Hospitality and Tourism Management

Requirements

The Hospitality and Tourism major emphasizes learning by doing. Students take their knowledge out of the classroom to work on real-world projects with local organizations and complete internships. Foundational courses on general business skills, economics, human resources, and the legal environment of business equip students with the knowledge and competencies to work in various professional settings.

Our carefully crafted curriculum includes hospitality electives and free electives to enrich students’ education, with a selection of courses such as entrepreneurship, sports management, event planning, marketing, recreation, and technical theater. Students can also explore special topics and independent study courses, empowering them to tailor their education to their unique interests.

4+1 Program

As a Hospitality and Tourism Management major at York College, you can pursue the 4+1 program, a great opportunity to advance your education and career in an accelerated format. This option allows you to complete both a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and an M.A. in Strategic Leadership and Management in as few as five years.

Admissions and Aid

York College of Pennsylvania strives to make the admissions process as straightforward as possible. To this end, we provide many resources to help you navigate applying and encourage you to explore undergraduate admissions. Likewise, we offer numerous financial aid tools and expertise that can guide you as you make decisions about funding your college education through aid options like scholarships, grants, work-study, or traditional student loans. Learn more about York financial aid.

Earn a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management at York College of Pennsylvania

Start your career in the industry by earning a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at York, where hands-on, holistic learning meets support at every step.

Request more information or start your application today.

Career Preparation

The Hospitality and Tourism Management major graduates professionals prepared to thrive in hotel/resort management, tourism (including global tourism), food and beverage management, event planning, and more. Our curriculum develops students' communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and management skills, abilities applicable not only to organizations within the United States but also to those operating internationally.

Students also benefit from the ability to prepare their post-graduation plans with assistance from the Career Development Center, which can help with everything from résumé writing to interview preparation and beyond.

Salary and Industry Outlook in Hospitality

As a hospitality professional, your salary may vary depending on your location, role, level of experience, and specific industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), lodging managers and food service managers earn an average salary of between $63,060 and $65,360 per year. The highest 10% of earners in those fields can make annual wages of $100,000 or more.

Many hospitality jobs are projecting higher-than-average growth over the next several years. In addition to in-demand roles in food service management and similar occupations, BLS data shows that meeting, convention, and event planner jobs are trending toward an 8% increase over the next eight years.

Hospitality and Tourism Internships

Students are required to complete three internships over the course of their bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. These experiences allow students to put their education into practice and prepare them for the realities of their future profession. Faculty can assist students in finding internships that align with their interests. Visit the Career Development Center’s internship page to learn more about finding internships at York College.

Study Abroad

Hospitality and Tourism Management majors at York College benefit from readily available Study Abroad opportunities. Many YCP students have earned academic credit while traveling to destinations around the world, including Austria, Italy, and Spain. Where will you travel?

Independent Study

The program offers an independent study option for students interested in exploring a research topic. During the independent study, students work under the guidance of a faculty member with area expertise. This kind of project can help students develop their skill set in preparation for their careers or graduate school.

Hospitality and Tourism Association and Eta Sigma Delta

Many students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management bachelor’s degree program choose to join the Hospitality and Tourism Association, a student-run organization that provides networking opportunities both on and off campus. Those who excel academically may also qualify to join Eta Sigma Delta, the international honor society for hospitality industry majors.

York College Student Clubs

York College of Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant campus life with student clubs and organizations spanning a wide range of passions – from academic honor societies and Greek life to club sports and unique interest groups. Can't find exactly what you're looking for? Start your own club tailored to your passion!

Tourism and Hospitality Management Major Skill Outcomes 

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management program develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares them to lead in a multitude of hospitality settings. These include:

• Expertise in managing daily operations of hospitality and tourism establishments, ensuring efficiency and quality
• Advanced skills in providing exceptional customer service and enhancing guest experiences
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, essential for interacting with clients, staff, and stakeholders
• Effective techniques and strategies for resolving disputes and handling customer complaints diplomatically
• Understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and financial reporting to maintain and improve profitability
• Sensitivity and adaptability to diverse cultural contexts and global environments
• Strong grasp of ethical issues and responsibilities within the hospitality and tourism industry

York, Pennsylvania is centrally located near a number of major metropolitan areas and popular tourist destinations. The College is just a one-hour drive from Baltimore; two hours from Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia; and 3.5 hours from New York, Pittsburgh, and Richmond. 

A number of high-profile hospitality companies are headquartered in the region, including Marriott International, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Choice Hotels International, ARAMARK, and Wyndham Worldwide.

Hospitality and Tourism Management majors learn a broad range of professional skills, including communication, critical thinking, and a variety of business concepts—and at York College, they’re able to practice those skills beyond the classroom. Hands-on projects with real companies and organizations provide résumé-building experience long before graduation day. Internships offer opportunities to network and explore the many different specialties within the hospitality industry. And through it all, students have the support of expert faculty and a close-knit community of peers.

Holding a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management qualifies you for roles in a variety of workplaces. Students often go on to work in hotels, restaurants, or theme parks. Some work in food and beverage management; others supervise front desks and staff. You may choose to plan events or work for a convention center, or even travel the world as a tour guide or a manager on a cruise ship. Hospitality and tourism roles are located throughout the United States and often include opportunities for working or living abroad.

The hospitality and tourism industry provides services to customers around the world. Moreover, North American hospitality companies often seek to expand their brands and operations into international markets. This means that hospitality professionals often have opportunities for both domestic and international travel. 

To prepare students for future careers in cross-cultural workplaces, York College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program promotes global understanding through classroom learning and Study Abroad opportunities.

The majority of jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries—and especially management positions—require a college degree and/or a high school diploma and several years of experience in a related field. Hospitality is a complex business, requiring professionals who are well versed in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, along with training in fundamental business principles. 

Graduates of York College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program often assume leadership responsibilities and challenging management positions. These professionals benefit from the specialized education and networking opportunities made available through a comprehensive bachelor’s degree experience.