’s

Location: West Lafayette

Department/School: White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Concentrations

Environmental Sustainability

The optional environmental sustainability concentration examines issues related to sustainability in the hospitality and tourism industry. Courses cover sustainable tourism and responsible travel, environmental ethics, environmental policy and more.

Hospitality Facilities Design and Management

The optional hospitality facilities design and management concentration allows you to focus on the systems, technology and architectural components of the hospitality industry. Courses cover mechanical and electrical systems, technology systems, construction management, facility design, project management and more.

Marketing and Sales

The optional marketing and sales concentration is designed for individuals interested in the process of generating revenue for hospitality and tourism businesses. Courses cover public relations, advertising, relationship selling, marketing, consumer behavior and more.

The optional finance concentration allows you to gain in-depth knowledge of managing financial affairs and financial decision-making in the business world. Courses cover investment management, corporate finance, international finance and more.

“Growing up as a part of a military family, I have moved many times. When it came time to select a university, I was living in Germany and had no idea where I wanted to go, but I knew I wanted to become an event management professional. After doing my research, I chose Purdue because of its highly esteemed HTM program!” — Claire

Hometown:  Fayetteville, North Carolina Major:   Hospitality & Tourism Management   Why Purdue:  Growing up as a part of a military family, I have moved many times. When it came time to select a university, I was living in Germany and had no idea where I wanted to go, but I knew I wanted to become an event management professional. After doing my research, I chose Purdue because of its highly esteemed HTM program! Favorite Place at Purdue:  My favorite place at Purdue is either the Marriott atrium or Mackey Arena. So many fun memories in both of those locations! Advice for an Incoming Freshman:  Don’t be afraid to change! College is all about finally having the chance to become someone you’ve always wanted to be. Seek out exciting opportunities to learn and grow, and trust me, these four years go by so fast, and you don’t want to waste a minute of it! I’m the president of HTM Society’s   Black Tie Dinner , if you have questions about anything please contact  [email protected] . Instagram:  @purdueblacktie

Other Hospitality and Tourism Management Majors

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Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Gain essential skills in executive management, leadership and analytics -- all while staying current on hospitality and tourism industry trends. Learn from leading instructors, tackle real-world challenges, and join a top-ranked program to become a customer experience expert and distinguish yourself in the competitive field of hospitality management.

Ready to Become a Boilermaker?

Leverage innovations to become an effective engineer while delivering customer service excellence..

Elevate your career with Purdue’s online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Offered by the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality, Purdue’s innovative program is designed for managers in tourism, events, hotels or restaurants. Gain essential skills in executive management, leadership and analytics — all while staying current on industry trends.

Learn from leading researchers, tackle real-world challenges and join a #1-ranked program to become a customer experience expert (UniversityHQ, 2023). Become an experience engineer and stand out in the dynamic field of hospitality and tourism management.

Program Specifics

Learn more about the master of science in hospitality and tourism management.

Learn from Purdue’s acclaimed hospitality and tourism faculty – experts in hotel and restaurant management, customer service innovation and more. Tailor your leadership skills for the unique challenges of the hospitality field, acquire global perspectives for managing diverse organizations, and refine your communication and critical-thinking skills.

• Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis (HTM 50300)
• Hospitality Business Law and Risk Management (HTM 51100)
• Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism (HTM 51200)
• Hospitality and Tourism Marketing II (HTM 53100)
• Advanced Service Management for Hospitality and Tourism (HTM 53600)
• Advanced Hospitality Accounting and Finance Systems (HTM 54100)
• Strategic Revenue Management in the Hospitality Industry (HTM 54200)
• Advanced Management Project Capstone (HTM 59500)
• Management Challenge Analysis (HTM 61200)
• Advanced Personnel Systems in Restaurants, Hotels and Institutions (HTM 64200)

Tuition and Fees

$766.30 per credit hour (In-State Residents) $843.80 per credit hour (Out-of-State Residents)

34 total credit hours.

Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

• US federal financial aid
• US veterans financial aid

Career Outcomes

Top Job Titles

• General Managers
• Guest Service Representatives
• Food and Beverage Managers
• Night Auditors
• Receptionists

Top Industries

• Hotels and Motels
• Limited- and Full-Service Restaurants
• Event Management

Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.

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Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism

The Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism online program will prepare students to advance their careers in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Students will gain knowledge and skills related to service quality management, marketing, revenue management, human resource management, events and tourism development in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Courses throughout the program address topics such as globalization, diversity and innovations in a variety of hospitality and tourism sectors. Sustainability and ethical practices are core themes explored throughout the program.

Our program also equips students with skills and knowledge to lead and innovate through disruption. Students will be prepared to take on industry changes as they progress through their career.

Additionally, students will learn how to make evidence-based decisions and plans for improvement through courses in financial management, data analytics and applied research methods specific to the hospitality and tourism industry.

The program culminates in a capstone course where students directly apply the knowledge and skills they gained throughout the program to address an opportunity for innovation within a hospitality and tourism business or organizational unit.

Earn your Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism online. Request information today.

Career Opportunities

This program is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers in hospitality and tourism or transition into the field. Career outcomes can vary, depending on a student’s level of experience.

• Individuals currently working in hospitality and tourism and looking to advance their careers
• Individuals currently working as staff or supervisors seeking to advance to mid- or senior-level management
• Current managers seeking to their hone skills and further advance their careers
• Job changers moving into hospitality and tourism

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