Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What you'll study

This programme combines core business and management studies with specialised hospitality courses and hands‑on laboratory work. In the early years you study foundational topics such as principles of management, accounting, marketing and business communication alongside introductory hospitality subjects. Later years focus on operational and strategic areas in the industry.

• Core hospitality modules: lodging operations, food and beverage management, service operations, event and conference management, hospitality law and ethics.
• Business and management modules: financial management for hospitality, human resource management, sales and marketing, revenue management and strategic management.
• Practical and applied learning: training kitchens, food service laboratories, front‑office simulations and software used for reservations and property management systems.
• Work placement / practicum: an extended supervised internship in a hotel, restaurant, resort, event management company or tourism organisation that integrates classroom learning with industry practice.
• Capstone and elective options: a senior capstone project or practicum and electives allowing specialisation in areas such as event management, lodging operations, hospitality sales, or entrepreneurship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic achievement in core subjects, a personal statement and any relevant work experience. Recommended preparation includes courses in English, mathematics and business or economics where available.

• Academic background: successful completion of secondary education with a competitive academic record; specific grade thresholds are set by the university and vary by applicant background.
• Standardised tests and alternatives: the university’s current admissions policy indicates whether standardised test scores are required or optional; applicants should check the university website or admissions office for details.
• Work experience and references: prior part‑time work in hospitality or customer service strengthens an application but is not always mandatory. References and a clear interest in hospitality are beneficial.
• Transfer and mature applicants: transfer students from community colleges and mature applicants are considered; transfer credit is evaluated against programme requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into operational and managerial roles across diverse hospitality and tourism settings. The combination of practical training and business knowledge supports progression into supervisory and leadership positions.

• Hotel and resort management (front office, rooms division, general manager tracks)
• Food and beverage management, restaurant operations and culinary management
• Event, conference and meeting management roles
• Sales, marketing and revenue management positions within hospitality organisations
• Hospitality human resources, training and development
• Entrepreneurship—starting or managing independent hospitality or tourism ventures
• Careers in tourism boards, destination management and hospitality consulting

Why study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Students benefit from a curriculum that balances business fundamentals with industry‑specific skills and an embedded work placement that helps build real employer connections. The university provides access to practical training facilities, guest lectures from experienced practitioners and established local and regional industry partnerships for internships and employment.

Smaller cohort sizes in hospitality courses allow for close faculty supervision of practicum and capstone work, while career services and alumni networks support job search and professional development. The programme is suitable for students seeking a career that combines service delivery with managerial responsibility in a global industry.