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Hospitality Management

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Administered by the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management

The Hospitality Management program offers study for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in hospitality management. As the only 4-year hospitality program in the state of Iowa, the program prepares undergraduate students with essential principles of managing a variety of hospitality organizations, such as hotels, restaurants, clubs, and foodservice companies. Students also develop expertise in managing diverse areas, such as: (a) food/beverage management, (b) lodging management, (c) senior living management, and (d) tourism and attractions.  

Students get hands-on experience at the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom and SPARKS. The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is a 105-seat learning laboratory where students take responsibility for meal preparation and service. The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is the earliest established student run restaurant that is still in operation on a college campus in the United States. SPARKS is the student operated café in the Student Innovation Center, where students have the opportunity to manage all the operations of the facility from menu development, inventory, human resources, and much more.

Our students participate in internships locally, nationally, and internationally with a range of hotels, restaurants, caterers, theme parks, sports facilities, cruise ships convention and visitors' bureaus, independent businesses, and country clubs. Courses provide students with opportunities to develop and apply management techniques in hospitality organizations. The Hospitality Management curriculum provides students with the opportunity to obtain professional certifications in multiple areas.

The Hospitality Management program mission is to create, share, and apply knowledge to provide hospitality consumers with products, services, and experiences to enhance overall well-being. We accomplish our mission with a personalized, nationally ranked program. Our students learn in a nurturing, safe, and inclusive environment, with caring faculty with industry experience. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students should be able to:

1. Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations

2. Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization

3. Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management

4. Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management

5. Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY

The program offers a Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality management. Coursework is planned to provide students with a general education plus professional preparation for supervisory and executive positions in hospitality organizations such as clubs, hotels, dining, theme parks, cruise lines, and casinos. Principles of business management are presented, as well as fundamentals of hospitality operations.

Graduates demonstrate leadership characteristics and make decisions based on integrating knowledge of financial, human resources, marketing, and operational principles for managing hospitality operations. They demonstrate best practices in meeting customer expectations and use of technology (e.g., Point-of-Sales systems, property management systems, and revenue management systems) to achieve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Learning experiences are provided in the food and beverage, casino, lodging, senior living, and tourism industries and other approved establishments. Students are required to have a total of at least 800 hours of relevant work experience prior to graduation. Of the 800 hours, 200 hours are required prior to completing one year in the program.

The Bachelor of Science Degree

Total credits required: 123, including a minimum of 18 credits from the AESHM Department at Iowa State University for the degree. 

The program offers a concurrent B.S. and M.S. degree that allows students to obtain a B.S. and M.S. degree in hospitality management in five years. Application for admission to the Graduate College should be made in the junior year.

Minor in Hospitality Management

The Hospitality Management minor (HSPM) requires the completion of at least 15 credits from the Hospitality Management curriculum. The minor must include at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at ISU. All course pre-requisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade.

Minor in Beverage Management

The Beverage Management minor (BVM) requires the completion of at least 15 credits from the Beverage Management minor curriculum. The minor must include at least 6 credits in HSPM courses and 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at ISU. All course pre-requisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade.

Curriculum in Hospitality Management

Administered by the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management Department. Leading to the Bachelor of Science degree.

The curriculum in Hospitality Management develops students as leaders for the hospitality professions.

A minor in Hospitality Management is available; see requirements under Hospitality Management, Courses and Programs.

Students majoring in Hospitality Management are required to earn C- or better in all AESHM and HSPM courses. Communication Proficiency Requirement: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1500 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 2500 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.

Degree Requirements

10 Communications and Library

ENGL 1500Critical Thinking and Communication (Grade of C or better required in ENGL 1500)3
ENGL 2500Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Grade of C or better required in ENGL 2500)3
LIB 1600Introduction to College Level Research1
Select one (1) course:3
Interpersonal Communication
Professional Communication
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Total Credits10

9-10 Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines

Select one (1) course: (AESHM 1750D required if C+ or lower in MATH credits)3
Introduction to Probability
Introduction to Mathematical Ideas
College Algebra
Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
Survey of Calculus
FSHN 1670Introductory Human Nutrition and Health3
Select one (1) course:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Total Credits9-10

9 Social Sciences

ECON 1010Principles of Microeconomics3
Select two (2) courses: 6
Human Development (Senior living management required to take this course)
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Total Credits9

