The Best Bachelor's Degrees in Hospitality Management: Pennsylvania

The College of Health and Human Development and the School of Hospitality Management offer a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. This is one of the oldest programs in the nation with the original Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management program being opened in 1937.

The degree program offers areas of emphasis in:

• Restaurant management
• Hotel management
• Institutional management

Students must complete 1,000 hours of practical experience as part of the curriculum. To help students gain the hands-on experience they require, the School of Hospitality maintains a partnership with Penn State Housing and Food Service. Cafe Laura is a full service, on-site restaurant that allows students to gain real-world experiences in food service. Students also have access to the state-of-the art Food Decisions Research Laboratory.

Students have the option of obtaining the National Restaurant Association ServSafe certification and the STR Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics as part of the program.

Graduate programs at the Master and Doctoral levels are also available

Credit requirements: 54 core credits and 19 elective credits

Selection of Courses:

• Introduction to Management in the Hospitality Industry
• Social, Culture, and Health Influences of Alcohol
• Principles of Quality Food Production
• Hospitality Managerial Communication
• Hospitality in Senior Living
• Introduction to Wines of the World

Admissions Information: Freshman applicants must submit high school transcripts, or the GED equivalent. Admissions is not requiring standardized testing scores until the Summer/Fall of 2023.

The School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Temple University opened its doors in 1998. The School is comprised of two departments, the Department of Sports and Recreation Management and the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Through these department there are several relevant degree programs comprehensive in scope and career focused.

The Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management is one such degree. Students review business principles that form a solid foundation for the more specialized area they wish to pursue. Students are prepared for careers in a variety of locations from resorts and destination marketing businesses to casinos and visitor bureaus.

Students have access to hands-on education through two research centers: Temple University’s U.S.- Asia Center for Tourism and Hospitality or the Center for Hospitality Resilience.

A similar degree in Bachelor of Science in Event and Entertainment Management also available along with several minor and certificate programs. Students may also continue their studies at Temple University at the graduate level.

Credit requirements: 64 credits for the major

Selection of courses:

• The Business of Tourism and Hospitality
• Global Issues in Tourism and Hospitality
• Managing Organizations in Tourism and Hospitality
• Marketing in Tourism and Hospitality
• Legal Issues in Tourism and Hospitality

Admissions information: Students must submit high school transcripts and an application essay. Standardized testing scores and letters of recommendation are optional.

The College of Nursing and Health Professionals hosts the Department of Food and Hospitality Management. The Department offers a range of educational opportunities in its subject, from an undergraduate minor to a Master of Science in Food Science.

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program is a well-rounded, comprehensive degree. Students gain career skill directly applicable to the job industry. Experienced professors prepare students for leadership positions in restaurant/hotel fields, tourism industry, and more.

Students can participate in up to 18 months of a co-op experience for direct hands-on learning. International co-op experience is also encouraged.

Students have the option of staying one additional year to complete an accelerated BS/MBA program. The Department also offers degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Science.

Credit requirements: 183 total credits

Selection of courses:

• Culinary Fundamentals
• Hotel Operations Management
• Introduction to Tourism
• Resort Management
• Hospitality Marketing and Branding

Admissions information: In coming freshman must submit a high school transcript showing three years of mathematical study and at least one laboratory science class.

At Widener University, the Bachelor's in Tourism & Hospitality Management is a full time program with an accelerated option. Ambitious students may complete an undergraduate bachelors degree and a Master in Business Administration with one additional academic year. Students may also round out their undergraduate experience with a minor in Event Management.

The Bachelor's program is a comprehensive, fast-paced experience. Students learn together in a small cohort environment. In addition to the theories and practices of the field, classes give students ample opportunities to practice essential career skills including teamwork and communication.

The curriculum requires hands-on training through two summer field experiences and a paid co-op. This leaves students with over 800 hours of direct experience in the field. Professors also encourage students to seek study abroad opportunities. The program offers a week-long trip to Rome.

Students have access to professional organizations for networking and scholarship opportunities. These include the National Association for Catering and Events and the Club Managers Association of America.

Credit requirement: 127 total credits

Selection of courses:

• Introduction to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry
• Introduction to Lodging Management
• Human Resource Management in the Tourism Industry
• Managing the Service Experience
• Applied Technology in the Tourism Industry
• Principles of Tourism

Admissions information: Interested freshman applicants must submit high school transcripts and standardized testing scores.

Accreditation: This program receives accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

Through the Statler Department of Hospitality Management students may enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management. The program offers three concentrations available in:

• Event Management
• Food and Beverage Management
• Hotel Management

Students receive a thorough grounding in career marketable skills. Each course includes some aspects of leadership training, problem solving, and experimental learning. Experienced professors review all aspects of hospitality management including the role of technology, successful marketing, and financial budgeting. 

Before graduation, students must complete 200 hours of a service practicum. With over 300 internship possibilities, students have the option to intern in their area of interest.

