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Looking to pursue a Hospitality Management Degree in Chicago IL but unsure which program is right for you?
This article breaks down the top Hospitality Management programs in Chicago, highlighting their unique strengths, industry connections, and career opportunities.
Get a clear picture of each program’s offerings to make an informed decision.
DePaul University – Hospitality Leadership Program
DePaul University’s Hospitality Leadership program offers a top-tier education to prepare you for a promising career in various sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and event planning. Situated in downtown Chicago, this program places you in the heart of the city’s vibrant hospitality scene.
Key elements of DePaul’s program:
- Curriculum: Combines hospitality leadership courses with core business coursework.
- Internships: Features two mandatory internships facilitated by the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Center for Student Development and Engagement.
- Employment Rate: Boasts a high employment rate for graduates.
- Industry Reputation: Recognized as the most acclaimed hospitality program in Illinois.
The program’s strategic downtown location provides abundant opportunities for hands-on learning and networking. Graduates are poised to step into leadership roles, thanks to the robust educational foundation and industry experiences provided.
Kendall College – Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
Kendall College in Chicago offers a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, enhancing your preparedness for a global hospitality career. Ranked in the top 25 globally by CEOWORLD, Kendall’s program excels in offering diverse specialization options.
Program highlights include:
- Specializations: Choose from Hotel & Lodging Management, Event Planning, Food & Beverage Management, and Tourism.
- Partnerships: Strong partnerships with local hospitality businesses for real-world experience.
- Global Ranking: Recognized among top hospitality programs internationally.
- Continuing Education: Offers continuing education courses for ongoing professional development.
This program is ideal if you are aiming for a comprehensive understanding of hospitality management within a culturally diverse setting.
City Colleges of Chicago – Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Hospitality Management
City Colleges of Chicago offers an AAS in Hospitality Management to equip you with essential management skills. This program is designed for both full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility to match your schedule.
Key features are:
- General Education: Incorporates general education courses along with core hospitality courses.
- Work-Based Learning: Includes internships and hands-on work experiences.
- Electives: Options to specialize in event management or casino operations.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring a standard of quality education.
This program supports career growth by blending traditional learning with real-world applications.
Roosevelt University – Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management (MSHTM)
Roosevelt University’s MSHTM program offers a blend of hybrid and online courses for a convenient learning experience. The program leverages its location in Chicago, a top-tier market for hospitality, to provide unparalleled industry exposure.
Program specifics include:
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading hospitality organizations for practical learning.
- Hands-on Learning: Real-world projects integrated into the curriculum.
- Leadership Preparation: Graduates often assume leadership roles in major hospitality companies like Hilton and Marriott.
The MSHTM program is ideal for enhancing your leadership skills and preparing for high-level positions within the hospitality and tourism sectors.
University of Illinois – Hospitality Management Program
Located in a bustling academic environment, the University of Illinois Hospitality Management program blends food-focused social and biological sciences with fundamental business and management concepts.
Notable aspects include:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Combines varied disciplines for a multifaceted education.
- Internships: Includes mandatory internships for real-world experience.
- Small Faculty-to-Student Ratio: Ensures personalized education and professional development.
- Student-Run Facilities: Offers hands-on learning in student-operated facilities.
Through required internships and opportunities for study abroad, this program significantly prepares you for multiple career paths within the hospitality industry.
Roosevelt University – Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Roosevelt University’s Bachelor’s program in Hospitality and Tourism Management offers a comprehensive curriculum with various concentrations. It’s located in Chicago, providing a dynamic backdrop for your studies.
Key components:
- Concentrations: Includes Lodging Management, Food & Beverage Management, Meeting, Events, and Exhibition Management, and Tourism Administration.
- Industry Partnerships: Facilitates real-world learning through strong industry connections.
- Diverse Environment: Offers a rich and diverse learning atmosphere.
This program prepares you for successful entry and growth within the hospitality industry, leveraging Chicago’s vibrant hospitality market for an enriched educational experience.
DePaul University – School of Hospitality and Sports Business
DePaul University’s School of Hospitality and Sports Business offers an engaging and strategic approach to hospitality education. Supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this program stands out for its innovative curriculum and strong industry ties.
Key highlights include:
- Strategic Planning Emphasis: Focuses on strategic planning, globalization, and sustainability within the hospitality industry.
