Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines core business studies with hospitality-specific subjects to build practical and managerial competence. Typical modules cover hospitality operations and lodging management, food and beverage management, event and conference management, service marketing, hospitality accounting and financial management, human resource management, and hospitality law and ethics.

• Core business foundations: principles of management, marketing, finance and accounting to provide a commercial grounding.
• Operational and functional courses: front office and housekeeping management, culinary fundamentals, food safety, and beverage operations.
• Strategic and analytical topics: revenue and yield management, hospitality analytics, sales and marketing for hospitality, and strategic management.
• Service and customer-focused subjects: service quality, guest relations, multicultural service environments and hospitality law.
• Experiential learning: supervised practicum, industry internships and a capstone project or portfolio that emphasise real-world problem solving and leadership.
• Electives and concentrations: options commonly include event management, resort and casino operations, tourism management or sustainable hospitality practices, allowing students to tailor study to career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Admissions typically assess academic preparation, relevant coursework and extracurricular experience.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory secondary-school performance.
• A personal statement or essay explaining interest in hospitality and career aims.
• Letters of recommendation are often recommended, particularly from teachers or employers who can speak to the applicant's suitability for a service-focused profession.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required (for example IELTS or TOEFL) unless exempted by prior instruction in English.
• Standardised tests (SAT/ACT) may be optional depending on admissions policies; check with the university for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates typically move into operational and managerial roles across the hospitality and service sectors. The degree prepares students for entry-level management and accelerated career paths where practical experience complements academic learning.

• Hotel and resort management (front office manager, rooms division manager, general manager trainee)
• Food and beverage management (restaurant manager, catering operations, banquet manager)
• Event and conference management (event planner, conference services manager)
• Sales, marketing and revenue management roles within hospitality companies
• Corporate hospitality, club management, tourism operations and hospitality consulting
• Entrepreneurial paths running independent food, lodging or event businesses

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a hospitality curriculum that emphasises practical, career-focused training alongside academic rigour. Small class sizes allow personalised instruction and mentorship from faculty who blend scholarly knowledge with industry experience.

• Experiential learning: structured internships and practicum placements connect classroom learning to industry employers.
• Industry connections: proximity to major urban hospitality markets and an alumni network provide opportunities for placements and recruitment.
• Career support: dedicated career services help with internship sourcing, résumé development and interview preparation tailored to hospitality roles.
• Global perspective: the university’s international links and diverse student body expose students to cross-cultural service standards and global hospitality practices.