Hospitality Management blends theoretical and hands-on learning in the areas of management, human resources, accounting, food and beverage operations and lodging operations. Externships are an integral part of the curriculum as they provide an opportunity for application to real world situations ultimately culminating into a career portfolio and entry level management positions in restaurant, catering, hotels and other segments of the hospitality industry. Students also have the opportunity to focus on special topics related to the hospitality industry via their electives.

Desired Student Outcomes
1. Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the hospitality industry; they will understand professional and ethical behavior in the workplace.
2. Communication: Graduates will use written and oral communication to work effectively with fellow employees, clients, and customers.
3. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Graduates will efficiently solve problems in facilities, customer relations, personnel, procurement, and community relations.
4. Management and finance: Graduates will apply management principles effectively in a variety of workplaces; demonstrate knowledge of basic accounting concepts and principles; identify through validated research consumer markets and customer buying behavior; and implement a quality customer service program and how to integrate continuous quality improvements
5. Context: Graduates identify the differences in cultural values and perceptions of socio-cultural issues related to hospitality management and operations; explain the industry in relation to global cultural and economic diversity; articulate legal issues related to hospitality management.

Graduation Requirements
To receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management, students must complete a minimum of 90 quarter-credits with 24 quarter-credits in general education courses and 66 in the specialty area with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Also a student must receive a passing grade or credit for all required course work and satisfy all portfolio requirements including participation in the Senior Portfolio Show and satisfy all financial obligations to The Illinois Institute of Art.