Hospitality Studies, Associate in Applied Science (HOSP)

New Program – Starts Spring 2026

Effective: Spring 2026

The Hospitality Studies program offers distinct concentrations, introducing students to the essential skills and concepts to prepare students for a career in hospitality services.  Students develop the necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on applications, experiential learning, exploring new technologies, and understanding key trends driving the hospitality industry.  The curriculum contains a core of required courses, general education requirements, and students complete a 180-hour internship experience.  Students can choose their pathway into one of the three distinct concentrations: Foodservice Management, Hospitality Studies General, or Meeting and Event Planning. 

Foodservice Management:

The Foodservice Management concentration provides the education, experience and skills needed to begin a successful management career in the hospitality industry. Students focus on aspects of operations management and learn the business principles behind every decision.  Students will be introduced to management theory and best practices, human resource training and supervision, marketing, and financials. The academic component of the concentration coursework allows students to develop cultural awareness along with critical thinking, decision making, customer service, and interpersonal skills.

Hospitality Studies General:

The Hospitality Studies General concentration is designed to ensure that students will learn the practical skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry in areas such as hotels, casinos, clubs, restaurants, convention centers, and tourism related businesses. The course offerings emphasize the professional competencies necessary to meet industry standards.  Students gain valuable knowledge through guest speakers, on-premises tours, and hands-on work experience through our partnership with local professional associations as well as special events around campus.

Meeting and Event Planning:

The Meeting and Event Planning concentration is designed to give students the foundation to pursue a career in meetings, conference services, event logistics, event production, and tourism.  Students will be introduced to the essential meeting and event planning skills to execute operations, contracts, vendor selection, venue layout and design, menu planning, personnel, and emerging event technologies.