Hospitality Management

What is the job outlook for graduates of the Hospitality Management program?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, positions for first line supervisors/managers are estimated to grow by 14% nationwide by 2014.

What type of salary can I expect with a degree in Hospitality Management?

In 2004, the national average salary for first line supervisors/managers was $25,700.

Why should I choose Penn College for a degree in Hospitality Management?

In the School of Hospitality, the student-to-faculty ratio in labs is 12:1 and in classrooms is 24:1. Students have extensive opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, labs, and practice in Le Jeune Chef Restaurant. The school's equipment and facilities are all state-of-the-art and the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Hospitality Management Programs.

Will the college help me locate a job?

Penn College's Counseling, Career and Disability Services Office offers a wide variety of career services to students. Services include two career expos each year, resume and interview preparation, and on-campus interviews. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the center’s electronic recruiting system - a secure online system that connects students with prospective employers.

What subjects should I take in high school to prepare for this program?

Academic subjects, such as algebra, English and science are highly recommended. Technical courses in food preparation, if available, are recommended, but not required, to enter the program.

Do you award credit for life experience?

Yes, students whose life or work experience warrants consideration for academic credit can apply through the School of Hospitality Office. See the College Catalog for further information.

Is the Hospitality Management program recognized nationally?

The Hospitality Management program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration, an internationally recognized body authorized to accredit associate and baccalaureate degree programs in hospitality. Accreditation is a rigorous process that is intended to ensure that the program's faculty, facilities, equipment, and curriculum meet the quality standards set by education and industry leaders.

What is an internship and where do students complete their internships?

Internships are practical work experiences where students apply their hospitality service and supervisory skills in restaurants, clubs, hotels, and resorts. In most cases, internships are paid work experiences. Internship sites include:

• The Penn Stater and Nittany Lion Inn
• Phillips’s Beach Plaza Hotel
• Hershey Hotel and Resort
• Walt Disney World College Program

Why should I get an associate's degree?

The restaurant and foodservice industry is very competitive and customer expectations are very high. Every day, chefs, managers, and supervisors use communication, math, and critical thinking skills to do their jobs successfully. Given the complex and ever-changing society in which we live, students with an associate's degree have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of today’s customers and guests. With an associate’s degree, students can begin as an entry-level supervisor and then progress within most organizations.

What tools are required for the Hospitality Management program?

Professionalism is stressed throughout the Hospitality Management program; therefore, students are required to wear the School of Hospitality's culinary uniform while in culinary labs and the tableservice uniform while in Le Jeune Chef service labs. Additionally, students will need a knife kit for food preparation labs.

How much hands-on experience will I get in the Hospitality Management program?

Students in the Hospitality Management program are provided with many opportunities to gain practical experience. Starting in the second semester, students get hands-on experience in food preparation and tableservice. In the summer internship, students practice in a hotel, restaurant, resort or country club. In the final two semesters, students practice wine and beverage service and dining room management in our restaurant, Le Jeune Chef.

What is the program's job placement rate?

From 2001 to 2004, the program has averaged a 90% placement rate.

If I complete the Hospitality Management program, can I transfer into a bachelor's degree program?

Yes, students who have completed the Hospitality Management program have a number of options available to them. Students may choose to stay at Penn College and complete the bachelor's in Technology Management (BTM). This two-plus-two program is organized in such a way that students can complete the business-oriented program in two additional years.

Students have also successfully transferred into Hospitality Management programs at universities such as The Pennsylvania State University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Students who choose this option may find that it takes up to six semesters beyond the associate's degree to complete a bachelor's degree. The bachelor's degree is, however, likely to pay strong dividends to the student who invests the time to complete it.

Are S.A.T. scores required for admission into the Hospitality Management program?

No, while S.A.T. scores may be helpful for scholarships and other purposes, they are not required for admission into the Hospitality Management program.

What types of jobs do Hospitality Management graduates get?

In recent years, graduates from the Hospitality Management program have reported that they have held the following job titles:

• Assistant food and beverage manager
• Chef
• Line cook
• Kitchen manager
• Dining room manager
• Line chef
• Floor manager
• Restaurant manager
• Front desk/guest services representative

Are scholarships available to Penn College students and how do you apply for them?

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available to Penn College students and many of them are specifically for students in the School of Hospitality. Students must meet academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Directions on how to apply for Penn College scholarships can be found on the Financial Aid Office's Web page. Scholarships that are specifically available to School of Hospitality students include:

• Hector Boiardi Scholarship
• Burger King Scholarship
• George and Andonetta Girio Family Scholarship
• Labels by Pulizzi Scholarship
• Louis A. Miele Sr. Memorial Scholarship
• Ann Miglio Scholarship
• Penn College Visiting Chef Series Scholarship
• David B. Person Scholarship
• D. L. Stroehmann Culinary Scholarship