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Hospitality Management

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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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 visitor’s 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 (HSP M) requires the completion of at least 15 credits from the Hospitality Management curriculum. The minor must include at least 6 credits in courses numbered 300 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 (BV M) requires the completion of at least 15 credits from the Beverage Management minor curriculum. The minor must include at least 6 credits in HSP M courses and 6 credits in courses numbered 300 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 HSP M courses.  Communication Proficiency Requirement:  Grade of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.

Degree Requirements

10 Communications and Library

ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication (Grade of C or better required in ENGL 150)3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition (Grade of C or better required in ENGL 250)3
LIB 160Introduction 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 175D 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
FS HN 167Introductory Human Nutrition and Health3
Select one (1) course:3-4
Principles of Statistics
Introduction to Statistics
Total Credits9-10

9 Social Sciences

ECON 101Principles 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 342Aesthetics 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
Studies in 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
Civil Rights and Ethnic Power
Museum Studies
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
Topics in Latin American Anthropology
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
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 Archaeology
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 205)
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 and Literature: Selected Topics
Psychology of Women
Women of Color in the U.S
Queer Literature
Studies in English Translation
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 Credits6

18 Other Professional Courses

AESHM 111Professional Development for AESHM1
AESHM 111LAESHM Program Orientation and Learning Community1
AESHM 211Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD)3
AESHM 311Seminar on Careers and Internships1
ACCT 284Financial Accounting3
FS HN 111Fundamentals of Food Preparation2
FS HN 115Food Preparation Laboratory1
AESHM 170DSupervised Work Experience I: Hospitality1
AESHM 270DSupervised Work Experience II: Hospitality2
HSP M 470Supervised Professional Internship3
Total Credits18

40  Hospitality Management Professional Core

AESHM 238Human Resource Management3
AESHM 287Principles of Management in Human Sciences3
AESHM 340Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
HSP M 101Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSP M 133Food Safety Certification1
HSP M 230Introduction to Hospitality Performance Analysis3
HSP M 233Hospitality Sanitation and Safety3
HSP M 315Hospitality Law Spring3
HSP M 333Hospitality Operations Cost Controls Fall3
HSP M 352Lodging Operations Management I Fall3
HSP M 380Food Production Management3
HSP M 380LFood Production Management Experience3
HSP M 433Hospitality Financial Management Spring3
HSP M 455Strategic Management in Hospitality Spring3
Total Credits40

8-9 Hospitality Management electives

Select from:8-9
First Year Student Field Study
Creativity on Demand Spring
Orientation to International Field Study
U.S. Field Study
International Field Study
Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential Spring
Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences
AESHM 479X
Data Analytics for Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management
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 Café 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 and Festivals Management
Hospitality Technology Applications Fall
Lodging Operations Management II Spring
Fine Dining Management Fall
EVENT
Only 3 credits of EVENT courses may apply
Total Credits8-9

 Primary Options:

Select one HSP M professional primary option from the following 6 choices:

BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSP M 280Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations3
HSP M 383Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 383LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 385Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
Additional HSP M Elective Credit1

FOODSERVICE MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSP M 225Introduction to Food Service Operations Spring3
HSP M 280Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations3
HSP M 487Fine Dining Management Fall3
Total Credits9

LODGING MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSP M 301Hospitality Revenue Management Fall3
HSP M 437Hospitality Technology Applications Fall3
HSP M 452Lodging Operations Management II Spring3
Total Credits9

SENIOR LIVING MANAGEMENT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSP M 248Introduction to Senior Living Management3
HSP M 358Economics for Senior Living Management3
HD FS 234Adult Development3
Total Credits9

 TOURISM AND ATTRACTIONS MGMT OPTION (9 cr.)

HSP M 260Global Tourism Management3
HSP M 320Attractions and Amusement Park Administration Spring3
HSP M 420Fairs and Festivals 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 Café 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 and Festivals 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 160 Chemistry in Modern Society

 

* Grade of C or better required in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition

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

* BIOL 101 Introductory Biology required if student has not completed high school biology. 

* CHEM 160 Chemistry in Modern Society required if student has not completed high school chemistry.

* AESHM 175D 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 101 Introductory Biology.

Hospitality Management, B.S.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 1503HSP M 1331 
AESHM 1111ECON 1013 
AESHM 111L1Social Science Option3 
AESHM 170D1AESHM 2113 
HSP M 1013HSP M 2333 
FS HN 1673HSP M Elective Course3 
Social Science Option 3  
 15 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
ENGL 2503MATH3 
LIB 1601FS HN 111 or 1151-2 
AESHM 2873HSP M 2303 
ACCT 2843HSP M "Option" Course3 
AESHM 3403General Elective3 
General Elective3  
 16 13-14
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
HSP M 3333AESHM 3423HSP M 4703
HSP M 3803HSP M 3153 
HSP M 380L3Statistics3-4 
HSP M 3523HSP M "Option" Course3 
AESHM 270D2HSP M Elective Course3 
AESHM 3111  
 15 15-16 3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
AESHM 2383HSP M 4333 
Speech or Communications Course3HSP M 4553 
HSP M "Option" Course3HSP M Electives Course3 
Humanities3General Elective Course3-4 
General Electives3  
 15 12-13
Total Credits: 120-123
 

US Diversity and International Perspectives Requirement:  Students in HSP M 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 101 required if student has not completed high school biology

2

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

3

CHEM 160 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 300 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 HSP M 101, HSP M 133, and HSP M 233. The remaining 8 credits may be selected from any HSP M designated course, as well as AESHM 238, AESHM 287, AESHM 340, and AESHM 474.

The Hospitality Minor requires students to complete the following courses:

HSP M 101Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSP M 133Food Safety Certification1
HSP M 233Hospitality Sanitation and Safety3
Total Credits7

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

AESHM 238Human Resource Management3
AESHM 287Principles of Management in Human Sciences3
AESHM 340Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies3
AESHM 474Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences3
HSP M 201Casino Management I3
HSP M 225Introduction to Food Service Operations3
HSP M 230Introduction to Hospitality Performance Analysis3
HSP M 248Introduction to Senior Living Management3
HSP M 260Global Tourism Management3
HSP M 280Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations3
HSP M 289Contemporary Club Management3
HSP M 301Hospitality Revenue Management3
HSP M 315Hospitality Law3
HSP M 320Attractions and Amusement Park Administration3
HSP M 352Lodging Operations Management I3
HSP M 358Economics for Senior Living Management3
HSP M 383Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 383LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 385Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
HSP M 420Fairs and Festivals Management3
HSP M 433Hospitality Financial Management3
HSP M 437Hospitality Technology Applications3
HSP M 452Lodging Operations Management II3
HSP M 455Strategic 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 HSP M courses, six (6) credits in courses numbered 300 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 HSP M 101 and HSP M 133. The remaining 11 credits may be selected from any of the courses below.

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

HSP M 101Introduction to the Hospitality Industry3
HSP M 133Food Safety Certification1
Total Credits4

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

BBMB 120The Biochemistry of Beer2
BBMB 120LBiochemistry of Beer Laboratory1
HORT 276Understanding Grape and Wine Science3
FS HN 509Sensory Evaluation of Wines2
HSP M 280Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations3
HSP M 315Hospitality Law3
HSP M 383Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 383LWine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management2
HSP M 385Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management1
HSP M 420Fairs and Festivals Management3
HSP M 487Fine 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 lefel; 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. PhD 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 PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credits, up to 30 of which may be applied from the Master’s degree. All PhD students take a minimum of 15 research/dissertation credits.