Hospitality and Tourism Management

The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Cape Breton University provides students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for thriving in the dynamic hospitality and tourism industries. This program is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of career opportunities, including hotel management, tourism planning, event coordination, and hospitality entrepreneurship. Throughout the program, students engage with core subjects such as hospitality operations, tourism marketing, financial management, and sustainable practices, ensuring they develop a well-rounded understanding of the industry. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning through internships, industry projects, and collaborations with local businesses, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and build valuable professional networks. Focused on leadership, customer service excellence, and innovative problem-solving, the program equips students to meet the evolving demands of global tourism markets and to contribute positively to regional economic development. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including industry-standard kitchens, event spaces, and computer labs, which enhance their learning experience. The program aims to foster cultural awareness, ethical practices, and environmental responsibility, aligning with the trends of sustainable tourism. Graduates leave the program prepared not only to pursue immediate employment opportunities but also to advance into supervisory and managerial roles within the hospitality sector. The diverse faculty bring extensive industry experience, providing mentorship and insights that inspire students to excel. Overall, the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Cape Breton University offers a comprehensive education with a strong focus on practical skills, industry engagement, and personal development, ensuring students are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive global landscape.

The Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program is a three-year general degree offered through the School of Business that encompasses courses spread over the hospitality, tourism, business/management, humanities, social science, and English academic disciplines.

The program includes two compulsory six-month paid industry internships which occur between May and October in the first and second year of study. Internships must meet suitable industry internship criteria. An internship co-ordinator (Paul Hanna) will arrange recruitment presentations and provide students with the opportunity to be interviewed on campus by national, provincial, and regional establishments for internship placement. Students are also encouraged to seek internship opportunities on their own, although all eligible internship placements are subject to approval by the Internship Co-ordinator.

Academic terms 3 and 5 begin in mid-October allowing time for students to complete the 540 hours of approved industry employment required to fulfill the industry internship component of the program.

Students should consult an academic advisor about appropriate electives.

Program courses are spread across the hospitality/tourism (industry-specific), business (management) and non-business (liberal education) disciplines

Admission Requirements:

Required: Five Grade 12 advanced or academic courses including English and Mathematics with a minimum average of 65%.
Note: Students may substitute one open course for one advanced or academic course except where a particular course is specified.

International Students

• International students registering for courses for the first academic term (Sept.-Dec.) will be required to pay all tuition and applicable fees at the time of registration.
• International students registering for both academic terms (Sept.-April) will be required to pay 60% of all tuition and applicable fees at the time of registration. 100% of medical plan fee and campus activity fee is due at this time.
• International students in residence must pay all fees for the term (residence accommodation and meal plans) at the beginning of each term in addition to the above tuition fees.
• Students claiming Canadian landed immigrant status will be charged differential fees unless documented verification has been provided to the Finance Office at CBU.

There will be no exceptions to the above stated payment policies.

• First term marks will only be issued to students who have paid all first term tuition and fees (including outstanding library fines) in full.
• Interest will be calculated on outstanding balances at the rate of 1% the first day of each month.
• Students over 65 or preretired at 60 may be granted a tuition waiver. (does not apply to online education courses, tutorials or graduate courses).

The cost of a university education can often be supported through scholarship and bursary programs that offer students an opportunity to apply for monies based on academic merit, financial need or other specific criteria. Through their own hard work and commitment, students entering all academic schools at CBU earn scholarships that are generated through the generosity of donors who contribute to the university’s fundraising efforts. In 2015, CBU was able to offer over $1.8 million in scholarships to students beginning their academic careers at Cape Breton University.

Entrance Scholarships
(Domestic and International Students)

Must apply by March 7, 2016 with official transcripts for consideration.

All entering students who wish to be considered for entrance scholarships/bursaries must submit the following in addition to the admission application:

• Completed entrance scholarship application
• Official transcript submitted to CBU Admissions
• Financial need application for those interested in bursaries
• Resume outlining any extra-curricular involvement or work history
• Two letters of reference – one academic, one personal

High School Students

• Minimum 85% average to be eligible with no failures in Grade 11 or 12 courses
  • Average is based on all AC & AD Grade 11 courses and all AC & AD completed Grade 12 courses after first semester
  • Average for international students entering directly from high school will be determined by Cape Breton University
  • ESL conditional offers must attend a CBU English language partner school to have award honoured

Articulation Agreement Students

• Articulation agreements (both domestic & international) qualify
• Students must be currently enrolled in their program of transfer
• ESL conditional offers must attend a CBU English language partner school to have award honoured
• Minimum 80% average as determined by CBU to be eligible with no failures