Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hospitality Management Degree

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Offered By: Colangelo College of Business

Prepare for a Career in Hospitality With GCU’s Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management Degree

A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Hospitality Management from Grand Canyon University (GCU) includes coursework that prepares you for a career in rewarding hospitality fields. You will be prepared to work at events, resorts, hotels, golf courses, restaurants and all tourism-related businesses.

Hospitality management is the service of ensuring that travelers and event attendees have a memorable experience. Hospitality managers may oversee the lodging, dining and activities at various venues. They ensure that the business is run efficiently and can turn a profit.

Graduates with a degree in hospitality may oversee various departments within a business. These might include housekeeping, front desk, concierge, restaurant, spa services, events, administration, sales and guest services. Those with a hospitality management degree work to ensure that all of these services integrate seamlessly into the venue’s offerings.

The BS in Hospitality Management degree at GCU is offered on campus and online. This online hospitality degree option makes it easier for those who are already in the hospitality world to continue working while earning their degree at the same time. The online courses are taught by GCU faculty with industry experience, ensuring that graduates receive an education no matter where you attend class.

As an on-campus student in GCU’s BS in Hospitality Management program, you can work at the university’s restaurant and hotel to gain the skills needed to make headway in the industry. This hands-on experience ensures that you see firsthand how a restaurant is operated. 

Like all degrees earned through the Colangelo College of Business at GCU, the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree provides students with a comprehensive business education. Online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management graduates learn about business communications, data analysis, business operations and legal and ethical business practices. 

As a hospitality management degree student, you will focus your studies on core aspects of hospitality management, such as:

  • Providing excellent guest services
  • Planning and executing events
  • Managing hotel and lodging operations
  • Managing food service operations
  • Managing revenue
  • Using industry metrics and trends to make decisions
  • Creating innovative revenue streams
  • Using marketing that is relevant in hospitality

In addition to classwork, you will also complete 600 hours of paid or unpaid work in the hospitality industry.

As an on-campus student in GCU’s BS in Hospitality Management program, you can work at the university’s restaurant and hotel to gain the skills needed to make headway in the industry. This hands-on experience ensures that you see firsthand how a restaurant is operated. 

BS in Hospitality Management Career Pathways 

As a hospitality management graduate, you will be able to apply your degree coursework to jobs in many types of hospitality-related venues. These may include:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Spas
  • Resorts
  • Travel and tourism organizations
  • Event planning companies
  •  Cruise ships

While a bachelor’s degree may not directly be required for hire, there are several job titles you may explore that could be suitable for those starting out in hospitality management, such as a food service manager, lodging manager, personal service manager or entertainment and recreation manager. Those looking to put their BS in hospitality management degree toward managing events may consider working as a meeting, convention and event planner.

If helping people enjoy themselves while they travel is a job meant for you, then consider looking into hospitality management as a career. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about the bachelor’s in hospitality management degree at GCU.

Hospitality Management Bachelor’s Degree FAQs

Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about pursuing a career in hospitality management and earning your on-campus or online degree in hospitality management from GCU. 

Those who are interested in the hospitality management field can look forward to career opportunities with much faster than average job growth. Meeting, convention and event planners are a good example of this.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for meeting, convention and event planners to increase by about 18% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 22,900 jobs in the field.1

The average salary for a hospitality management career will vary depending on the specific job title and position you end up in. We can look at the job of a meeting, convention and event planner as an example. 

In May 2021, meeting, convention and event planners had a median annual wage of $49,470, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The online bachelor’s degree in hospitality management degree at GCU requires 120 total credits to completion. The majority of online classes for this degree are eight weeks in length.

A BS in Hospitality Management can be a challenging yet rewarding degree. A hospitality management program prepares you for the hospitality industry. This requires a thorough understanding of many different industry components, such as guest service, lodging, food service, marketing, event management, revenue management and day-to-day operations. With all these different areas to cover, you are learning a lot of information, however this information can help you be prepared to take on hospitality management roles after graduation.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meeting, Convention and Event Planners, retrieved on April 19, 2023. 

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Meeting, Convention and Event Planners, as of May 2021, retrieved on Feb. 28, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as meeting, convention and event planners. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career.  You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates. 

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TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 120
Campus: 15 weeks
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Online: 8 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
TUITION RATE:
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Course List

General Education Requirements:
34-40 credits
Major:
68 credits
Open Elective Credits:
12-18 credits
Degree Requirements:
120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Requirements

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Course Options

  • UNV-103, University Success: 4
  • UNV-303, University Success: 4
  • UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.

Course Options

  • UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
  • ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
  • ENG-106, English Composition II: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.

Course Options

  • CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
  • CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Course Options

  • MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
  • MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
  • PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
  • BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4

Requirements

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Course Options

  • HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
  • PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
  • SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4

Core Courses

Course Description

This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.

Course Description

In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

Course Description

This course introduces the hospitality industry and essential guest service and communication skills that ensure efficient delivery of quality services. Students are taught the skills necessary to effectively communicate, meet the service quality expectations of a diverse clientele, and appropriately represent their organizations.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.

Course Description

This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

Course Description

This course examines the management of hotel and lodging operations with an emphasis on guest service and improving profitability. Students are introduced to the basics of management in core lodging segments, operational procedures, guest relations, and the relationships between operational departments. Analysis of operational efficiencies to improve organizational outcomes is also addressed. Prerequisite: HOS-200.

Course Description

This course emphasizes the daily operations and management of food and beverage service within the hospitality industry. Students learn principles related to the hiring and training of service workers, food handling and sanitation, layout and equipment planning, and safety regulations and standards. Essential elements of the course include purchasing and cost control, menu management, and innovation in the food and beverage industry. Prerequisite: HOS-200.

Course Description

This course introduces models and practices used for engagement with customers, prospects, suppliers, and internal stakeholders and the communications strategies and tactics needed to build and sustain long-term and mutually satisfying relationships that add value in today’s economy. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology will also be introduced. Prerequisite: MKT-315

Course Description

This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.

Course Description

This course explores the scope of the events and tourism industry, analyzes the functions of the various segments, and demonstrates the relationship between professional service and operational success. Students receive a comprehensive introduction to the complexities of planning and organizing an event and an overview of the nature and scope of the meetings and event industry. This course explains how the interrelated sectors of the tourism industry can be better prepared to attract and service people travelling for both business and leisure.

Course Description

Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.

Course Description

This course is a study of the human resource management function in organizations, including detailed coverage of staffing, organizational development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations. Emphasis is placed on how human resource management as a whole enhances organizational performance and success. Prerequisite: HIM-425, MGT-420, or MGT-422HN. Equivalent to AMP-434.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.

Course Description

This course introduces the unique features of services marketing with a focus on the importance of building and maintaining guest relationships to deliver quality service through the development of marketing strategies. Students will evaluate brand management and determine strategic approaches suitable for the hospitality industry with an emphasis on aligning strategies to organizational goals. There is a particular emphasis on the applications of social media and integrated marketing communications. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.

Course Description

This course focuses on identifying the components of revenue management in order to optimize consumer demand, revenue and profit for the hospitality industry. Students participate in competitive analysis to identify market opportunities and develop pricing and sales mix strategies that support organizational goals. Students learn analytical modeling practices, market segmentation, distribution channel mix, forecasting, and budgeting. The use of industry benchmarking tools and metrics relevant to revenue management are also addressed. Prerequisites: HOS-440 and HOS-460.

Course Description

This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.

Locations

GCU Campus Student


Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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