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B.A. in Hospitality Business

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Become a leader in the hospitality industry.

A degree in hospitality from The School of Hospitality Business sets students up for success in a variety of roles across the $3.5 trillion global hospitality industry. Our renowned and innovative faculty members provide a perfect mix of theory and practical application.

Hospitality students earn a highly versatile hospitality business bachelor of arts degree with a rigorous and relevant curriculum, drawing from three major areas of study: integrative studies, business and hospitality. Two paid internships are required as part of the undergraduate program experience.

School Information Sheet

Hospitality Business at MSU students and alumnae pose for a photo at a gathering in a ballroom.

Choosing The School

Our diverse student body hails from 28 different countries. Some are fourth-generation hospitality enthusiasts and others are blazing new trails for themselves. All share an interest in people, business and service – and the ability to make things happen. The School’s students earn in excess of $300,000 each year in merit-based and competitive scholarships. And recruiters from the nation’s leading hospitality companies return year after year, seeking interns and graduates for hundreds of different types of positions from The School of Hospitality Business at MSU.

The School is located in the heart of the beautiful campus of Michigan State University, a Big Ten research university, as an independent, industry-specific school within the Eli Broad College of Business. Hospitality business students receive personalized attention from top-rated faculty, an excellent hospitality business foundation, and numerous opportunities to explore career choices and develop leadership skills. The Student and Industry Resource Center (SIRC) provides hospitality-specific career advising and resources, and the Hospitality Association (HA) provides a network of student organizations to plug into to support specific hospitality industry interests.

Admissions

If you are a MSU freshman or a sophomore, you may declare hospitality business as a major. There is a formal online admission process. Enrollments are limited, and admission is competitive.

Learn How to Apply

Curriculum

The hospitality industry is an exciting and fast growing industry throughout the world. Because it is part of the larger service economy, it offers graduates a wide range of career opportunities in management and entrepreneurship. The School of Hospitality Business prepares its students to enter management positions in lodging, food and beverage service, consulting, event planning, human resources, sales, information systems, marketing and real estate investment management. Graduates find opportunities in venues such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, casinos, cruise lines and clubs, as well as in the world of sports and entertainment.

The undergraduate business core for the Hospitality Business major differs from other majors in the Broad College of Business. Because of its unique, industry-specific status within the Broad College of Business, The School of Hospitality Business curriculum is business-focused, driven by the hospitality industry. Our graduates are equipped to face the challenges in this ever-changing industry, including operations, management, finance, accounting, marketing, human resources, information systems, law, production, facilities and emerging industry trends.

B.A. in Hospitality Business Requirements

Writing (4 credits)

Integrative Studies (24 credits)

Hospitality Business Core (24 credits)

Hospitality Business Major Field (36 credits)

Hospitality Business International Elective (3 credits)

One course approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Hospitality Business Specialized Electives (12 credits)

From any of the following courses:

Events

Food and Beverage

Lodging and Real Estate

Other

Credits Required for Graduation

A minimum of 120 credits. A maximum of 6 credits in AAE count toward graduation.

Additional Electives

Courses used for degree requirements above may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Education Abroad for Hospitality Business Students

Hospitality business is truly a global business with many local traditions. Your customers will come from and travel to every corner of the world. Success in hospitality business depends on understanding and satisfying the needs and expectations of your diverse customers. Education abroad provides you with an excellent and exciting way to build your professional skills while discovering new approaches to customer satisfaction.

Hospitality business students can study abroad at any time during their academic careers. Programs come in a variety of time frames and formats, from a few weeks to a complete academic year. Scholarships are also available for hospitality business students studying abroad. Start investigating your options and plan early.

HB Education Abroad Programs

Student Organizations

The mission of the Hospitality Association is to create and refine hospitality business leaders by providing forums for academic growth, industry experience, leadership roles and career-enhancing opportunities and by encouraging social interaction and the development of student unity. HA is the umbrella organization for the eight clubs, each giving students the chance to learn more about the industry, examine their career choices, develop their leadership skills, and make good friends and important contacts. HA also helps to plan and produce three School events each year:

Questions? Please email spartanha@gmail.com

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The purpose of the Spartan Business Golf Club is to explore the business of golf and how to effectively use golf in business. These goals will be fulfilled through field trips to various segments of the golf industry as well as interactions with business professionals experienced in using golf in business to build relationships and rapport.

Please email ande2310@msu.edu for more information.

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The Michigan State University Student Chapter of Club Managers Association of America is focused on providing an exceptional and engaging experience for all those involved through the exposure to the professional development, education, and networking created by CMAA. CMAA strives to be positive examples of both Club Managers Association of America and The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University.

Please email mayjosh2@msu.edu for more information.

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Eta Sigma Delta encompasses over 90 chapters around the country with the intent to lead hospitality and tourism educators and professionals to the highest levels of professionalism and achievement.

Please email japlitpa@msu.edu for more information.

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The Michigan State University Hospitality & Lodging Club will pursue activities that provide networking opportunities, support the local community, and increase members’ understanding of important issues pertaining to the lodging industry.

Please email riccarde@msu.edu for more information.

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The National Society of Minorities in Hospitality is the premier professional organization for hospitality students. NSMH is a resource for the industry to find dynamic talent as well as for students to find qualified answers to relevant questions and have a window to the industry that awaits them.

Please email tayl1377@msu.edu for more information.

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MSU Meeting and Events Club (MEC) is an organization created for students interested in the meeting and events field. MEC is focused on providing students with an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the industry. As a club within the Hospitality Association (HA), MEC is committed to involvement of philanthropic, fundraising, and educational events within our community and field.

Please email ingleha1@msu.edu for more information.

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The Real Estate Investment Club is a student-led club for all majors who have a common interest in real estate of all kinds: hospitality, brokerage, asset management, and private equity. REIC offers an inclusive experience to meet with others who share your interests, to create ideas and friendships with those people, and learn more about the industry at the same time.

Please email nicho615@msu.edu for more information.

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The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management is part of the national SHFM chapter, which is an educational organization dedicated to corporate foodservice management employees. MSU SHFM is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to further explore the foodservice industry outside of a traditional classroom setting. We host bi-weekly meetings where we discuss current topics in the foodservice industry over food and drinks. We plan site tours to local foodservice outlets, which allows us to get a firsthand look at food and beverage facilities and network with many different industry professionals.

Please email fryjuli3@msu.edu for more information.

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