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The Hospitality Management program provides a four-year Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in hospitality management. As Iowa's sole four-year hospitality program, it equips undergraduates with core management principles for diverse hospitality sectors including hotels, restaurants, clubs, and foodservice operations. The curriculum covers specialized areas like: (a) food and beverage operations, (b) hotel administration, (c) senior living facility management, and (d) tourism and entertainment management.
Students gain practical training at two on-campus facilities: the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom and SPARKS café. The historic Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom serves as a 105-seat teaching kitchen where students oversee all aspects of food service. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running student-operated restaurant on any U.S. college campus. SPARKS, located in the Student Innovation Center, offers additional management experience across all operational areas including menu planning, supply chain, staffing, and more.
The program facilitates internship placements across local, national, and international hospitality venues, including hotels, dining establishments, event caterers, amusement parks, sports complexes, cruise lines, tourism boards, private enterprises, and golf clubs. Coursework emphasizes practical application of management strategies within real-world hospitality settings, while also preparing students for various professional certifications.
Our program's mission focuses on generating, disseminating, and implementing knowledge to improve consumer experiences through quality hospitality products and services. This is achieved through our acclaimed, student-centered approach. We foster a supportive, inclusive learning environment with experienced faculty who bring real-world industry expertise to the classroom.