PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University is launching an online bachelor of arts major in hospitality business management for fall 2015.
Students will learn the fundamentals of operating hotels, restaurants, sports and convention centers, senior facilities, and tourist destinations, both in the U.S. and internationally. WSU faculty bring extensive industry experience to the curriculum, which covers operations, revenues, sales, service, event planning and consulting.
“Travel, tourism, and related hospitality businesses continue to grow, particularly internationally,” said Nancy Swanger, WSU professor and director of the HBM program.
All HBM courses are online and seven weeks long, Swanger said. Other courses will be in the traditional 16-week format.
“More than $125,000 in scholarships are available annually for both on-campus and online students in their second year or beyond,” Swanger said. “And students can apply for the semester-long study abroad program at the Brig campus of César Ritz Colleges Switzerland.”
Graduates are required to work 1,000 paid hours in the hospitality industry, which gives them real-world skills, career connections and a high profile for corporate recruiters—many of whom have long-standing ties to WSU.
“Our powerful alumni network is invaluable for those wanting to advance their careers,” said Swanger, who is also a restaurant owner. “Cougs take care of Cougs.”
One recruiter—and WSU alumnus—is Burl Battersby, a longtime hotel manager who is now director of rooms at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.
“Having a WSU hospitality business management degree gives job candidates an advantage,” he said. “That’s because of the proven quality of the program, as demonstrated by the quality of the alumni we have hired over the years.”
WSU’s hospitality program is part of WSU’s AACSB-accredited Carson College of Business. It was established in 1932, making it the third-oldest such program in the U.S. It consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 hospitality programs.
The degree is offered through WSU Global Campus, an award-winning online program that uses WSU professors to design and teach online courses, ensuring that all students receive a top-quality education and a diploma backed by the international reputation of Washington State University.
For more information about the HBM degree, please visit the Global Campus website.
Contact:
Richard Miller, 509-335-5711, millerr@wsu.edu,