Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management

Hours: 12 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Fort Hays State University equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for success in the tourism and hospitality industry. This certificate blends core business and tourism coursework with hands-on learning experiences, preparing students for a variety of roles in this dynamic field. Whether seeking to enhance their current career or explore new opportunities, students gain a strong foundation to support their professional development and future success.

Why pursue a Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management offers an accessible and affordable pathway for students seeking to enter or advance in the tourism and hospitality industry. FHSU provides a high-quality education that students can complete efficiently and effectively. This certificate offers the opportunity to earn a recognized industry credential in a short timeframe, supporting career advancement and expanding knowledge in the field. It also serves as a valuable complement to many majors, providing exposure to a broad range of transferable skills.

Who is this program for?

This certificate offers flexibility and a practical focus essential for achieving career goals. It is particularly well-suited for:

Aspiring college students looking to enter the tourism and hospitality industry
Current professionals seeking to advance their careers
Individuals interested in gaining practical knowledge in tourism and hospitality
Students wanting to complement their education with specialized industry knowledge
Entrepreneurs aiming to start their own tourism-related businesses

Real-World Applications

The curriculum enables students to engage directly with professionals from local to international organizations. This hands-on approach ensures that students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, thereby enhancing their problem-solving abilities and readiness for the industry.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Faculty members consistently engage with industry research and developments, incorporating the latest insights into the classroom. This ongoing commitment to staying informed enables regular updates to the course content, ensuring students receive cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

The certificate is further supported by an active advisory board comprising industry professionals and alums, who provide valuable input on curriculum improvements. Together, these efforts help students stay ahead of industry trends and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt and thrive in a dynamic field.

Hands-on Activities

Practical experience is vital for preparing students to succeed in the tourism and hospitality industry. Depending on the selected courses, the certificate may include experiential and service-learning projects that provide students with opportunities to work directly with industry organizations.

What You’ll Learn:

Core principles of tourism and hospitality
Effective marketing strategies
Management and leadership skills
Understanding of global tourism trends
Courses tailored to an individual’s interest areas

How You’ll Learn:

Experiential and service-learning projects
Guest lectures from industry experts
Optional domestic and international study trips
Real-world case studies and projects

Courses

The core curriculum includes foundational courses in tourism and hospitality management, marketing, and business principles. Students also have an opportunity to choose elective courses, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests within the industry.

THM 620: Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Management

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the tourism and hospitality industry. Professional development and management principles that underlie the operations will be addressed. The course will help the student understand the different market segments and the varied opportunities that exist in this broad industry.

THM 623: Meetings, Conventions, and Event Management

This course examines the meetings, conventions, and events industry as well as the role of the meeting and event professional. The course will explore this complex field with respect to organizational markets, destination, and venue management. The course also examines the event planning process, including contractual agreements, fundraising, budgeting, ethics, and social responsibility.

THM 632: Sustainable Tourism and Event Management

This course explores sustainability within the hospitality, tourism, and events sectors, focusing on its evolving significance. It covers government policies, the rationale for sustainable practices, and managerial impacts in these industries. Topics include environmental, economic, and socio-cultural effects, sustainable event planning, and tourism conservation. The course concludes with critiques of alternative tourism and current sustainability challenges.

Discover the full Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the certificate are well-equipped to pursue a variety of exciting and rewarding opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry. With its practical emphasis and comprehensive curriculum, the certificate ensures that participants gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in diverse professional settings.

Hotel Manager

Hotel managers are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a hotel, ensuring high levels of guest satisfaction while efficiently managing staff and resources. Their duties also include budgeting, marketing, and upholding consistent service quality throughout the property.

Event Planner

Event planners coordinate and manage a wide range of events, including conferences, weddings, and corporate meetings. Their responsibilities encompass venue selection, logistics, budgeting, and vendor coordination to ensure successful and well-executed events.

Tourism Marketer

Tourism marketers create and execute marketing strategies to promote travel destinations and services. They collaborate with travel agencies, tour operators, and hospitality businesses to attract visitors and enhance the overall tourist experience.

Cruise Director

Cruise directors oversee entertainment and onboard activities on cruise ships, ensuring passengers enjoy a fun and memorable experience. They coordinate events, manage entertainment staff, and address guest inquiries and concerns throughout the voyage.

Food and Beverage Director

Food and beverage directors manage dining operations in hotels, resorts, and other hospitality venues. Their responsibilities include supervising staff, planning menus, maintaining food quality, and enhancing both customer service and profitability.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,444.76* (on-campus) or $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a range of related programs that complement the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management. These options enable students to specialize further and develop expertise in areas such as business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, aligning their education with specific career objectives.

FAQ

What is the structure of the Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management?

The certificate includes both core and elective courses, which are available online and on campus.

Can I complete this certificate online?

Yes, the certificate is available both on-campus and online for greater flexibility.

What are the career opportunities after completing the certificate?

Students can pursue roles such as hotel manager, event planner, tourism marketer, and more.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.

The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.

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