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Looking for the best Hospitality Management Degree in Pomona, CA?
This article highlights top programs that blend business skills with hospitality expertise, providing unique opportunities for hands-on experience, industry connections, and career advancement.
Cal Poly Pomona – Collins College of Hospitality Management
Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College of Hospitality Management stands as a leader in hospitality education, offering robust programs for future hospitality professionals. Accredited by the ACPHA, the college prioritizes innovation and applied research, ensuring you gain industry-relevant skills for a successful career.
Degree Programs
Undergraduate Degree Program
The undergraduate program provides a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. Combining business management with specialized subjects like restaurant and event management, the curriculum is both comprehensive and hands-on.
- Key Courses:
You will be required to complete a minimum of 800 hours of professional work experience, which gives you practical exposure to the industry.
Hands-On Learning:
The Food & Beverage Operations course involves real-world practice at The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, a hallmark of experiential learning.
Career-Oriented Opportunities:
Through initiatives like the “Engage in the Industry” program, you can attend national trade shows and participate in study abroad programs in Italy and Thailand.
Graduate Degree Program
The Collins College also offers a Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHM) for advanced studies. The MSHM program focuses on critical management concepts, equipping you with both qualitative and quantitative analytical skills suitable for higher-level roles.
- Flexible Academic Structure:
Popular electives include:
- International Tourism Management
- Club Management
- Culinary Product Development
- Event Management
By offering extensive career services and a wide range of elective subjects, the MSHM program paves the way for versatile career paths in the hospitality sector. Admissions requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE or GMAT scores, and English proficiency for international students.
Additional Highlights
Networking Opportunities:
Proximity to major hospitality hubs ensures you get ample chance for networking through events, guest lectures, and internships.
Learn more about Collins College programs here.
Cal Poly Pomona – Master of Science in Hospitality Management
The Cal Poly Pomona Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHM) is specifically designed to fine-tune your managerial skills and academic foundation, tailored to the hospitality industry.
Core Curriculum:
Courses cover a broad spectrum of critical areas such as:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
- Human Resources Management
Program Structure
- Thesis Option:
- Non-Thesis Option:
Electives span topics like international tourism, club management, culinary development, and more, providing a customizable learning experience based on your aspirations in hospitality management.
Skill Development
Both program structures aim to:
- Develop technological literacy
- Enhance analytical thinking
- Foster teamwork and leadership
The program is attentive to current trends and equips you with the necessary tools to excel in high-level management positions within the hospitality sector or pursue further academic research.
Admission Requirements
To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, adequate GRE or GMAT scores, and for international candidates, proof of English proficiency.
By shaping well-rounded professionals ready to meet the industry’s challenges, the MSHM program at Cal Poly Pomona stands out as a vital step toward career advancement in hospitality management.
Discover more about the MSHM program here.
Stay tuned as we continue exploring further hospitality programs that can help you reach your career goals.
Cal Poly Pomona – Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the economic, legal, and social forces influencing the hospitality industry. It combines essential business management fundamentals with specialized courses in restaurant management, event planning, travel, and tourism.
Key Courses:
- Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
- Sanitation Practices
- Hospitality Management Law
- Food, Beverage, and Labor Cost Control
- Professional Cooking
Specializations:
You can choose to specialize in:
- Food & Beverage Operations
- Lodging Operations
Work Experience:
You’ll need to complete 800 hours of professional work experience, with 400 hours in residence, providing you with hands-on industry exposure.
Elective Options:
The program also offers elective options allowing you to focus on specific areas such as:
- Hospitality Procurement
- Healthy Cuisine
- Gaming Operations
Program Requirement:
A total of 180 units is required, combining business and general education coursework to prepare you for diverse management roles.
See detailed information about the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
College of the Desert – Associate in Arts (AA) in Hospitality Management
The College of the Desert in Palm Desert offers an Associate in Arts (AA) in Hospitality Management. This program equips you with essential skills for roles in hotels, restaurants, travel services, gaming, recreation, and events.
Advantages:
- Transfer Agreement: A seamless transition to Cal Poly Pomona for further education.
- Immediate Employment: Prepares you for entry- and mid-level management positions.
- Broad Skillset: Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Core Courses:
- Hospitality Operations
- Cooking Techniques
- Financial Management
- Hospitality Law
Program Outcome:
Provides a strong foundation for either further education or direct employment.
For more details, visit the College of the Desert’s program page.
Collins College of Hospitality Management – Bachelor of Science
At The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, you will find California’s oldest and largest four-year hospitality management program. It integrates management theories and real-world applications.
Curriculum Focus:
- Restaurant Management
- Hotel/Resort Management
- Culinary Product Development
- Tourism and Event Planning
Hands-On Learning:
Engage in practical experiences, especially at The Restaurant at Kellogg Ranch, enhancing your educational experience.
Proximity and Networking:
Close to major hospitality destinations for better internship and networking opportunities.
Extracurricular Activities:
Join clubs, attend industry guest lectures, and participate in various activities to broaden your professional network.
Gain more insight into the offerings at Collins College by visiting their program page.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo – Tourism, Hospitality, and Destination Management Concentration
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Destination Management Concentration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo within the BS in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration provides a deep understanding of the hospitality industry.
Key Courses:
- Introduction to Hospitality and Travel
- Resort and Lodging Operations
- Hospitality Convention and Meeting Management
- Destination Marketing and Management
Electives:
Tailor your education with approved electives to suit your career goals.
Hands-On Training:
Directed Field Experience and Advanced Experience Industry Management Applications courses are emphasized.
Sustainability Focus:
Includes courses like Sustainable Travel and Tourism Planning to address modern industry needs.
Visit Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s program page for more information.
Tips for Choosing the Best Hospitality Management Degree Program
When selecting the best hospitality management degree program, consider these critical factors to ensure the best fit for your career goals:
- Accreditation: Check if the program is accredited by bodies like ACPHA for quality assurance.
- Faculty Expertise: Review the credentials and industry experience of the faculty. Experienced mentors can offer valuable insights.
- Internship Opportunities: Look for programs with robust internship or professional work experience options to gain real-world exposure.
- Campus Facilities: Ensure the availability of modern facilities like on-campus restaurants or labs for practical learning.
- Specializations: Align the program’s specializations with your career interests, be it in food and beverage, lodging operations, tourism, or events planning.
- Networking Opportunities: Programs near major hospitality hubs offer better networking through events, trade shows, and guest lectures.
- Career Services: Consider the strength of career services for job placements, resume building, and interview preparation.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the program’s cost and available financial aid to decide wisely without financial burden.
- Alumni Success: Research the success stories of alumni and their career trajectories for further reassurance.
Following these tips will help you identify a program that offers a balanced education, practical experiences, and strong support, setting you on the right path to a successful career in hospitality management.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In summary, pursuing a hospitality management degree in Pomona, CA provides numerous educational opportunities that can pave the way for a rewarding career. Whether you aim for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or an associate degree, programs like those at Cal Poly Pomona and College of the Desert offer comprehensive coursework, hands-on experiences, and robust career support.
Explore these programs in detail and take the next step in advancing your education and career in hospitality management. Now is the time to transform your passion for hospitality into a thriving career.