Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Hospitality and Tourism Management

The Hospitality and Tourism Management major covers all aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry from a management perspective. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in all core business functions along with specialized courses in the field. The curriculum balances theory and practice with internship requirements that take students around the world. Hospitality and Tourism Management students are actively involved in the Hospitality Club and networking with the Advisory Board made up of industry experts. The program partners with InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Academy for selective internship and placement opportunities. Students have been placed with companies such InterContinental Hotels Group, Real Hospitality Management Company, Fresh Hospitality, Nemacolin Woodlands Resorts and the Greenbrier Resort. Major Learning Goals The objective of providing a foundational education in hospitality and tourism management at the undergraduate level cannot be realized without appropriate curricula content, effective teaching, and ultimately, learning. Within the undergraduate hospitality and tourism management major, we subscribe to the following learning goals for each of our undergraduate students: Graduates will be able to manage and evaluate functional systems in lodging and restaurant operations. Students can identify front of the office and back of the office tasks, roles, and responsibilities of managing operations. Students can operate and manage functional areas of lodging and restaurant operations effectively and efficiently. Students can describe the interrelationship of organizational structure and the operational strategy of a hotel and restaurants. Students can list the functions of various other departments in the hotel and restaurants. Students can describe the effective best practices in managing a hotel and restaurants. Students can identify ways to market a product or service which contribute to increased guest satisfaction and experience. Students can identify financial goals and results by analyzing the costs involved in managing hotel and restaurant operations. Graduates will be able to think critically and solve problems in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. Graduates will be able to deal with the dynamics of individuals and teams within organizations and to motivate, lead, and inspire employees toward achieving organizational goals. Graduates will be able to use computer and information technology in solving problems and perform functions commonly seen in managing businesses and other organizations. Graduates will be able to communicate recommendations to management and other constituencies, orally and in writing. Graduates will have knowledge of basic business disciplines: accounting, economics, finance, management, management information systems, and marketing. Career Profile Tourism is a major economic driver in West Virginia. There are more jobs than qualified applicants in some states, including West Virginia. In 2014, hospitality industry employment nationally is expected to increase by 17%. The accommodations and food services sector makes up approximately 8% of all employment nationally.