What Is Hospitality & Service Management?

Study for a career in hotel management

Hospitality and Service Management is an increasingly popular college business major that generally leads to a career in the tourism industry. Most employees in this industry work for restaurants, resorts and specialty venues.

History

Michigan State University started the School of Hospitality Business in 1927 with 18 enrolled students, and now offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with enrollment reaching 800 students in 2009.

Career Directions

Graduates of New York University's undergraduate degree program in Hotel and Tourism Management have found careers with tourism bureaus, airlines, catering businesses, franchise operations, casinos and special event management.

College Courses

Colleges that offer majors in hospitality and service management have requisite courses that generally include marketing, business management, human resource management, accounting, food and beverage planning and information technology.

Time Frame

An undergraduate degree in hospitality and service management will take approximately four years. Some community colleges, such as Schoolcraft College in Michigan, offer specialized two year associate's degree programs.

Considerations

Many people working in the tourism or hospitality and service management industry do not have college educations. In the service industry, promotion from within is a common practice.

References

• Michigan State University: The School of Hospitality Business
• NYU: B.S. in Hotel and Tourism Management
• Schoolcraft College: 2009-2010 Culinary Arts Program