Hospitality and Tourism Management: Career Associate

The Hospitality and Tourism Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the vibrant and expanding field of hospitality and tourism. This comprehensive program provides students with a solid foundation in the essential principles of hospitality operations, tourism industry practices, customer service, and management strategies. Throughout the course of study, students gain practical skills in areas such as hotel and restaurant management, event planning, travel coordination, and hospitality marketing, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to excel in various roles within the industry. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills that are vital for success in fast-paced and customer-focused environments. Students will also learn about the latest industry technologies and trends, including online booking systems, social media marketing, and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for modern challenges. The program offers opportunities for internships and cooperative education, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world settings and develop professional networks. Graduates of this associate degree are positioned to pursue entry-level positions in hotels, resorts, tourism agencies, event planning companies, and other related sectors, or to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in hospitality or business management. With a focus on leadership development and exceptional customer service, the Hospitality and Tourism Management: Career Associate program aims to launch students into rewarding careers, supporting them as they contribute to the growth and excellence of the hospitality industry locally, nationally, and internationally.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing (or)  (3) 
  ENGL 106 Business Writing  (3) 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
   COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
HTMT 101 Intro to Hospitality & Tourism Industry  3 
HTMT 154 Supervisory Housekeeping  3 
HTMT 201 Tourism: Theories & Practices  3 
HTMT 212 Front Office Operations & Management  3 
HTMT 213 Marketing: Hospitality & Tourism  3 
HTMT 225 Destination Geography  3 
HTMT 251 Hospitality Supervision  3 
HTMT 270 Convention & Event Management  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to;

Demonstrate basic skills needed in hospitality and tourism organizations

Display competency in hospitality and tourism business subjects required for critical thinking applications

Display competency in computer applications relevant to the hospitality and tourism  industry

Demonstrate technical operations, management, and supervisory skills

Recognize how hospitality and tourism organizations work in synergy to enhance the economic viability of geographic areas, both domestic and foreign 

Embrace change to stay current with the ever changing face of hospitality and tourism  

Write and speak effectively

Recognize how specialized training fits into the larger management and societal context

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Hospitality and Tourism Management: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic fields of hospitality and tourism. Designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge, the program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, and other tourism-related industries. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience alongside theoretical learning, covering topics such as hotel operations, food and beverage management, customer service, tourism marketing, and event planning. Students gain a solid foundation in business principles tailored specifically to hospitality and tourism sectors, including management strategies, human resource practices, and financial aspects relevant to these industries.

Throughout the program, students benefit from hands-on training opportunities, internships, and collaboration with industry partners, which enhance their employability and real-world readiness. The program aims to develop strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills essential for success in the hospitality and tourism industries. Graduates of this associate degree program are well-prepared to pursue various career paths or further education in hospitality management or related fields. Harrisburg Area Community College’s commitment to practical learning and industry connections ensures that students leave the program ready to meet the demands of a competitive job market.

The program is typically completed in two years, with courses scheduled in a way that accommodates both full-time students and working professionals seeking career advancement. Students are encouraged to participate in club activities and industry events to expand their professional network. Overall, the Hospitality and Tourism Management: Career Associate program provides a solid educational foundation, combines classroom instruction with experiential learning, and fosters the skills necessary for a successful career in the vibrant hospitality and tourism industries.