COURSE CURRICULUM

The hospitality industry offers a wide range of career opportunities across sectors such as restaurants, hotels, resorts, spas, event venues, catering services, breweries and wineries, bed and breakfast inns, ski areas, hospitals, correctional facilities, and military installations in the United States and around the world. The Hospitality and Event Management major prepares students to work in these diverse environments by providing both academic knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. Students often learn in real-world settings, including campus-based facilities like the Aspen Grille, a student-run restaurant, as well as through internships and practicum opportunities that strengthen professional development and industry readiness.Through these experiential learning opportunities, students build essential skills in customer service, operations management, leadership, and communication. Working in real hospitality environments allows them to understand the fast-paced and detail-oriented nature of the industry while gaining confidence in managing services and coordinating guest experiences. This combination of classroom learning and practical application ensures that graduates are well prepared for professional roles upon entering the workforce.Graduates of the program can pursue a wide variety of careers depending on their interests and specialization. Common roles include restaurant manager, hotel manager, caterer, chef or private chef, and conference and event coordinator. Others may work in food and beverage marketing, food writing or criticism, or manage tourist attractions, resorts, or country clubs. Opportunities also exist in niche areas such as bed and breakfast ownership, school food service management, and health inspection, where professionals ensure safety, quality, and compliance within the industry.Overall, this major equips students with the versatility and leadership skills needed to succeed in the global hospitality sector. Whether working in guest services, event planning, culinary arts, or management, graduates are prepared to create high-quality experiences and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic and expanding industry.