If you think about a time when you visited a great restaurant or a well-run hotel, one of the things that made the experience so memorable was a hardworking staff led by a manager who understood how to make people feel at home. It is possible to acquire the knowledge and skill set needed to successfully manage such a business by earning a degree in hospitality management.
According to Learn.org, “Hospitality management involves the direct application of sound management concepts and practices in the areas of food, lodging and other hospitality-related businesses. Graduating from a bachelor’s degree program in hospitality management can prepare you to enter a career in this field.” While a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessary to start an entry-level position in the industry, it is a necessity for anybody interested in higher-paying management jobs.
A Versatile Degree
A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management is a versatile degree, with opportunities ranging from managing restaurants or hotels to working with sports teams or aboard cruise ships. The online BBA in Hospitality Management program offered by Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) prepares students for the hospitality industry with a variety of courses ranging from Native American Gaming Management to Hospitality and Tourism Marketing.
Much of the curriculum overlaps with that of a business-focused degree. According to Best Hospitality Degrees, “In general, degrees in hospitality management cover similar topics to an undergraduate business degree or a degree in business administration, but with everything geared toward the hospitality industry specifically.” At SOSU, this will include courses like Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting and Business Ethics.
The SOSU BBA in Hospitality Management program is useful because it prepares students for a career in the hospitality management niche with transferable skills that apply to the larger business world.
A Pathway to a Career
While entry-level positions in the hospitality industry may not require a bachelor’s degree, having one can lead the way to both higher pay and more enjoyable positions.
The knowledge and skills gained during a bachelor’s in hospitality management program help prepare students for more demanding and rewarding careers than would otherwise be available to them. It is a degree that applies to many industries.
A Booming Industry
The hospitality industry is large and continues to grow, with many different career paths available. According to AHLA, the hospitality industry as a whole brings in over a trillion dollars annually in the U.S. alone. “In total, guests spend $483 billion at hotels and local businesses as a part of their trip.”
This spells opportunity for hospitality management graduates who can pursue careers in a variety of settings ranging from casinos to catering. Earning a BBA in Hospitality Management from Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides you with the skills and knowledge to be successful in the hospitality industry. The 24-7 access and convenience of the online format means you can study when and where it suits you.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online BBA in Hospitality Management program.
Sources:
Best Hospitality Degrees: Is a Degree in Hospitality Worth It?
Study.com: Hospitality Management Salary and Career Information
Learn.org: What Is Hospitality Management?
American Hotel & Lodging Association: Hotels and Lodging: Investing in America’s Communities