Program Overview

Hospitality Business Management Major

The Hospitality Business Management major prepares students for leadership roles in the global hospitality industry. This major combines core business principles with specialized knowledge of hospitality operations, including hotel management, restaurant management, event planning, and tourism. Students learn about customer service, marketing, financial management, and human resources, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. Graduates are equipped to manage hotels, resorts, restaurants, convention venues, and other hospitality enterprises.

About this Major

Students in this major can choose from two areas of specialty: Food & Beverage, or Hotel/Lodging. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the hospitality industry, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Details about this Major

The Hospitality Business Management major is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of the hospitality industry. Students will learn about the latest trends and technologies in the field, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

Why Study Hospitality Business Management

Imagine a career where you get to travel the world, meet fascinating people, and create unforgettable experiences every day. That’s what studying hospitality business management can offer you! This field is perfect if you love working with people and thrive in exciting, fast-paced environments. You’ll learn how to run hotels, plan amazing events, and manage restaurants, all while developing top-notch business skills. Plus, with the travel and tourism industry booming, there are endless opportunities to work internationally and climb the career ladder quickly.

Required Courses

The Hospitality Business Management major requires students to complete a series of core courses, including:

• HBM 358 Foodservice Systems & Control
• HBM 381 Hospitality Leadership & Organizational Behavior
• HBM 494 Service Operations Management

Required Industry Experience

To graduate with a degree in Hospitality Business Management, students must complete 1,000 hours of paid industry work. This provides students with the opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills and begin building a professional network for the future.

Criteria for Receiving Work Credit

To receive work credit, students must meet the following criteria:

• The position must be within the hospitality industry.
• The position must be paid.
• The pre-job placement agreement must be completed and signed by the student, employer, and faculty coordinator.
• The job must be one that the student held after high school graduation. Hours worked while in high school are not eligible for credit.

Steps to Receive Credit for Work

To receive credit for work, students must follow these steps:

1. Eligible Work Fields: Students can work in a variety of fields, including attractions, event planning, food & beverage, lodging, and transportation.
2. Pre-Work Checklist: Students must file a pre-job placement agreement form before starting their job.
3. On The Job: Students must provide copies of their pay stubs to document their work.
4. Employer Evaluation: When the student has completed their term of employment, the employer will be contacted to evaluate the student's performance.
5. Submit Your Forms: Students must submit their completed forms to the School of Hospitality Business Management.

Complimentary Hospitality-Related Minors & Certificates

The Hospitality Business Management major can be complemented with a variety of minors and certificates, including:

• Aging Business Management Minor
• Event Management Minor
• Wine & Beverage Business Management Minor

Possible Careers

Graduates of the Hospitality Business Management major can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Casino Operations Manager: $85,580 Median Salary
• Food & Beverage Director: $65,310 Median Salary
• General Manager: $102,950 Median Salary
• Hotel/Resort Manager: $68,130 Median Salary
• Meeting, Convention, Event Planner: $59,440 Median Salary
• Sales Manager: $138,060 Median Salary

Get Involved

There are a variety of ways for students to get involved in the Hospitality Business Management program, including:

• Sigma Iota: A student club for aspiring hospitality industry professionals.
• SHBM Ambassadors: A group of students who assist in promoting the School of Hospitality Business Management.
• Business Clubs: A variety of clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for students to learn from guest speakers, gain career connections, and contribute to industry and community service projects.
• Burtenshaw Lecture Series: An annual lecture series that brings in industry executives to talk about industry trends and exciting opportunities.
• Hospitality Week: A week-long event that provides students with the opportunity to learn from and network with experts and professionals from all sectors of the hospitality industry.

Fund your Education

There are a variety of ways for students to fund their education, including:

• Earn While You Learn: Hospitality majors are required to complete 1,000 hours of paid industry work, which provides students with the opportunity to gain industry-relevant skills and begin building a professional network for the future.
• Scholarships: The Carson College of Business awards more than $1,000,000 in scholarships each year. Applications are collected through the WSU General Scholarship Application.