Hospitality Management

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Iowa State University prepares students for a dynamic and growing industry that is essential to global tourism and economic development. This comprehensive program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experiential learning, equipping students with a broad skill set necessary for success in various hospitality sectors, including lodging, food service, event planning, and resort management. Students will gain a solid foundation in business principles, management strategies, and customer service excellence, alongside specialized knowledge in hospitality operations, marketing, and leadership.

The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, enabling graduates to adapt to an ever-changing industry landscape. Through internships, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects, students will have opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings, fostering professional growth and networking connections that are vital for career advancement. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within hospitality management or pursue minors in related fields.

Faculty members bring extensive industry experience and academic expertise, ensuring that coursework is relevant, innovative, and aligned with current industry standards. Students will also explore emerging trends such as sustainable hospitality practices, digital marketing, and technology integration, preparing them for leadership roles in a competitive global market. The program culminates in a capstone project or internship, providing practical experience and demonstrating the student’s ability to manage complex hospitality operations.

Graduates of the Hospitality Management program at Iowa State University are well-equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities worldwide, including hotel and resort management, banquet and catering services, event planning, hospitality consulting, and entrepreneurship. The program’s strong foundation in business principles combined with industry-specific skills ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the demands of a vibrant and evolving industry, contributing positively to communities and economies around the globe.

Thesis degree

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the Master of Science (MS) degree.  The distribution of credit hours within the program is:

• 18 to 20 credits in HSPM and AESHM and 10 to12 credits in courses offered by other departments
• A maximum of 9 credit hours may be taken as dual listed (DL) courses or designated courses taken for credit as HSP 590
• As a part of the program, each student completes either thesis research (7 credits, HSPM 699) or a creative component (3 credits, HSPM 599).

Any prerequisite coursework and English courses (for international students) are considered supporting work and they are not included in the 30 credit hours. All graduate students are required to complete:

• HSPM 505 and 506
• STAT 401

In addition, students are required to take one 3-credit HSPM course in 3 of 4 core areas:

• Human resources
• Finance
• Marketing
• Strategic management

Non-thesis degree

A non-thesis Master of Science is available with a specialization in hospitality management. The specialization facilitates professional development of graduate students interested in careers in business and industry.

The Master of Science degree requires 36 credits. A minimum of 15 credits must be taken in hospitality management, including the required courses plus 2 to 4 credits or professional management experience in the hospitality industry. Nine credits are required in selected business courses, plus research methods, statistics, and elective courses to bring the total to 36 credits.

Each student must complete a comprehensive paper and an oral examination.

Any missing prerequisite coursework and English courses (for international students) are considered supporting work and are not included in the 36 credit hours.

• Iowa State requires a degree it considers comparable to a US bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to beginning graduate studies. (For foreign institutions, that would be recognition by the Ministry of Education.) 
• Our graduate application form is only available online. The $100 application fee for international students is nonrefundable. If you prefer not to pay the application fee by credit card, you may complete and print the online application, and attach your personal check. All checks should be in US dollars and made payable to Iowa State University.
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Statement of Purpose (500 word limit if not sent electronically with application explain why and what you want to study)
• Online Recommendations
• Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 79, Paper-Based TOEFL (PBT) 550
• IELTS 6.5
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE)
• Financial Statement
• Resume
• Either GRE or GMAT score (equal preference)

Scholarships

• CHS Graduate Scholarships
• Graduate Assistantships 

The Hospitality Management program at Iowa State University of Science and Technology prepares students for dynamic careers in the hospitality industry, including hotel and restaurant management, event planning, and tourism. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of business principles combined with specialized knowledge of hospitality operations. Students gain practical skills through hands-on learning experiences, internships, and industry partnerships, enabling them to excel in a competitive global marketplace. The curriculum covers core areas such as hospitality principles, accounting, marketing, strategic management, and leadership, tailored specifically to the hospitality sector. Students also have opportunities to participate in real-world projects, industry seminars, and case studies, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated labs and student-run enterprises, provide an excellent environment for experiential learning. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in hotel and resort management, food service management, event planning, and tourism development. The program's faculty are experienced professionals and researchers committed to student success and industry innovation. Alumni networks and career services help students connect with employers and find employment post-graduation. Additionally, the program fosters skills in communication, teamwork, and cultural awareness, critical for leadership roles in the hospitality industry worldwide. The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating undergraduate students with various interests and backgrounds, and provides pathways for further education or certifications. By integrating academic coursework with practical industry exposure, Iowa State University's Hospitality Management program aims to produce versatile, competent, and forward-thinking hospitality professionals.