The program in Hospitality Management is an integral part of the offerings of the Whittemore School. It is one of only ten programs worldwide that is accredited by both the American Assembly of Colleges and Schools of Business-AACSB and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration-ACPHA. Graduates are prepared to assume management positions in all sectors of the service sector, with primary emphasis on the hospitality industry.

Graduates have accepted positions in lodging and food service (and their allied businesses and wholesalers), retirement facilities, software companies, tourism, travel and recreation industries, and institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, colleges, and schools.

In order to have a well-rounded university education, students take courses in liberal arts as well as foundation courses in business administration and economics. The hospitality management curriculum builds upon this foundation and provides experience and in-depth education in the lodging and food service-related industries, as well as the broader industries that comprise the hospitality discipline. Each course includes an international component.

With our on-campus learning laboratory, the New England Center Hotel and Conference Center, the program includes a mix of practical experiences along with classroom activities. These practical experiences are provided by major consulting projects to industry as part of classroom activities, lecture series, seminars, and field trips; a minimum of 800 hours approved work experience or practicum; and by involvement in the food service and lodging operations at the New England Center.

The Department of Hospitality Management encompasses seventeen required courses and four hospitality electives in three groups.

Group A consists of eight core courses taken in the freshman and sophomore years. In addition, the program requires completion of one semester of a 400-level math course and a computer application course, which can be satisfied through coursework or acceptable equivalency. Students must successfully complete Group A courses, achieving a minimum grade-point average of at least 2.00 before Group B courses may be taken. Group B courses must be completed before taking any Group C courses.

Group B includes most of the functional hospitality and business disciplines required to develop into a successful manager. A wide range of elective courses, independent studies, and internships can complement the required curriculum.

Group C includes specialized hospitality management courses which are taken at the same time as students enroll in elective courses.

To graduate, students must obtain a 2.30 grade-point average in all major required courses and a minimum grade of C- in each major course. Graduates of this program who are qualified for, and interested in further allied studies, are well prepared for advanced degree programs in hospitality, tourism, business, institutional, or health administration. Students may earn up to 16 total credits in internships, independent studies, field experience, and supervised student teaching experiences.

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