What is Hospitality Management?
Idaho provides a promising landscape for students interested in pursuing a hospitality management degree thanks to the state's growing leisure and hospitality sector. With its wide range of natural landscapes and active travel industry, the state offers a dynamic backdrop for hospitality education and hands-on learning experiences. Colleges and universities in Idaho, like Idaho State University and the University of Idaho, provide comprehensive course sequences in hospitality management that are designed to arm you with both practical and theoretical knowledge both online and on-campus. This education equips you with the skills needed to step into various roles within the industry, from hotel management to event coordination.
Online accredited institutions offer programs that span associate, bachelor's, and even master's degrees in hospitality management, catering to a variety of educational needs and career aspirations. Programs typically cover key areas of study such as business management, customer service, marketing, and food and beverage management, all tailored to the hospitality industry. Moreover, with the leisure and hospitality sector expected to continue to expand, degree holders from Idaho's institutions can anticipate a robust job market with diverse opportunities to apply their skills in real-world settings.
A hospitality management degree is your academic gateway into the world of hotel, resort, and broader tourism industry management. It's a specialized education that arms you with the fundamental skills, theories, and practical knowledge required for operational and leadership roles within hospitality businesses.
Structured around a mix of classroom-based academic study and hands-on experience, these degrees aim to:
- Foster an understanding of hospitality business philosophies
- Cultivate management and leadership skills
- Instill knowledge of hospitality law, ethics, and digital literacy
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Why Choose an Online Hospitality Management Degree?
Idaho offers a range of online hospitality management programs at accredited universities and colleges. Whether you're interested in an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree, you'll find a variety of options that can cater to both traditional and online learning preferences. These vary by institution, with each program designed to meet different career aspirations and education levels. For instance:
- College of Southern Idaho:
Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management with a technical focus, preparing you for leadership roles - Idaho State University:
Provides a comprehensive associate’s program covering internal operations, project, and events management, aimed at overseeing day-to-day operations in hospitality. - North Idaho College:
Prepares students for entry-level management positions through its Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management curriculum and internships.
When you're choosing a program, consider how each curriculum aligns with your career goals, the balance of theoretical versus practical experience offered, and the flexibility afforded to accommodate your personal schedule.
Online Educational Options
For flexibility, online programs are available to help you obtain a hospitality management degree. Boise State University and University of Idaho offer accredited online courses and programs that you can tailor to your schedule, providing a balance between work, life, and education.
Online Associate (AS)
Earning an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management can be your first step into the field. For example, the College of Southern Idaho offers a focused technical program designed to equip you with the foundational skills necessary for entry-level positions in hospitality management.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor’s degree offers deeper insight into the hospitality industry. Facilities like Brigham Young University-Idaho have comprehensive bachelor’s programs where students can immerse themselves in a four-year study, graduating as well-rounded professionals ready to tackle the dynamics of hospitality services.
Online Masters (MS)
Advancing your online education with a master’s degree in hospitality management is possible through many universities that may offer graduate programs nationally and locally in Idaho. You might look for accredited online hospitality management graduate programs with a strong reputation to ensure you receive top-tier instruction and opportunities, or you could look for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) either with a general management concentration or a focus on hospitality management, event management, hotel management, or another similar topic that can help you advance in this field.
Idaho Tourism Industry
Idaho's tourism sector is a vibrant part of the local economy, with the hospitality management role being crucial in supporting the surge in leisure and business travel within the state. The industry is multifaceted, encompassing everything from hotels and resorts to event planning and outdoor recreation management. Your career prospects in this field are bolstered by Idaho’s diverse destinations, which include ski resorts, lakes, national parks, and urban attractions.
- Popular tourist destinations in Idaho include:
- Sun Valley
- Coeur d'Alene
- Boise
- Shoshone Falls
These destinations create a dynamic environment for hospitality management professionals, where your skills will directly contribute to the state's economic well-being. Idaho’s tourism industry brings in around $3.7 billion every year, and it employs nearly 46,000 people.
Collaboration with Idaho Tourism Board
To enhance your career in hospitality management, understanding and engaging with the Idaho Tourism Board is crucial. This board plays a pivotal role in the state’s tourism marketing and works in tandem with hospitality businesses to promote travel to and within Idaho. As a hospitality management graduate, your collaboration with the Idaho Tourism Board can be instrumental in driving the success of local businesses through targeted marketing, event sponsorships, and strategic development of tourism products.
- Key functions of the Idaho Tourism Board include:
- Marketing support and partnerships
- Development of tourism strategies
- Coordination of events and promotions
Your ability to interface with the Idaho Tourism Board will be a valuable asset in responding to tourism trends and increasing visitation to your establishment or within your sector of the hospitality industry.
Program Accreditation and Standards
When pursuing a degree in hospitality management in Idaho, you should ensure that your selected program is accredited and meets industry standards. Accreditation confirms that a program adheres to high-quality education norms, which is critical in the fast-paced and dynamic hospitality industry.
