Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Design
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Design at UNLV provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in designing and developing tourist facilities. Through coursework, research, and industry collaboration, students enhance their creative thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities, preparing them for careers in hospitality design, including architecture, interior design, and project management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Design is an intensive one-year course of study offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Architecture (SoA) in collaboration with leading architecture firms in Las Vegas. The program aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic international hospitality design industry. Through engagement with industry leaders, students explore the multifaceted issues shaping this field and develop their abilities in design and research.
Objectives:
- Gain expertise in the design and development of tourist facilities.
- Develop advanced research skills in hospitality architecture.
- Enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Foster critical thinking and analytical skills.
Program Description:
The HD Certificate program comprises 21 credit hours of coursework, including:
- Required Courses (9 credits):
- AAE 775 - Tourist Facility Design and Development
- AAE 789 - Architecture Research Studio
- Elective Course (3 credits):
- Advisor-approved elective coursework.
- Hospitality Elective Course (3 credits):
- Courses such as Psychology of Hospitality Marketing, Philosophy of Science in Hospitality Research, Seminar in Hotel Research, or Programming for Sport and Leisure Service Organizations.
- Project Design Course (6 credits):
- AAE 790 - Professional Project Design
Outline:
The program's coursework is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of hospitality design, including:
- Tourist Facility Design and Development: Explores the design and development of various types of tourist facilities, such as hotels, resorts, and casinos.
- Architecture Research Studio: Guides students in conducting research and developing design proposals for hospitality projects.
- Hospitality Elective Course: Students choose from a range of courses that delve into specific aspects of hospitality design, such as marketing, research methods, or programming.
- Professional Project Design: Culminates in a design research project that focuses on a specific issue in hospitality design/entertainment architecture. Students defend their project presentations and submit their work for publication consideration.
Assessment:
Students are evaluated based on their performance in coursework, research projects, and design presentations. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to generate original work that contributes to the field of hospitality design.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty from the UNLV School of Architecture and industry professionals with expertise in hospitality design. The faculty employ a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and design studios. Students benefit from personalized mentorship and guidance throughout the program.
Careers:
Graduates of the HD Certificate program are well-equipped for careers in hospitality design, including:
- Hospitality Design Architect
- Interior Designer specializing in Hospitality
- Project Manager for Hospitality Projects
- Hospitality Consultant
- Researcher in Hospitality Design
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Overview:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is known for its diverse student body, innovative academic programs, and its unique location in a vibrant and dynamic city.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UNLV offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect to find a welcoming community with a strong sense of belonging. The university boasts a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, catering to various interests. UNLV also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and provides opportunities for students to connect with the local community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
UNLV prides itself on its diverse student body, with one-third of students being first-generation college attendees. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from various backgrounds.Unique Location:
Situated in Las Vegas, UNLV offers students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.Innovative Academics:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs, including 78 majors, 84 minors, and over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs. The university also boasts its own law, medicine, and dental medicine schools.Strong Community Engagement:
UNLV encourages students to engage with the local community and provides opportunities for service learning and volunteer work.Academic Programs:
UNLV offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Sciences:
Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.Business:
Accounting, finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.Education:
Teacher education, educational leadership, and special education.Engineering:
Civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.Health Sciences:
Nursing, medicine, dentistry, public health, and biomedical sciences.Hospitality:
Hospitality management, tourism management, and culinary arts.Law:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree.Fine Arts:
Music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.Other:
UNLV is a relatively young university, established in 1957. It has grown significantly over the years and is now one of the largest universities in Nevada. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as healthcare, technology, and sustainability.
Entry Requirements:
Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website. Hospitality Design (HD) Certificate applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications for consideration of admission to the HD Certificate program: an undergraduate degree, a strong design or research background, and professional or internship experience in the hospitality industry. Applicants must submit a portfolio of original work (specify exact role on work generated in collaborative settings) and a one-page letter of intent that describes their design and/or research agenda to be developed. Each year, the HD Concentration's coordinator must receive student applications to the HD Certificate Program by July 1 in order to conduct the admissions process and make preparations for design-research proposals. All applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. Students are accepted into a certificate program as described in the Graduate Catalog.