Students have access to an on campus dining room and fully equipped commercial kitchens for hands-on learning. Additionally, in 2017 Mercyhurst opened the Christopher S. Johnson Wine Room.

Credit requirements: 72 core credits, including internship experience. Does not include concentration credits.

Selection of courses:

• Wedding Planning
• Casino and Gaming Operations Management
• Mixology
• Club Management
• Industry Consulting

Admissions information: Incoming freshman must submit high school transcripts including extracurricular information. Additionally, students should submit a personal writing sample and letter of recommendation. Standardized testing scores are optional.

Accreditation: The Statler Department of Hospitality Management at Mercyhurst University receives accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

The Department of Hospitality Management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers several degree program options including a Bachelors, an Associates, and a number of minors.

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program offers concentrations in Hotel and Lodging Management or Special Events/Tourism Management. Students learn the fundamentals of the industry including team work, leadership, and communication. The curriculum requires students to complete a minimum of 240 field experience hours.

Students have hands-on learning opportunities through The Allenwood, the University's on campus restaurant. Additional opportunities can be found through the several clubs and organizations on campus. These include:

• The Club Managers Association of America
• Hospitality Ambassadors Program
• National Society of Minorities in Hospitality
• Meeting Planners International

Students are prepared for careers in hotels, theme parks, cruise lines, and more.

Credit requirements: 45 credits of Hospitality Management core credits, 12 credits for the concentration

Selection of courses:

• Hotel Operations Management
• Hospitality Marketing
• Applications of Food Production
• Legal Issues in Hospitality

Admissions information: Students must submit high school transcripts. Freshman students who have been out of school for one year or more must also submit a personal statement. Standardized testing scores are optional. Admissions encourages students to supply additional material such as letters of recommendation and AP test scores, however these are not required.

Student in the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program at the University of Pittsburg in Bradford start with a liberal arts background. This allows students to have a well-rounded educational experience and gain career skills such as critical thinking, professionalism, and leadership.

After gaining this firm foundation students move on to field relevant information such as hotel operations, legal and marketing issues, and preparing and presenting food. The curriculum requires students to complete an impressive 800 hours of hands-on experience.

The surrounding area offers several places for students to implement and test their newly learned skills. Theses include:

• The Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, NY
• The Lodge at Glendorn, a luxury nature resort
• The Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, NY

Professors also encourage students to gain travel experience trough the American Cruise Lines.

After graduation students are prepared for a variety of careers such as:

• Facilities Manager
• Menu Design Consultant
• Cruise Ship Purveyor
• Travel Agent

Credit requirements: 121 -122 total credits

Selection of courses:

• Service Industry Structure And Leadership
• Principles Of Marketing
• Special Events Planning
• Professionalism In Hospitality
• Hotel Operations
• Food Service Management

Admissions information: In coming freshman must submit high school transcripts.

East Stroudsbrug University offers a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. Students choose a concentration from one of three areas:

• Hotel Management
• Restaurant Management
• Tourism Management

The curriculum covers essential topic such as financial management, marketing, and operations. There is also a strong emphasis on hands-on learning through service projects. Students are encouraged to:

• Tour hospitality facilities
• Participate in hotel and restaurant shows
• Attend career days
• Listen to industry speakers
• Conduct industry specific projects

A number of external industry certifications are obtainable through the programs courses including the American Hotel and Lodging Institute Certification and the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certification.

The area surrounding the University is home to several facilities for internship opportunities including ski resorts, water parks, over 600 hotels, and several year-round festivals.

Credit requirements: 120 total credits

Selection of courses:

• Principles of Food & Beverage Management
• Hospitality & Tourism Marketing
• Hospitality & Tourism Training & Staff Development
• Restaurant Operations Management
• Contemporary Legal & Ethical Aspects of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Admissions information: Applicants must submit high school transcripts, or the GED equivalent, and standardized testing scores in addition to the online application.

Accreditation: This program receives accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA).

The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College opened its doors in 1974. The School is dedicated to the field of hospitality, covering the study of culinary arts, pastry arts, restaurant management, and hotel management. The School manages six kitchens and four award-winning restaurants for students to learn and study in. The highlight of the student experience is an international tuition-paid internship experience. Students can tour hotels and restaurants in France, England, and the Bahamas.

A fast-track program is available allowing students to complete a bachelor's degree in as little as 36 months. Classes are scheduled in three 10-week terms.

The Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management program specifically addresses leadership training within the hotel industry. Classes focus on topics such as risk management and customer service. Professors emphasize critical career skill such as professionalism and clear communication.

Students receive hands-on experiences in the local Philadelphia hotels. Upon graduation students are prepared for careers such as department managers, meeting planners, sales reps, and food service supervisors.

Selection of courses:

• Resort Operations
• Spirits and Wine Lists
• Management Dynamics
• Risk Management
• Customer Service
• Hospitality Design

Admissions information: Students must submit official high school transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a 250-word essay, and standardized testing scores. Students must also participate in an interview with an admissions representative.