Hospitality Management Degree in Virginia Beach VA

Looking to pursue a hospitality management degree in the picturesque city of Virginia Beach, VA?

This guide highlights the top programs available, detailing their unique offerings to help you choose the best fit for your career goals.

Discover the paths that can lead you to success in the vibrant hospitality industry.

Tidewater Community College – Hospitality Management Program

Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach offers a robust Hospitality Management program tailored to equip you with the skills needed for a thriving career in the hospitality industry.

Here, you can specialize in:

• Food Service Management: Focus on recipe and menu management, catering management, and food and beverage cost control.
• Event Planning: Learn to organize events effectively, covering finances, logistics, and technology.
• Lodging Management: Gain expertise in hospitality law, front office operations, and executive housekeeping.

Key Features

• Career-Focused Curriculum: The program covers supervisory management, accounting, communications, cost control, and marketing.
• Flexible Learning Options: Choose between on-campus and online formats to suit your schedule.
• Hands-On Experience: Benefit from practical training in real-world settings, essential for career readiness.

You can opt for the Career Studies Certificates, which can be completed in just two semesters, or pursue the Associate of Applied Science degree over four semesters. This flexibility allows you to progress at your pace and based on your career goals.

Explore more about the Hospitality Management Program at Tidewater Community College.

Norfolk State University – Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Norfolk State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management, providing a solid foundation for future hospitality leaders. This program emphasizes theory-based instruction combined with practical experiences to prepare you for management roles in a global setting.

Core Elements

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Focus on management, marketing, operations, and accounting.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities for internships and mentorships with local hotel operators and convention bureaus.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who bring valuable insights and industry connections.

Benefits

• Online Flexibility: Complete the 121 credit-hour program online, offering you the flexibility to balance studies with other commitments.
• Expansive Career Pathways: Potential careers include hotel management, event planning, restaurant management, and travel agency roles.

Over four years, you will undergo extensive training, culminating in a degree that opens doors to numerous opportunities in the burgeoning tourism and hospitality sector.

Discover more about the Tourism and Hospitality Management degree at Norfolk State University.

Old Dominion University – Bachelor of Science in Tourism & Hospitality Management

At Old Dominion University, the Bachelor of Science in Tourism & Hospitality Management prepares you for diverse roles within the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. The program stands out for its strong emphasis on hands-on experience and industry engagement.

Highlighted Features

• Service Learning Activities: Participate in events like the Virginia International Tattoo Festival to gain practical insights.
• Industry Engagement: Engage with experienced professionals through classes and various industry conferences like the VA-1 Tourism Summit.
• Practical Experience: Mandatory practicum and internships provide real-world experience, enhancing your career prospects.

Curriculum Focus

• Tourism Industry Development: Learn about the industry’s evolution, historical context, and technological advancements.
• Sustainable Tourism Management: Explore principles and practices crucial for planning, marketing, and managing sustainable tourism efforts.

Applicants must meet the university’s admission requirements and complete a personal interview with a faculty member. This requirement ensures the program aligns with your career aspirations and educational needs.

For more information, visit the Tourism & Hospitality Management program at Old Dominion University.

Bryant & Stratton College – Associate Degree in Hospitality Management

Bryant & Stratton College offers an Associate Degree in Hospitality Management tailored to provide a strong foundation in business management within the hospitality sector.

Program Highlights

• Business Management Foundation: Courses include human resources, marketing, sales, finance, and hospitality-specific practices.
• Specialized Focus: Gain expertise in the hospitality industry, including hotels, casinos, travel and tourism, and food and beverage management.
• Practical Skills: Develop the ability to address core concepts such as hospitality services, planning, and operations.

Key Learnings

• Core Concepts: Learn the fundamental principles of hospitality services, accounting, human resources, marketing, and operations.
• Industry Overview: Understand the different entities and professions within the hospitality industry.
• Decision-Making Skills: Improve management principles and behaviors specific to hospitality settings.
• Ethical Awareness: Engage with social, ethical, and legal considerations critical to hospitality management.

This program is available online in all states except New York, offering flexibility and convenience. With personalized support for online students, Bryant & Stratton College ensures a quality education for aspiring hospitality professionals.

Explore the Hospitality Management program at Bryant & Stratton College.

ECPI University – Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Hospitality Management

At ECPI University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Hospitality Management. This program is designed for those aiming to manage food service operations across various sectors, including restaurants, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Unique Program Elements

• Accelerated Completion: Complete the program in 2.5 years through a year-round schedule.
• Wide Range of Employment Opportunities: Potential roles in casual and quick-service restaurants, catering services, convention centers, athletic facilities, school hospitality, business dining services, campus dining, and healthcare food service.

Core Courses

• Menu Engineering for Food Service
• Wine and Beverage Management
• Advanced Hospitality Customer Service
• Facility Management
• Project and Special Event Management
• Food Service Entrepreneurship

Electives

• Personal Income Tax
• Fundamentals of Customer Service
• Change Management
• Technology Optimization
• Organizational Leadership

ECPI University provides comprehensive support services, including admissions guidance, military admissions support, and financial assistance options, ensuring you have the resources needed to succeed.

For more details, visit the Hospitality Management program at ECPI University.

How to Choose the Best Hospitality Management Program

Selecting the right Hospitality Management Degree in Virginia Beach VA requires careful evaluation of several critical factors:

1. Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation guarantees curriculum quality and adherence to industry standards.

2. Curriculum

Look for programs with a comprehensive curriculum that covers:

• Management Principles: Focus on strategic and operational management.
• Marketing: Learn marketing techniques relevant to the hospitality industry.
• Finance: Gain knowledge in financial management and cost control.
• Specializations: Check for specialized courses in areas like event planning or food service management.

3. Practical Experience

Internships: Opt for programs offering real-world training opportunities.
Practicums and Service Learning: Hands-on experiences are essential for career readiness.

4. Faculty Expertise

Research faculty backgrounds:

• Industry Experience: Professors with real-world experience provide valuable insights.
• Networking: Benefit from faculty connections and industry links.

5. Career Services

Evaluate the extent of career support:

• Job Placements: Assistance in finding job opportunities.
• Internships: Support in securing internships.
• Networking Opportunities: Access to industry events and mentorship.

6. Flexibility

Consider program delivery formats:

• On-Campus: Traditional classroom setting.
• Online: Flexibility to balance studies with work or other commitments.
• Hybrid: Combination of on-campus and online learning.

7. Cost and Financial Aid

Compare tuition fees and available financial aid options:

• Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships.
• Grants: Financial assistance not requiring repayment.
• Loans: Federal and private loans.

8. Location

Proximity to hospitality hubs, such as Virginia Beach, provides additional internship and employment opportunities.

9. Alumni Network

A strong alumni network can provide:

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals.
• Job Opportunities: Access to job opportunities through alumni connections.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Hospitality Career Today

Choosing the right hospitality management degree in Virginia Beach VA can be pivotal for your career. Explore the programs outlined, evaluate your options, and take the first step toward a successful career in hospitality management. With the right education and hands-on experience, you will be well-prepared to thrive in this dynamic industry.