In September, The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University was ranked by TheBestColleges as number two in the nation’s top 30 hospitality programs. Established in 1927 as Hotel Training Course, The School has long been a recognized leader in hospitality business education and research, and has launched the careers of thousands of alumni who have helped shape the hospitality industry from its infancy to the current day.
One of the reasons for the consistent high ranking is The School’s rigorous curriculum, taught by world-class faculty. An independent School within the Eli Broad College of Business, The School requires two 400-hour internships, one of which must involve management and supervision. Companies come from all over the world to hire interns and graduates from The School, and a Student and Industry Resource Center assists students and recruiters each step of the way.
Students are also attracted to The School by its foundational emphasis on management, operations, real estate development and asset management, and an across-the-curriculum attitude of “Think Like The Owner.” Visiting Leaders from all segments of the industry often come to campus to speak in classes and provide front lines insight. A minor in Real Estate and Investment Management is offered, with assistance from an advisory council of alumni and industry partners.
Another unique feature of life in The School of Hospitality Business is the student-led Hospitality Association, established in 1928. This association of students oversees eight industry-related clubs and three major School events, each with its own executive board. So students have multiple opportunities to hone leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Each club also provides opportunity for travel to industry conferences and national association meetings. Student travel scholarships are provided for by generous endowments designated for this purpose.
Students also participate in multiple professional development programs both on-campus and around the nation, and they link with industry mentors through the Spartan Sponsors Mentor Program.
School alumni can be found in every segment and in every corner of the world. The executive and appointed boards of The School’s Alumni Association are known for their participation, their mentoring, their generosity, and their leadership in global hospitality businesses. It is not uncommon for nearly 100 of them to return at Homecoming to participate with students and faculty in a variety of special events. In fact, their enthusiasm for the students, their School, and for MSU is such that for 11 of the past 13 years, The School has won either Best Float or Best Spartan Spirit in the MSU Homecoming Parade!
This enthusiasm carries over in the many ways the alumni give back to the students and to MSU, creating a spirit within The School that is centered on students with a proud Spartan work ethic whose futures ARE the future of the hospitality industry.
With its 90-year leadership legacy, it is no wonder that The School’s ranking is among the very best. We are proud to continue the Spartan tradition of advancing knowledge and transforming lives.
