Major in Hospitality and Event Management

Program Overview

Colorado State University's Hospitality and Event Management program prepares students for entry-level management positions in the hospitality industry. The curriculum focuses on operations, marketing, management, and leadership skills, while emphasizing ethical principles and practical experience through internships and a student-run restaurant. Graduates are eligible for a wide range of careers, including restaurant management, event planning, hotel operations, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Hospitality and Event Management major at Colorado State University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level management positions in the hospitality industry. The program combines courses in food service, lodging, event planning, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, with a strong emphasis on management and leadership skills. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, including:

• Conceptual understanding and systems approach to the business of hospitality management: Students will gain a deep understanding of the various aspects of hospitality management, including operations, marketing, finance, and human resources.
• Decision-making skills: Students will learn to analyze information, make logical decisions, and formulate solutions in a hospitality business environment.
• Management skills: Students will develop the skills necessary to manage a hospitality operation, including resource allocation, customer satisfaction, and effective leadership.
• Managerial functions: Students will gain knowledge of the key managerial functions, such as planning, organizing, directing, staffing, controlling, and budgeting.
• Ethical leadership: Students will learn the principles of ethical leadership and how to apply them in a hospitality business environment.
The program maintains strong ties with the hospitality industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, practicums, and job placement. The department also oversees the Aspen Grille, a student-run campus restaurant, which provides hands-on experience in hospitality operations.

Careers:

The hospitality industry offers a wide range of career opportunities, both in the United States and internationally. Graduates of the Hospitality and Event Management program are prepared for positions such as:

• Restaurant managers
• Caterers
• Event planners
• Wedding planners
• Banquet managers
• Hotel sales and marketing professionals
• Hotel guest operations managers
• Hospitality real estate acquisition professionals
• Hotel managers
• Food writers and media professionals
• Brewery hospitality operations managers
• Commercial wine and liquor sales representatives
• Chefs
• Purchasing agents
• Conference coordinators
• Guest service agents
• Tourist attraction managers
• Spa operations managers
• Housekeeping managers
• Timeshare sales and marketing professionals
• Bed and breakfast owner/managers
• Travel agents
• School food service managers
• Hospitality food and equipment sales representatives
• Health inspectors
• Hospital food service managers
• Food importers
• Country club managers

Other:

The program requires a total of 120 credits, with a minimum of 42 credits being upper-division (300- to 400-level). Students have the option to complete a work practicum (RRM 386), management internship (RRM 487), or both for elective credits.