Your choice of an online hospitality management program should be influenced by accreditation status. Programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) signify that they maintain strict educational standards and are recognized in the industry. However, the minimum option for accreditation is regional accreditation, which indicates that the school as a whole offers an education that meets minimum standards. You should not even consider a school in Idaho that is not accredited by the regional accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
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Getting the Credentials
Choosing a program with the right credentials enhances your professional profile. In Idaho, you can find credentials ranging from technical certificates to advanced degrees.
Here's a brief overview:
| Credential Type | Description | Duration | Example Institutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Certificate | Focuses on core hospitality skills. | 1 year | Idaho State University |
| Associate of Applied Science | Comprehensive knowledge in hospitality management. | 2 years | Idaho State University |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | Business-oriented degree with specialty in resort and hospitality management. | Variable, online completion program | Online institutions offering management emphasis |
While an associate degree gives you the foundational knowledge of hospitality management, a bachelor's degree, especially one with a management emphasis, allows you to dive deeper into the nuances of the industry and prepare for leadership roles.
Potential Careers for Graduates
Hospitality management degrees afford you a diverse range of career paths, particularly within Idaho's growing leisure and hospitality industry. Here are just some of the options you might have with one of these degrees under your belt.
Hospitality Management Program Coordinator
Job Description: As a hospitality management program coordinator, you have the chance to shape hospitality programs for larger organizations, like a ski resort or cruise ship. You will deal with administrative duties, make sure the company sticks to a budget, and otherwise work to meet company goals, such as filling the cruise or resort for the tourism season. In Idaho, a state with a significant investment in tourism and hospitality, you may have several options to move into this or similar roles.
Requirements:
- Associate degree or bachelor’s degree preferred
- Inspect guest rooms, public areas, and grounds for cleanliness and appearance
- Ensure that company standards for guest services, décor, and housekeeping are met
- Plan marketing campaigns to reach interested members of the public
- Interview, hire, train, and sometimes fire staff members
- Monitor staff performance to ensure that guests are happy and that the facility is well run
- Ensure all departments complete projects and offer services within budget
Median Salary: Program Management Directors earn an average of $140,700 per year.
Hospitality Facilities Manager
Job Description: Your role as a hospitality facilities manager involves overseeing and improving the infrastructure of lodging and event spaces. This includes hotels, resorts, and potentially even healthcare facilities that require a keen eye for operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. As Idaho continues to develop as a travel destination, your expertise ensures properties meet the high expectations of visitors and stakeholders alike.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Less than 5 years work experience typically required
- Supervise staff
- Set goals and deadlines for their department or facility
- Recommend changes to policies or procedures in order to improve operations, such as reassessing supplies or recordkeeping
- Monitor facilities to make sure that they remain safe, secure, and well maintained
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of machinery, equipment, and electrical and mechanical systems
Median Salary: Facilities Managers earn an average of $99,030 per year.
Hospitality Training and Development Manager
Job Description: Invest in the growth and skills of your team with a vital role as a hospitality training and development manager. In this capacity, you're responsible for employee training programs, fostering a culture of continual learning, and ensuring that staff across various hospitality entities, like restaurants or banks, maintain the highest service standards.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Less than 5 years work experience typically required
- Oversee training and development staff
- Assess employees’ needs for training
- Align training with the organization’s goals
- Create and manage training budgets
- Develop and implement training programs
- Review and select training materials from a variety of vendors
Median Salary: Training and Development Managers earn an average of $120,000 per year
Hospitality Project Management Specialist
Job Description: In the role of a hospitality project management specialist, you'll be spearheading and coordinating projects related to tourism and entertainment destinations. With an acute understanding of both the business and creative aspects of hospitality, your project management skills will be essential for launching new ventures or elevating existing operations in Idaho's dynamic hospitality landscape.
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Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Less than 5 years work experience typically required
- Communicate with clients to determine project requirements and objectives
- Develop project plans to include information such as objectives, funding, schedules, and staff
- Identify, review, and select vendors or consultants to meet project needs
- Assign duties or responsibilities to project staff
- Confer with project staff to identify and resolve problems
- Monitor project costs to stay within budget
Median Salary: $95,370 per year
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for a hospitality management degree program in Idaho?
To enroll in a hospitality management degree program in Idaho, you typically need a high school diploma or GED. Additional requirements may include submission of SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Are there online options for pursuing a hospitality management degree in Idaho?
Yes, some institutions, like the Resort and Hospitality Management Programs at the University of Idaho, offer online degree options that cater to the evolving needs of students looking for flexibility in achieving their hospitality management education.
Which institutions in Idaho offer the best hospitality management programs?
Idaho State University and North Idaho College are among the institutions offering recognized hospitality management programs. Prospective students should consider faculty expertise, program curriculum, and partnership opportunities when evaluating programs.
How do the curriculum and workload of a hospitality management degree compare to other degrees?
The curriculum of a hospitality management degree focuses on business strategies, amenity management, lodging management, and marketing within the hospitality industry. Workload can vary by institution but generally includes a combination of theoretical coursework and practical on-the-job training.
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