Hospitality Leadership Major, B.S.

The Hospitality Leadership major is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to excel in the dynamic and diverse field of hospitality management. This comprehensive program focuses on developing future leaders who can navigate the complexities of the hospitality industry, which includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, and tourism. Choosing a major in Hospitality Leadership means embarking on a career that is both exciting, fun, and rewarding. This field offers vast opportunities for growth, travel, and working in diverse environments. Our program not only provides the technical knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills needed but also emphasizes the importance of leadership and ethical practices, preparing graduates to impact the hospitality industry positively.

Join us to become a part of an exciting and ever-evolving industry where your leadership can create memorable experiences and drive the success of hospitality businesses worldwide.

Apply for the Rita and Navin Dimond Fellows Program, which recruits and rewards high-achieving students with unique professional development opportunities. These include paid internships with the executive teams at Stonebridge Companies hotels in Denver, mentorship from Hotel Management industry professionals, networking meetings with leaders in the local Hotel Management industry and the annual $5,000 Dimond Elite Fellow of the Year award.

Manage a lodging property in a real-time, simulated environment during your senior-level capstone course. MSU Denver’s unique, diverse approach to education in Hotel Management helps students transition to the workforce by exposing them to situations and issues they’ll face day to day in Hotel Management.

Access all of the benefits of MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality, including its central campus location, networking groups, special events, community partnerships and training facilities.

Graduates of the Hospitality Leadership major have a wide range of career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. Here are some potential career paths:

• Hotel and Resort Management: General Manager, Front Office Manager, Operations Manager, etc.
• Restaurant and Food Service Management: Restaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Director,  Catering Manager, Bar and Beverage Manager, etc.
• Event Planning and Management: Event Coordinator, Wedding Planner, Corporate Event Manager, Festival and Special Events Manager, etc.
• Tourism Development and Management: Tourism Development Officer, Destination Marketing Manager, etc.
• Hospitality Marketing and Sales: Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager, Brand Manager, etc.
• Human Resources in Hospitality: Human Resources Manager, Training and Development Manager, etc.
• Hospitality Consulting: Hospitality Consultant, Operations Analyst, Quality Assurance Consultant, Customer Experience Consultant, etc.
• Facilities and Property Management: Facilities Manager, Property Manager, Sustainability Coordinator, etc.
• Entertainment and Recreation Management: Casino Manager, Spa and Wellness Center Manager, Amusement Park Manager, Resort Activities Director, etc.
• Cruise and Airline Industry: Cruise Line Manager, Cruise Director, Airline Customer Service Manager, Airport Operations Manager, etc.

Graduates can also explore roles in academia, government agency, healthcare, research, and entrepreneurship associated with the hospitality sector. The skills and experiences gained through a Hospitality Leadership major prepare graduates for leadership positions and open doors to numerous career opportunities.

A generous gift by Gina and Frank Day to Metropolitan State University of Denver is infusing MSU Denver’s School of Hospitality with Day’s brand of inclusive leadership that has proved invaluable to the launch of national hospitality success stories such as Rock Bottom Brewery and Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom.

The Gina and Frank Day Leadership Academy offers opportunities for industry professionals to take the next step to advance their careers. The Academy:

• Creates a new Hospitality Industry Leadership major.
• Establishes a structured mentoring program, involving alumni and hospitality industry professionals.
• Creates a formalized internship program.
• Institutes a retreat-based leadership program for industry professionals and students.
• Offers tailored hospitality leadership training to companies interested in improving the skills of their new hire associates, from top leaders to new hires.

• Industry-Focused Curriculum: Our curriculum is crafted in collaboration with industry professionals to ensure students gain relevant and up-to-date knowledge.
• Hands-On Learning: Students have numerous opportunities for practical experience through internships, co-op programs, and on-campus hospitality labs.
• Leadership Development: A core component of the program is the emphasis on leadership skills. Students learn strategic decision-making, effective communication, team management, and leadership ethics, preparing them to take on leadership roles in their future careers.
• Global Perspective: The hospitality industry is inherently global. Our program includes courses that address cultural diversity. Students can also participate in study abroad programs to better understand global hospitality trends and practices.
• Networking Opportunities: We foster connections between students and industry leaders through guest lectures, industry seminars, and networking events. These interactions help students build a professional network that can be invaluable in their careers.
• Career Services and Support: Our dedicated faculty and staff provide personalized support to help students find internships and job placements. We also offer resume workshops, interview preparation, and career counseling to ensure students are well-prepared to enter the job market.

Students who graduate with a major in Hospitality Leadership are well-equipped to enter and succeed in the dynamic hospitality and tourism industry. The program ensures that graduates possess a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and essential soft skills. By achieving the outcomes, graduates of the Hospitality Leadership major are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent, confident, and innovative leaders who can make significant contributions to the hospitality industry. Here are the critical outcomes for students in the Hospitality Leadership major:

1. 1. Industry-Ready Knowledge and Skills: Graduates have a thorough understanding of the hospitality industry, including hotel and restaurant management, event planning, tourism, and hospitality marketing.
   2. Leadership and Management Proficiency: Graduates can make informed and strategic decisions that drive business success. Students learn to effectively lead and manage diverse teams, fostering collaboration and achieving organizational goals.
   3. Strong Communication Abilities: Graduates are adept at communicating clearly and persuasively, both in writing and verbally, essential for interacting with guests, staff, and stakeholders. Students develop strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to build and maintain positive relationships within the workplace.
   4. Ethical and Responsible Leadership: Graduates understand the importance of ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility in the hospitality industry.
   5. Global and Cultural Competence: Graduates are equipped to work in diverse environments and understand the implications of cultural differences in hospitality settings. With opportunities for study abroad and international coursework, students are prepared to navigate and succeed in a global industry.
   6. Career and Professional Development: Graduates benefit from strong industry connections and support from career services, leading to high rates of job placement in various hospitality sectors. The leadership skills and practical experience gained prepare graduates for rapid career advancement and leadership roles.
   7. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Graduates are proficient in identifying problems and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Students develop strong analytical skills, enabling them to assess complex situations and devise practical solutions.
   8. Financial and Operational Acumen: Graduates understand financial principles and can manage budgets, control costs, and optimize revenue. Students gain expertise in the day-to-day operations of hospitality businesses, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery.
   9. Technological Proficiency: Graduates are proficient in using the latest hospitality technologies and software to enhance business operations and guest experiences. Students learn to leverage data analytics for decision-making and improving business outcomes.

The degree programs in the School of Hospitality at MSU Denver are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).