There are abundant opportunities available to the bearer of a degree in hospitality. The required training develops skills suited to serve people through the myriad support roles vital to the leisure industries. Graduates acquire skills in customer service and problem solving while also developing an understanding of business financials and management. This skill set makes opportunities as event planners, travel and tourism managers, chefs, sommeliers, and hotel managers within reach of the applicant holding a hospitality degree. The common thread among these careers is a desire to ensure quality service is provided to all  clients of their establishments.

Hospitality Degree Options

Once you’ve set your sights on a degree in hospitality management, you should enroll in an accredited university, college or business school that offers the program. There are four degree options available:

  • Associate’s Degree in Hospitality Management – This two year course covers general education in hospitality management and serves as a precursor to a bachelor’s degree or entry level employment in the field.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management – This four year course encompasses general education as well as focused training in hospitality management.
  • Master’s Degree in Hospitality Management – A master’s degree can be obtained through either a one year or two year program. This course of study provides the opportunity to receive specialized training in a particular area of hospitality management.
  • Doctorate Degree in Hospitality Management – The pursuit of a doctorate degree can take from three to five years to complete and requires a great deal of research and a thesis.

Poised for Growth

The hospitality industry includes several businesses that provide services to customers. From spas to gambling casinos to restaurants to travel and hotel management, hospitality is a booming business poised for continued growth. According to the bureau of labor statistics, 2.2 million jobs were added to the hospitality workforce since 2004. The hospitality industry currently employs over 12 million people in the U.S.; that is 8.6 percent of all employment. As economic forecasts improve, experts predict a surge in demand for leisure and luxury services. According to CNBC, the U.S. is leading the world in hotel industry growth. This boom bodes well for all sectors of the hospitality industry and is great news for those with an accredited degree in hospitality.

Not All about Leisure

There are many career paths in the leisure and service industry that can be attained with a hospitality degree. However, there are other options available which are more in line with personnel management than customer relations. Human resource managers administer to employees, supervising issues regarding pay, benefits, insurance, conflict resolution and employment. If you prefer to assist a staff of employees rather than a roster of clients, a career as a human resource manager may be a better occupation.

Leisure and travel are pursuits which are beloved by Americans and tourists the world over. Playing a vital role in accommodating customers or efficiently servicing a team of employees can be fulfilling and well compensated career choices. A degree in hospitality may be a worthwhile price of admission to a stimulating vocation.