- Specialized Centers: Features specialized centers for career development and research, providing students with access to cutting-edge resources.
- Social Engagement Principles: Aligns with DePaul’s principles of social engagement, preparing students to address real-world challenges.
Graduates emerge well-equipped to handle the dynamic demands of the hospitality industry, thanks to DePaul’s rigorous educational framework and strategic insights.
Washburne Culinary Institute – Hospitality Management
The Washburne Culinary Institute in Chicago offers a rich history and specialized training in Hospitality Management. As one of the oldest culinary schools in the nation, it provides a comprehensive education in various aspects of the culinary and hospitality industries.
Program details include:
- Degree Options: Offers degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Hospitality Management.
- Practical Experience: Emphasizes hands-on training in world-class kitchens and facilities.
- Industry Leader Partnerships: Maintains partnerships with leading hospitality companies to ensure alignment with industry expectations.
With an emphasis on practical experience and a strong industry network, this program prepares students for thriving careers in hospitality.
Saint Xavier University – Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hospitality Management
Saint Xavier University’s BBA in Hospitality Management combines business acumen with hospitality expertise to prepare students for successful roles in the industry.
Noteworthy elements include:
- Emphasis on Professionalism: Teaches strong professionalism and business ethics.
- Core Competencies: Focuses on customer service, event planning, and staff management.
- Personalized Attention: Offers small class sizes for more personalized attention and mentorship.
- Networking Opportunities: Located in Chicago, providing valuable networking opportunities with industry leaders.
This program equips students with the skills needed to excel in various hospitality roles while fostering a strong professional network.
University of Illinois – Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
The University of Illinois offers a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management that integrates business principles with hospitality-specific knowledge.
Program features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers food science, nutrition, sanitation, and essential management concepts.
- Internship Requirement: Requires an off-campus internship for hands-on learning.
- Advanced Courses: Includes advanced courses to deepen specialized knowledge.
- Solid Foundation: Provides a blend of theoretical learning and practical experience.
Graduates leave well-prepared for diverse careers in the hospitality industry, supported by robust educational underpinnings and experiential learning opportunities.
College of DuPage – Hospitality Management Associate in Applied Science Degree
The College of DuPage offers an Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management, with additional certificate options.
Key attributes include:
- Skill Development: Focuses on critical analysis, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
- Dedicated Instructors: Benefits from instructors dedicated to student success.
- Transfer Agreements: Offers transfer agreements with four-year colleges.
- Flexible Options: Provides flexibility for students to specialize in their areas of interest.
This program lays a solid foundation for careers in hospitality, with the flexibility to pursue further education or enter the workforce directly.
Choosing the Best Hospitality Management Program for You
Selecting the right Hospitality Management program involves evaluating several critical factors. Here’s what you should consider:
- Program Reputation: Research the program’s reputation within the hospitality industry. Programs known for producing successful graduates often have strong industry connections and resources.
- Curriculum Quality: Examine the curriculum to ensure it covers both core hospitality principles and specialized knowledge areas that align with your career goals.
- Industry Connections: Look for programs with strong industry ties and partnerships, which can provide valuable internship opportunities and job placements.
- Internship Opportunities: Ensure the program includes internships or practical experiences. These allow you to gain hands-on experience and build your professional network.
- Location Advantages: Consider the program’s location. Being in a vibrant hospitality market like Chicago can provide additional opportunities for learning and employment.
- Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by relevant accrediting bodies. This ensures the program meets specific educational standards.
- Faculty Expertise: Research the faculty’s background and expertise. Faculty with industry experience can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Student Support Services: Look for programs that offer robust student support services, such as career counseling and academic advising.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the program’s cost and available financial aid options. Consider the potential return on investment based on employment rates and average salaries of graduates.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a program that best aligns with your aspirations and provides a strong foundation for your career in hospitality management.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Choosing the right Hospitality Management Degree in Chicago IL is a pivotal step in your career. Each program offers unique strengths and opportunities designed to help you succeed in the dynamic hospitality industry.
Whether you’re drawn to DePaul University’s strategic approach, Kendall College’s global orientation, or the practical experiences at Washburne Culinary Institute, there’s a program to fit your career goals.
Take the next step by visiting campuses, requesting more information, or starting the application process for the program that best meets your needs. With the right education, your hospitality career will be off to a promising start.