Hospitality Services Administration

Major, Minor

Why become a hospitality major?

• Food and drink: How to make delicious food and drinks, and how to run a restaurant or bar. You'll learn about different cooking techniques, food safety, and how to manage a kitchen staff.
• Hotels: How to manage a hotel, from check-in to housekeeping. You'll learn about different types of hotels, how to book rooms, and how to provide excellent customer service.
• Events: How to plan and run exciting events, like weddings or conferences. You'll learn about event planning, budgeting, and how to make sure everything runs smoothly.
• People and money: How to manage people and money in the hospitality industry. You'll learn about leadership, teamwork, and how to manage a budget.
• Customer service: How to make sure customers are happy and have a great time. You'll learn about customer satisfaction, complaint resolution, and how to create a positive guest experience.
• Hotel sales management: How to grow a hotel's business by building relationships with clients, attending industry events, managing bookings, and seeking new customers. You'll also learn how to coordinate events, track sales, and lead local marketing efforts.

What will you do as a hospitality major?

As a hospitality major, you have the chance to:

• Learn from industry experts: Our hospitality major is taught by experienced faculty who have worked in all areas of the hospitality industry. You'll gain valuable insights and practical skills from faculty who know what it takes to succeed. 
• Connect with industry leaders: Spend a week in Chicago, meeting with professionals and recruiters from renowned companies like Marriott, Hyatt, The Ritz-Carlton, Virgin Hotels, The Godfrey Hotel, Hard Rock Café, and more. Tour these facilities and get a behind-the-scenes look at how operations are managed.
• Gain hands-on experience: Our on-campus Marriott Hotel provides a unique opportunity to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. You'll work alongside experienced professionals and get a taste of what it's like to manage a hotel.
• Explore the world: Study abroad in Costa Rica and immerse yourself in the vibrant ecotourism industry. You'll learn about sustainable tourism practices, experience different cultures, and network with professionals from around the world.
• Make a meaningful impact: Volunteer at the McLaren Hospitality House and make a positive impact on the lives of cancer patients and their families. This meaningful experience will allow you to develop your compassion and empathy while gaining valuable skills in patient care.
• Build a strong network: Connect with other students who share your passion for hospitality and travel in the Hospitality and Tourism Association. You'll create lifelong friendships and build a valuable network of contacts who can help you succeed in your career.