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?
The Minor in Tourism & Hospitality Management offers a distinctive combination of flexibility and real-world relevance, setting it apart from similar programs. The curriculum is structured 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 ensure that the curriculum remains aligned with emerging trends and innovations, helping students stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Who is this program for?
This minor is developed for students with a passion for the tourism and hospitality industry who aim to broaden their major through 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
Real-World Applications
The program includes courses that emphasize practical applications, such as hotel and resort management, sustainable tourism development, and the complexities of tourism marketing. These courses focus on theoretical concepts and applying them to real-world challenges faced by industry professionals.
The minor fosters experiential learning by encouraging internships, case studies, and active 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
Fort Hays State University continually updates the curriculum with input from an industry advisory board to ensure that 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 the tourism and hospitality industries, including digital marketing strategies and innovative customer service techniques. By emphasizing alignment with industry developments, the minor prepares graduates for today’s job market. It equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to future changes in the industry.
Hands-on Activities
Students participate in simulations, case studies, and interactive projects that reflect real-world challenges within the tourism and hospitality industry. These hands-on activities cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills essential for success in the field.
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 provides further support for 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
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 in these sectors. These foundational courses equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of the field.
Additionally, students complete nine credit hours of electives, allowing them to tailor their studies 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 provides a comprehensive introduction to the tourism and hospitality industry, focusing on 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 increasing importance in the service sector. 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.
Graduates are equipped 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 in hospitality settings, ensuring service standards are consistently met. They lead teams, coordinate activities, make strategic decisions, and manage financial performance to achieve both operational efficiency and high levels of guest satisfaction.
Hotel Manager
Hotel managers oversee all hotel operations, ensuring a smooth guest experience. They lead customer service, staff supervision, budgeting, marketing, and provide the maintenance of safety and quality standards.
Food and Beverage Director
Food and beverage directors oversee all aspects of dining operations, including menu planning, pricing, inventory management, and compliance with health and safety regulations. They lead teams, manage budgets, and implement strategies to create exceptional dining experiences while adapting to industry trends and evolving customer needs.
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.
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.
- B.S. in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Certificate in Management
- BBA in Management
- Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Master of Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality Management)
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.
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.
Yes, the minor is flexible. It offers nine elective credit hours that students can choose based on their career goals and interests in the tourism and hospitality industry.
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 of study.
Both online and on-campus options offer the same curriculum and academic rigor. The online option provides greater flexibility, enabling students to complete their 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 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.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Collegiate DECA: An international organization for students and educators in the fields of business, finance, hospitality, and marketing. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through co-curricular programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experiences and professional networking opportunities.
- Pi Omega Pi - Business Education Club: The National Business Education Teacher Honor Society is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and service within the field of business education. The organization encourages scholarship, leadership, and professional development among students preparing for careers in business teaching.
- Eta Sigma Delta - International Hospitality Management Society: Recognizes hospitality and tourism students for their exceptional academic achievement, service, and professionalism. The organization provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters connections among students, industry executives, educators, and peers.
- THM Travel Club: Supports domestic and international travel experiences for students in tourism and hospitality. Through participation, members gain practical skills in travel planning, budgeting, organization, and fundraising, offering a well-rounded perspective on career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
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