Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

The Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Fort Hays State University is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in industry-specific knowledge while offering the flexibility to customize their learning through a selection of elective courses. Open to students across various majors, including business, communication, and other disciplines, the minor prepares individuals to thrive in the dynamic tourism and hospitality industry.

The curriculum includes courses that cover essential topics such as sustainable tourism, hotel and resort management, and the fundamental principles of the industry. By combining core requirements with targeted electives, the program ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the field while gaining expertise in areas aligned with their individual career goals.

Why pursue a Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU’s Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management (THM) offers a distinctive combination of flexibility and real-world relevance, setting it apart from similar programs. The curriculum is designed to be adaptable, allowing students to select courses that align with their individual career goals and interests. Regardless of their major—whether in business, communication, or another discipline—students can enhance their professional qualifications and expand their career opportunities by adding this minor.

The minor is taught by faculty with extensive industry experience, ensuring that students gain practical knowledge grounded in current tourism and hospitality practices. In addition, strong connections with industry professionals and advisory boards keep the curriculum aligned with emerging trends and innovations, helping students remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Who is this program for?

This minor is designed for students passionate about the tourism and hospitality industry who wish to enhance their major with specialized skills and knowledge. Whether pursuing a degree in business, communication, or another discipline, this minor serves as a valuable complement to any primary field of study.

Students majoring in business management or administration
Communication majors interested in public relations within the hospitality industry
Students aiming for leadership roles in tourism and event planning
Environmental science majors focusing on sustainable tourism
Individuals seeking to enhance their resume with specialized industry knowledge

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management program are designed to develop well-rounded professionals capable of navigating the complexities of the industry and making meaningful contributions to their organizations. The curriculum is carefully crafted by instructors to ensure that graduates possess both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in the tourism and hospitality fields.

Comprehensive Industry Knowledge

Graduates will possess a thorough understanding of the diverse sectors within the tourism and hospitality industries, including lodging, food and beverage, events, and sustainable tourism. This knowledge enables them to identify and analyze industry trends, apply best practices, and drive innovation in their professional roles.

Enhanced Communication Skills

The Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management places a strong emphasis on developing professional communication skills, both written and verbal. Graduates will be proficient in tailoring messages for diverse audiences, whether for marketing, client relations, or internal communications. These skills are crucial for effective leadership and successful teamwork within the industry.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities

The curriculum incorporates case studies, simulations, and real-world projects to help students develop advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Graduates will be prepared to identify challenges, evaluate potential solutions, and make informed decisions that promote positive outcomes for their organizations.

Ethical and Sustainable Business Practices

A key outcome of the program is fostering a strong understanding of ethics and sustainability within tourism and hospitality management. Graduates are equipped to implement practices that support the success of their organizations while promoting the well-being of the communities they serve and protecting the environment.

Real-World Applications

The curriculum includes courses that emphasize practical applications, such as hotel and resort management, sustainable tourism development, and the complexities of tourism marketing. These courses focus not only on theoretical concepts but also on applying them to real-world challenges faced by industry professionals.

The minor encourages hands-on learning through internships, case studies, and participation in industry events. These opportunities offer students valuable exposure to the tourism and hospitality work environment, enabling them to build professional networks and gain experience that enhances their marketability upon graduation.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management curriculum is continuously updated with input from an industry advisory board to ensure students receive the most up-to-date and relevant education. For example, courses on sustainable tourism address the increasing demand for environmentally responsible business approaches, preparing students to become leaders in this growing field.

The program also introduces students to advanced technologies and methodologies used in tourism and hospitality, including digital marketing strategies and innovative customer service techniques. By emphasizing alignment with industry developments, the minor prepares graduates not only for today’s job market but also equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to future changes in the industry.

Hands-on Activities

In both online and on-campus settings, students participate in simulations, case studies, and interactive projects that reflect real-world challenges within the tourism and hospitality industry. These hands-on activities foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for success in the field.

Outside the classroom, students have an opportunity to engage in internships, gain practical industry experience, and build valuable professional networks. Participation in student organizations related to tourism and hospitality management further supports leadership development and professional growth.

