Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management is one of the nation's fastest growing industries, and tourism in Ashtabula County continues to be on the rise.  To prepare students for careers in this dynamic field, Kent State Ashtabula offers a full undergraduate bachelor's degree program in Hospitality and Event Management as well as certificate programs in both Hospitality Management and Event Management.  

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management prepares leaders for major hospitality industry segments through academic and research programs that value quality of life, business success, collaborative partnerships, creative approaches and ethical principles. Faculty members have advanced degrees in hospitality management and professional work experience in restaurants, hotels, club management, on-site food service, catering businesses and conference centers.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Hospitality Management Certificates

Kent State University at Ashtabula offers two 100 percent online certificates in Hospitality Management and Event Management. The certificate programs can be completed in as little as two semesters.

The Hospitality Management certification will cover a wide range of aspects associated with the hospitality industry, including management technology, food production, operations, casino and club management, legal issues, professional practices and more.  It will prepare graduates to assume leadership roles within the industry.

The Event Management certification covers many of those same topics, but also focuses on business practices, catering and banquet management, weddings and ceremonies and fundraising events. Graduates will be expected to fully participate in planning and executing different types of events.

Both certificates articulate into Kent State's bachelor's degree program. 

MISSION

The undergraduate degree program in hospitality management prepares leaders for careers in major hospitality industry segments through academic and research programs valuing quality of life, business success, collaborative partnerships, creative approaches, and ethical principles.

Graduates from the program will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of hospitality operations, competence in business practices and managerial decision making, effective written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills including professional behavior, collaborative relationships, and proficiency in networking and analytical thinking and problem solving.

OVERVIEW

The Hospitality Management Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration. Faculty have advanced degrees in hospitality management and relevant professional management work experience in restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and on-site food service management. 

Students have a wide variety of opportunities to interact with industry professionals through guest lectures, class projects including property visits, the required practicum, the student-industry professional mentoring program, Annual Hospitality Management Career Fair, student chapters of CMAA, PCMA, and ESD, Campus Kitchens Project, and the Schwebel Guest Lecture Series.