6 Humanities

AESHM 3420Aesthetics of Consumer Experience3
Select one (1) course: 3
Introduction to African American Studies
Africa to 1880
Africa under Colonial Rule
Ethnic and Race Relations
Africana Religions
Race, Ethnicity, and the US Criminal Justice System
African American Literature
Women of Color in the U.S
History of African Americans I
History of African Americans II
Seminar in African American Culture
AFAM 4730Civil Rights and Ethnic Power3
Euro-American Dress History: Prehistoric to Mid-19th Century
Introduction to American Indian Studies
American Indian Literature
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Human Origins
Introduction to Asian American Studies
Globalization and Sustainability
American Indians of Iowa
Globalization and the Human Condition
Culture and Interpretation
Biological Anthropology
Archaeology
Introduction to Culture and Language
Kinship and Marriage in a Global Perspective
Archaeology of North America
Peoples and Cultures of Native North America
Latin American Anthropology: Violence and Memory
Latin American Anthropology: Social movements and Democracy
Latin American Anthropology: Race, Class and Gender
Latin American Anthropology: Regional Focus
Latin American Anthropology: Culture and Sport
Health and Native American Communities
Current Issues in Native North America: Gender and Family
Current Issues in Native North America: Indigenous Ecologies and Geographies
Current Issues in Native North America: Cultural and Political Movements
Current Issues in Native North America: Regional Focus
Culture and Capitalism
Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion
War and the Politics of Humanitarianism
Ancient Egypt
Art History
Classical Studies
Greek and Roman Mythology
Greek and Roman Mythology: Honors
The Ancient City
Ancient Philosophy
Rhetorical Traditions
World Literature: Western Foundations through Renaissance
Christianity in the Roman Empire
Religions of Ancient Greece and Rome
Ancient Egypt
Greek and Roman Tragedy and Comedy
Greek and Roman Tragedy and Comedy: Honors
Heroes of Greece, Rome, and Today
Heroes of Greece, Rome, and Today: Honors
Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World
Classical Archeology: Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Greece
Classical Archeology: Archaic through Hellenistic Greece (ca 700-30 BCE)
Classical Archaeology: Roman Archaeology (ca 1000 BCE-400 CE)
Greek and Roman Art
Greek and Roman Art: Honors
Roman Italy: An Introduction
Study Abroad: Roman Italy: Building the Empire
The Archaeology of Greece: An Introduction
Study Abroad: The Archaeology of Greece
Greek Civilization
Roman Civilization
Foundations of Western Political Thought
Introduction to Communication Studies
Communication and U.S. Diversity
Interpersonal Communication
Professional Communication
Conflict Management
Human Communication Theory
Intercultural Communication
Relational Communication
Leadership Communication Theories
Organizational Communication
Small Group Communication
Communication Training and Development
Nonverbal Communication
Dance Appreciation
History and Philosophy of Dance
Design in Context
Foreign Languages
History
Literature for Children
Introduction to International Studies
History of Modern Landscapes, 1750 to Present
Literature (Except ENGL 2050)
Introduction to Music Listening
Masterpieces of Music and Art in Western Culture
History of American Rock 'n' Roll
History of Music I
History of Music II
Seapower and Maritime Affairs
Philosophy of Technology
Religious Studies
Introduction to the Performing Arts
Theatre and Society
Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century
Theatre History: 19th Century to Present
Gender Justice
Introduction to Women's and Gender Studies
Introduction to Lesbian Communities
Introduction to Queer Studies
Gender and Sexuality in American Pop Culture
International Perspectives on Women and Gender
Women in Science and Engineering
Write Like a Woman
Ecofeminism
Economics of Discrimination
Gender and Communication
Portrayals of Gender and Sexualities in the Media
Gender and Sexualities in Society
Sociology of Masculinities and Manhood
Women, Gender, and Leadership
Religion, Sex and Gender
Feminist Philosophy
Goddess Religions
Human Reproduction
Women's Literature
Psychology of Women
Women of Color in the U.S
Queer Literature
WGS 3700FStudies in English Translation: French Topics on Women and Gender Studies3
or WGS 3700G Studies in English Translation: German Topics on Women or Feminism
or WGS 3700R Studies in English Translation: Russian Topics on Women or Feminism
or WGS 3700S Studies in English Translation: Hispanic Topics on Women or Feminism
Sex, Gender, and Culture in the Ancient Mediterranean World
History of Women in Science, Technology, and Medicine
Women in Politics
History of Women in America
Feminist Theories
Feminist Research in Action
Women, Men, and the English Language
Intersections of Race, Class and Gender
Gender and Consumer Culture
Gender, Globalization and Development
Gender Issues in Sports
Topics in Women's and Gender Studies
History of American Sexualities
Women/Gender in Art
Total Credits12