What You’ll Learn:

Understanding of significant tourism sectors
Skills in sustainable business practices
Hotel and resort management techniques
Marketing strategies for tourism and hospitality
Critical thinking and problem-solving in industry contexts

How You’ll Learn:

A blend of online and on-campus courses
Interactive real-world scenarios and case studies
Industry-experienced faculty members
Guest speakers from the tourism and hospitality sectors
Opportunities to join student organizations

Courses

The minor consists of 12 credit hours of core coursework that introduces students to key sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry and the common challenges faced by professionals. These foundational courses equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of the field.

In addition, students complete 9 credit hours of electives, enabling them to customize their studies according to their interests and career objectives. Elective courses provide in-depth exploration of topics such as event planning, food and beverage operations, and tourism marketing. This curriculum strikes a balance between broad industry exposure and specialized expertise, preparing students for a wide range of roles within the sector.

THM 620: Tourism and Hospitality Management

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the tourism and hospitality industry, emphasizing key management principles and professional development practices. Students will explore various market segments and gain insight into the wide range of career opportunities available within this dynamic and diverse field.

THM 622: Service and Operations Management

This course explores the strategic and operational challenges of managing service organizations. Topics include capacity management, workforce planning, and the role of operations in achieving competitive advantage, with an emphasis on service design thinking.

THM 632: Sustainable Tourism and Event Management

This course offers an overview of sustainability within the hospitality, tourism, and event industries. It examines the evolving meaning of sustainability and its growing importance in service sectors. Topics include the rationale and management of sustainable practices in hospitality, as well as the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts of events, with a focus on planning and delivering sustainable experiences.

Discover the full Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The minor’s comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, and professional networking opportunities equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of roles within this dynamic industry.

Events Manager

Event managers coordinate and execute events, managing logistics and contracts. A tourism and hospitality background equips them with essential communication and customer service skills to serve clients and vendors effectively.

Corporate Executive

Corporate executives lead strategy and operations in hospitality organizations, using industry knowledge to drive growth and manage budgets while addressing market trends and customer needs.

General Manager

General managers oversee daily operations and maintain service standards in hospitality settings. This minor prepares students to balance efficiency with guest satisfaction, lead teams, and manage financial performance.

Hotel Manager

Hotel managers oversee all hotel operations, ensuring a smooth guest experience. They lead customer service, staff supervision, budgeting, marketing, and maintain safety and quality standards.

Food and Beverage Director

Food and beverage directors oversee dining operations, including menu planning, pricing, and health compliance. The minor equips students to lead teams, manage budgets, and adapt to industry trends for exceptional dining experiences.

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 $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 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 programs that complement the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management, helping students expand their expertise and tailor their education to career goals.

FAQ

How does the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management complement my major?

The minor complements a variety of majors by providing specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance career prospects in related fields. Students gain industry-specific insights that make them more versatile and competitive in the job market.

Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management?

Generally, students must be admitted to Fort Hays State University and pursue a degree to enroll in the Minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management. However, some upper-level courses may have prerequisites, so consulting with an academic advisor is essential.

Can I tailor the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management to match my career interests?

Yes, the minor is flexible. It offers 9 elective credit hours that students can choose based on their career goals and interests in the tourism and hospitality industry.

What support is available for students pursuing this minor?

Students pursuing a Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management have access to academic advising, industry-experienced faculty, and opportunities for internships and networking. Support is also available through student organizations related to the field.

What are the benefits of completing the Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management online versus on-campus?

Both online and on-campus options offer the same curriculum and academic rigor. The online option provides greater flexibility, allowing students to complete coursework on schedule. In contrast, the on-campus option offers more direct interaction with faculty and peers.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is committed to preparing you for a successful career in business by aligning your goals and abilities with the needs of the world. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, our degree programs provide you with practical business insights, real-world case studies, and future-forward decision-making skills that are crucial in an ever-evolving field.

Our programs cover a broad spectrum of business disciplines, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Our immersive curriculum, taught by faculty who stay current with industry trends, will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in various sectors, from small-town businesses to global corporations. Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, and we take pride in our high placement rates and the success of our alumni.

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