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Undergraduate Program in Hospitality Management
The Hospitality Management program prepares students for management positions in multiple segments of the world's largest industry. Graduates assume managerial roles in varied hospitality disciplines including: resorts, hotels, restaurants, private clubs, meeting and event planning corporations, destination marketing associations, convention centers, cruise lines, casinos, theme parks, car rental agencies, sports facilities, spas, entertainment venues, and vacation ownership or fractional ownership operations.
Potential career areas include: operations management, sales and marketing, public relations or publicity, food and beverage, engineering, housekeeping, human resources management, revenue management, tourism planning and development, and many others. Students who choose to major or minor in Hospitality Management will receive a broad management-based education providing a platform of knowledge with specific focus on improving one's ability to manage successfully within a hospitality industry operation.
For more information, please contact Dr. Peter Ricci, CHA, Director at hospitality@fau.edu or 561-297-3666.
Interested in a college major or minor which prepares you for employment in the world’s largest industry?
If yes, then Hospitality Management may be the perfect major for you!
Career Information for the
Hospitality Management Major or Minor
The hospitality and tourism industry is critical to the world, national, state, and regional economy. World travel and tourism is expected to generate close to US$8 trillion in 2008 rising to approximately US$15 trillion over the next ten years, according to the latest Tourism Satellite Accounting (TSA) research launched by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its strategic partner Accenture.. The long-term forecasts point to a mature but steady phase of growth for world travel and tourism between 2009 and 2018. Nationally, the WTTC predicts that the nation’s third largest industry will support almost 17 million jobs accounting for 11.9% of total employment On a statewide level, Florida ranked number two overall in terms of total spending by domestic and international travelers, earning approximately $65 billion in 2007 from a record number 82.4 million visitors.
The industry is generally recognized as being comprised of four key segments: lodging, foodservice, transportation, and commercial recreation. Additionally, exciting areas within these segments include: incentive travel, event management, gaming, and destination marketing. Positions are as varied as one’s distinct personality and are offered in such exciting venues as theme parks, attractions, cruise ships, resorts, and casinos - just to name a few! In addition to management jobs, professional positions are available in multiple areas of interest to prospective students. These areas include: sales & marketing, public relations, human resources, accounting, facility management, engineering, finance, training & education, law, real estate, information technology, and event management.
The hospitality and tourism industry is becoming more complex. Accordingly, demand is increasing for college-educated managers. According to the 2008-2009 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, the lodging, food service, and gaming industries are all growing in terms of salary and job offerings faster than other industries in the United States.
Accordingly, the Hospitality Management major at
Florida
Atlantic
University offers students a solid educational experience. The curriculum begins with a broad foundation in liberal arts focusing on social sciences, biological sciences, and quantitative skills. Hospitality Management majors typically take fundamental business courses (economics, accounting, statistics, etc.) during their first two years. After receiving a strong foundation, they proceed to the business “core” courses along with their hospitality-specific courses during their third and fourth years. The program also features a required field work component enabling graduates to be well-prepared for the job market.
In addition to coursework and field work experience, students may gain additional social networking through membership in the Hospitality Management Society. The Society, open to all FAU students, hosts a variety of social events designed to have hospitality students network, share ideas, build friendships, and begin life-long relationships with their hospitality peers.
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The following Aptitudes and Competencies are associated with and required for success in the study of this major:
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- Strong interpersonal skills
- High energy level
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize
- Innate desire to serve others
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- Sharp critical thinking skills
- Computer literate
- Well-developed organizational skills
- Flexibility/adaptability
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- Excellent time management skills
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Leadership ability
- Quantitative reasoning ability
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CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
Students majoring in Hospitality Management must complete all Florida Atlantic University and Barry Kaye College of Business requirements for the baccalaureate degree, including 21 credit hours of course work in hospitality management along with a minimum of 1,000 hours of approved field work experience. To view the Hospitality Management curriculum click here.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The following are examples of positions often held by Hospitality Management graduates:
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Lodging and Resorts
General Manager
Resident Manager
Executive Housekeeper
Front Office Manager
Guest Services Manager
Convention Services Manager
Assistant Manager
Director of Sales
Human Resources Director
Rooms Division Director
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Food and Beverage Industry
General Manager
Assistant Manager
Executive Chef
Banquet Manager
Food and Beverage Director
Catering Manager
Catering Sales Manager
Nightclub Owner/Operator
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Meetings and Events Management
Convention Sales Manager
Conference Services Manager
Special Events Manager
Private Club Management
General Manager
Assistant Manager
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Commercial Recreation Management
City/County Director of Recreation
Spa Manager
Parks Manager
Theme Park Manager
Golf Course Manager
Cruise Industry
Director of Activities
Chief Purser
Sales & Marketing
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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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For information about the Hospitality Management major or minor, contact: Dr. Peter Ricci, Director at hospitality@fau.edu, 777 Glades Road, 320 Fleming Hall, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-3666.
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For information about internship, part-time positions, full-time positions, and employers actively recruiting hospitality majors or minors, contact: Ms. Karen Fisher, Director of Recruitment, at kfisher@fau.edu, 777 Glades Road, Desantis Center, 101D, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 297-3195.
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