Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hospitality Management Degree
Prepare for a Career in Hospitality With GCU’s Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Degree
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hospitality Management from Grand Canyon University (GCU) includes coursework that prepares you for a career in rewarding hospitality fields. You will be prepared to work at events, resorts, hotels, golf courses, restaurants and all tourism-related businesses.
Hospitality management is the service of ensuring that travelers and event attendees have a memorable experience. Hospitality managers may oversee the lodging, dining and activities at various venues. They ensure that the business is run efficiently and can turn a profit.
Graduates with a degree in hospitality may oversee various departments within a business. These might include housekeeping, front desk, concierge, restaurant, spa services, events, administration, sales and guest services. Those with a hospitality management degree work to ensure that all of these services integrate seamlessly into the venue’s offerings.
BS in Hospitality Management Career Pathways
As a hospitality management graduate, you will be able to apply your degree coursework to jobs in many types of hospitality-related venues. These may include:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Spas
- Resorts
- Cruise ships
- Travel and tourism organizations
- Event planning companies
While a bachelor’s degree may not directly be required for hire, there are several job titles you may explore that could be suitable for those starting out in hospitality management, such as a food service manager, lodging manager, personal service manager or entertainment and recreation manager. Those looking to put their BS in hospitality management degree toward managing events may consider working as a meeting, convention and event planner.
If helping people enjoy themselves while they travel is a job meant for you, then consider looking into hospitality management as a career. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about the bachelor’s in hospitality management degree at GCU.
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[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing a career in hospitality management and earning your on-campus or online degree in hospitality management from GCU.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meeting, Convention and Event Planners, retrieved on April 19, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Meeting, Convention and Event Planners, as of May 2021, retrieved on Feb. 28, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as meeting, convention and event planners. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.
Course Description
In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course introduces the hospitality industry and essential guest service and communication skills that ensure efficient delivery of quality services. Students are taught the skills necessary to effectively communicate, meet the service quality expectations of a diverse clientele, and appropriately represent their organizations.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course examines the management of hotel and lodging operations with an emphasis on guest service and improving profitability. Students are introduced to the basics of management in core lodging segments, operational procedures, guest relations, and the relationships between operational departments. Analysis of operational efficiencies to improve organizational outcomes is also addressed. Prerequisite: HOS-200.
Course Description
This course emphasizes the daily operations and management of food and beverage service within the hospitality industry. Students learn principles related to the hiring and training of service workers, food handling and sanitation, layout and equipment planning, and safety regulations and standards. Essential elements of the course include purchasing and cost control, menu management, and innovation in the food and beverage industry. Prerequisite: HOS-200.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used for engagement with customers, prospects, suppliers, and internal stakeholders and the communications strategies and tactics needed to build and sustain long-term and mutually satisfying relationships that add value in today’s economy. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology will also be introduced. Prerequisite: MKT-315
Course Description
This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.
Course Description
This course explores the scope of the events and tourism industry, analyzes the functions of the various segments, and demonstrates the relationship between professional service and operational success. Students receive a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of planning and organizing an event and an overview of the nature and scope of the meetings and event industry. This course explains how the interrelated sectors of the tourism industry can be better prepared to attract and service people travelling for both business and leisure.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course is a study of the human resource management function in organizations, including detailed coverage of staffing, organizational development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations. Emphasis is placed on how human resource management as a whole enhances organizational performance and success. Prerequisite: HIM-425, MGT-420, or MGT-422HN. Equivalent to AMP-434.
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course introduces the unique features of services marketing with a focus on the importance of building and maintaining guest relationships to deliver quality service through the development of marketing strategies. Students will evaluate brand management and determine strategic approaches suitable for the hospitality industry with an emphasis on aligning strategies to organizational goals. There is a particular emphasis on the applications of social media and integrated marketing communications. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course focuses on identifying the components of revenue management in order to optimize consumer demand, revenue and profit for the hospitality industry. Students participate in competitive analysis to identify market opportunities and develop pricing and sales mix strategies that support organizational goals. Students learn analytical modeling practices, market segmentation, distribution channel mix, forecasting, and budgeting. The use of industry benchmarking tools and metrics relevant to revenue management are also addressed. Prerequisites: HOS-440 and HOS-460.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.