18 Other Professional Courses

AESHM 1110Professional Development for AESHM1
AESHM 1110LAESHM Program Orientation and Learning Community1
AESHM 2110Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD)3
AESHM 31101
ACCT 2840Financial Accounting3
FSHN 1110Fundamentals of Food Preparation2
FSHN 1150Food Preparation Laboratory1
AESHM 1700DSupervised Work Experience I: Hospitality1
AESHM 2700DSupervised Work Experience II: Hospitality2
HSPM 4700Supervised Professional Internship3
Total Credits18

40  Hospitality Management Professional Core

AESHM 2380Human Resource Management3
AESHM 2870Principles of Management in Human Sciences3
AESHM 3400Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
HSPM 1010Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSPM 1330Food Safety Certification1
HSPM 2300Introduction to Hospitality Performance Analysis3
HSPM 2330Hospitality Sanitation and Safety3
HSPM 3150Hospitality Law Spring3
HSPM 3330Hospitality Operations Cost Controls Fall3
HSPM 3520Lodging Operations Management I Fall3
HSPM 3800Food Production Management3
HSPM 3800LFood Production Management Experience3
HSPM 4330Hospitality Financial Management Spring3
HSPM 4550Strategic Management in Hospitality Spring3
Total Credits40

8-9 Hospitality Management electives

Select from:8-9
AESHM 18001-2
Creativity on Demand Spring
Orientation to International Field Study
AESHM 3800
AESHM 3810
Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential Spring
Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences
AESHM 4790XData Analytics for Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management3
Omni-Channel Retailing
Casino Management I Fall
Introduction to Food Service Operations Spring
Introduction to Senior Living Management
Global Tourism Management
Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations
Contemporary Club Management Spring
Hospitality Revenue Management Fall
Attractions and Amusement Park Administration Spring
Economics for Senior Living Management
Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management
Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management
Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management
Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management
Hospitality Technology Applications Fall
Lodging Operations Management II Spring
Fine Dining Management Fall
EVENT
Only 3 credits of EVENT courses may apply
Total Credits12-14

 Primary Options:

Select one HSPM professional primary option from the following 6 choices:

BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSPM 2800Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations3
HSPM 3830Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3830LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3850Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
Additional HSPM Elective Credit1

FOODSERVICE MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSPM 2250Introduction to Food Service Operations Spring3
HSPM 2800Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations3
HSPM 4870Fine Dining Management Fall3
Total Credits9

LODGING MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSPM 3010Hospitality Revenue Management Fall3
HSPM 4370Hospitality Technology Applications Fall3
HSPM 4520Lodging Operations Management II Spring3
Total Credits9

SENIOR LIVING MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSPM 2480Introduction to Senior Living Management3
HSPM 3580Economics for Senior Living Management3
HDFS 2340Adult Development3
Total Credits9

 TOURISM AND ATTRACTIONS MGMT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSPM 2600Global Tourism Management3
HSPM 3200Attractions and Amusement Park Administration Spring3
HSPM 4200Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management3
Total Credits9

 GENERAL HOSPITALITY MGMT OPTION (9 cr.)

Select nine (9) credits from the following:9
Casino Management I
Introduction to Food Service Operations
Introduction to Senior Living Management
Global Tourism Management
Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations
Contemporary Club Management
Hospitality Revenue Management Fall
Attractions and Amusement Park Administration Spring
Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management
Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management
Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management
Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management
Hospitality Technology Applications Fall
Lodging Operations Management II Spring
Total Credits9
 

* A student who has not had high school chemistry is required to take CHEM 1600 Chemistry in Modern Society

 

* Grade of C or better required in ENGL 1500 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 2500 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition

* Grade of C– or better required in all AESHM and HSP M courses.

* BIOL 1010 Introductory Biology required if student has not completed high school biology. 

* CHEM 1600 Chemistry in Modern Society required if student has not completed high school chemistry.

* AESHM 1750D Financial Applications for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Hospitality Management required if C+ or lower in MATH credits

9-11 Electives

123.0 Total credits

**A student who has not had high school biology is required to take BIOL 1010 Introductory Biology.

Hospitality Management, B.S.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 15003HSPM 13301 
AESHM 11101ECON 10103 
AESHM 1110L1Social Science Option3 
AESHM 1700D1AESHM 21103 
HSPM 10103HSPM 23303 
FSHN 16703HSPM Elective Course3 
Social Science Option 3  
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 25003MATH3 
LIB 16001FSHN 1110 or 11501-2 
AESHM 28703HSPM 23003 
ACCT 28403HSPM "Option" Course3 
AESHM 34003General Elective3 
General Elective3  
 16 13-14
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
HSPM 33303AESHM 34203HSPM 47003
HSPM 38003HSPM 31503 
HSPM 3800L3Statistics3-4 
HSPM 35203HSPM "Option" Course3 
AESHM 2700D2HSPM Elective Course3 
AESHM 3110E or 3110N1  
 15 15-16 3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AESHM 23803HSPM 43303 
Speech or Communications Course3HSPM 45503 
HSPM "Option" Course3HSPM Electives Course3 
Humanities3General Elective Course3-4 
General Electives3  
 15 12-13
Total Credits: 120-123
 

US Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement: Students in HSPM fulfill the US Diversity and International Perspectives Requirements by choosing 3 credits of coursework from each of the University-approved lists.

Note:

This sequence is only an example. The number of credits taken each semester should be based on the individual student's situation. Factors that may affect credit hours per semester include student ability, employment, health, activities, and grade point consideration.

1

BIOL 1010 required if student has not completed high school biology

2

When the 4-year plan indicates HSPM Group or General Electives, choice depends on courses available. However, you must have a total of 13-15 credits of HSPM electives and 11-17 credits of General Electives (HSPM courses may be taken to meet General Electives requirements).

3

CHEM 1600 required if student has not completed high school chemistry

Hospitality Management Minor

A minor in Hospitality Management can be earned by successfully completing the following for a total of 15 credits. The minor must include at least six (6) credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at ISU. All course prerequisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade. The Hospitality Minor requires students to complete HSPM 1010, HSPM 1330, and HSPM 2330. The remaining 8 credits may be selected from any HSPM designated course, as well as AESHM 2380, AESHM 2870, AESHM 3400, and AESHM 4740.

The Hospitality Minor requires students to complete the following courses:

HSPM 1010Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSPM 1330Food Safety Certification1
HSPM 2330Hospitality Sanitation and Safety3
Total Credits7

The remaining eight (8) credits may be selected from the following:

AESHM 2380Human Resource Management3
AESHM 2870Principles of Management in Human Sciences3
AESHM 3400Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
AESHM 4740Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences3
HSPM 2010Casino Management I3
HSPM 2250Introduction to Food Service Operations3
HSPM 2300Introduction to Hospitality Performance Analysis3
HSPM 2480Introduction to Senior Living Management3
HSPM 2600Global Tourism Management3
HSPM 2800Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations3
HSPM 2890Contemporary Club Management3
HSPM 3010Hospitality Revenue Management3
HSPM 3150Hospitality Law3
HSPM 3200Attractions and Amusement Park Administration3
HSPM 3520Lodging Operations Management I3
HSPM 3580Economics for Senior Living Management3
HSPM 3830Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3830LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3850Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
HSPM 4200Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management3
HSPM 4330Hospitality Financial Management3
HSPM 4370Hospitality Technology Applications3
HSPM 4520Lodging Operations Management II3
HSPM 4550Strategic Management in Hospitality3

Beverage Management Minor

The AESHM Department offers a minor in Beverages through the Hospitality Management program. The minor can be earned by successfully completing the following for a total of 15 credits. The minor must include at least six (6) credits in HSPM courses, six (6) credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at ISU. All course prerequisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade. The Beverages Minor requires students to complete HSPM 1010 and HSPM 1330. The remaining 11 credits may be selected from any of the courses below.

The Beverage Management Minor requires students to complete the following courses:

HSPM 1010Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSPM 1330Food Safety Certification1
Total Credits4

The remaining eleven (11) credits may be selected from the following: 

BBMB 1200The Biochemistry of Beer2
BBMB 1200LBiochemistry of Beer Laboratory1
HORT 2760Understanding Grape and Wine Science3
FSHN 5090Sensory Evaluation of Wines2
HSPM 2800Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations3
HSPM 3150Hospitality Law3
HSPM 3830Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3830LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSPM 3850Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
HSPM 4200Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management3
HSPM 4870Fine Dining Management3

Graduate Study

The Hospitality Management program offers work for the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in hospitality management. Graduates of the program are able to interpret trends and adapt operating practices of hospitality organizations to changing economic, social, political, technological, and environmental conditions. The master's degree program is designed to prepare individuals for managerial and leadership positions in industry, business, and non-profit organization; teaching careers; and continued graduate study.

The doctoral program is designed to prepare individuals to teach in programs at the university level; provide leadership in non-profit organizations; and/or conduct advanced research at the corporate level or with research firms.

A degree in hospitality management is the usual background for graduate study; however, applicants with preparation in dietetics, business, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Ph.D. applicants must have two (2) years of professional work experience in the field.

The Master of Science degree requires either a thesis or non-thesis (creative component) project. Students also are required to take three core courses out of the four offered in the core areas (human resources, financial management, marketing, and strategic management).

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 72 credits, up to 30 of which may be applied from the master’s degree. All Ph.D. students take a minimum of 15 research/dissertation credits.