Hospitality Degree Programs in Illinois

College of DuPage

Programs of Study: Culinary and Hospitality Management

The College of DuPage is a community college that has offered diverse, educational opportunities for state residents since 1967. DuPage enrolls over 26,000 students per year, making it the third largest school among Illinois’ public institutions of higher learning and the largest community college in Illinois. The institution is dedicated to providing a high quality of education in relevant career industries, including Hospitality Management. DuPage is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and School through the Higher Learning Commission. DuPage also participates as a member organization in the HLC’s prestigious Academic Quality Improvement Program. Institutions of higher learning who are ACIP members work continually to enhance their programs by aligning ongoing and new activities with HLC standards, thus ensuring that all programs are up to date with curriculum and program requirements.

AAS – Hospitality Management

Hospitality managers guide and direct the work of front desk employees, food service workers, housekeepers and maintenance staff. They are also responsible for overseeing planning for conferences and entertainment events. The Associate of Applied Science degree program at the College of DuPage prepares graduates for entry-level positions within the industry or to continue studies towards a bachelor’s in the field. Curriculum requirements entail completion of 64 credits over four semesters in: General education courses, foundational hospitality classes and approved electives. Hospitality Managers have a wide range of job options at: Hotels resorts, retirement communities, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, convention and visitor’s bureaus and event planning businesses.

Contacts:
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Boulevard
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
Admissions:(630) 942-2380
admissions@cod.edu

Mary Beth Leone
Coordinator, Hospitality
leonem@cod.edu
(630) 942-2059
Hospitality Management AAS Program

DePaul University

Driehaus College of Business: School of Hospitality Leadership

DePaul University is one of the nation’s top private institutions of higher learning, ranking 121st out of nearly 1,800 national universities by U.S.News & World Report in 2014. Its School of Hospitality Leadership benefits from DePaul’s proximity to downtown Chicago, providing its students with real-life entrepreneurial and hospitality management learning experiences. The University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools under the auspices of the Higher Learning Commission. It also holds accreditation for its undergraduate and graduate degree business programs, of which hospitality programs are a part, by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – International.

Hospitality Leadership – BSB

Students enrolled in the Hospitality Leadership Bachelor’s of Science in Business program will learn to align the foundational principles of hospitality management with key business principles. They will learn the core concepts of DePaul’s philosophy of sharing hospitality with others while making it accessible to all, no matter what economic, cultural or social boundaries exist. The curriculum is comprised of 192 credit hours covering areas of: Business management; liberal studies; core major and concentration concepts; specialization content; and approved electives. Students are taught within traditional classroom settings and through two internship placements in industry related settings. Graduates of this program can expect to find employment in the hospitality job sector starting at entry- or mid-level positions.

Hospitality Leadership – MBA

For those wishing to pursue further education in Hospitality Leadership or advance more quickly in their careers, the Master’s of Business Administration is the degree of choice. Significantly more in-depth study is given to the inter-play between guests, hospitality employees and service accommodations in all segments of the industry. Evening and daytime programs are available to assist attendance for students scheduling around work and family obligations. Depending on the program and concentration, students will be responsible for completing 12-15 credits of core business concepts and 24-36 credits in concentration classes and electives. Concentrations to choose from include: Finance, Marketing Management, Operations and General Business.

Hospitality Leadership and Operational Performance – MS

The Master of Science in Hospitality Leadership and Operational Performance teaches
hospitality leaders to integrate business skills and practices with innovative customer services and technology, thus increasing positive guest experiences and the business’s financial performance. Qualifying students will complete 12 foundational courses for 48 hours of credit. Coursework will cover all aspects of behavior management for customers and employees, methods of financial operations and data analysis for improvement of customer satisfaction and company profit.

Contacts:
DePaul University
1 East Jackson
Chicago, Illinois 60604
(312) 362-8000
admission@depaul.edu

Misty Johanson
Associate Dean – Driehaus College of Business,
Professor of Hospitality Leadership, Ph.D.
14 East Jackson, Suite 320E Chicago, Illinois 60604
mjohans1@depaul.edu
(312) 362-7324

Websites:
Hospitality Leadership BSB Program
Hospitality Leadership MBA Program 
Hospitality Leadership and Operational Performance MS Program

Elgin Community College

Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies

Elgin Community College was incorporated in 1949 to assist students coming out of high school or older adult students to earn entry-level certificates and associate degrees in Associate of Applied Science degrees to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the hospitality industry or for further study to earn bachelor degrees at cooperating four-year college programs. ECC will be up for renewal of its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association in 2015 and is also recognized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Culinary Arts and Hospitality – Associate of Applied Science Degrees

Students enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program can opt to earn one of five AAS degrees:

• Culinary Arts.
• Culinary Management – Culinary Arts.
• Culinary Management – Restaurant Management.
• Pastry Arts.
• Restaurant Management.

Each of these associate degree options require taking 6 credit hours in English communications, 3 credits in sociology, 3 credits in liberal arts, 45 credits in culinary and hospitality classes specific to the concentration, and 3 credits of electives. Upon successful completion of these 60 credit hours, graduates with AAS degrees in Culinary Arts and Hospitality are ready for immediate employment in the hospitality industry or to continue their studies to earn bachelor degrees in the hospitality field at the following cooperating post-secondary schools: Franklin University, Robert Morris College or Lexington College.

Contacts:
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, Illinois 60123-7193
(847) 697-1000

Jeff Boyd, Ed.D. – Dean
Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies
Office: Bldg F, Room F222,
jboyd@elgin.edu
(847) 214-7900

Websites:
Department Page
Culinary Arts and Hospitality AAS Programs

Harper College

Areas of Study: Hospitality

In 1965, Harper College was founded to bring quality higher educational programs to its surrounding communities. With the rising demand for hospitality workers, Harper College created pathways for interested students to obtain work-ready skills by earning Associate of Applied Science degrees in Hospitality Management. Flexible scheduling assists students of all ages with completion of program requirements. Harper College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs.

AAS – Hospitality Management

There are two concentrations offered at Harper College for the AAS in Hospitality Management: Food Service Operations Management and Hotel Operations Management. Each concentration requires completion of 60 credit hours over a two year period. Upon finishing the program, students are eligible to sit for certification exams offered by the Educational Foundation of the National Restaurant Association or from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Both programs cover 18 credit hours of general educational requirements and 27 credits of hospitality management foundations. The last 15 credit hours for each concentration will focus on specialized coursework for food service operations or hotel operations, with some overlap of content for: Computer fundamentals; hospitality promotions; hospitality law and risk management; and topics in hospitality management. Unique classes for each concentration include:

• Food Service Operations Management: Restaurant layout and equipment; beverage management.

• Hotel Operations Management: Front office operations; hospitality facility maintenance.

Graduates with either specialization of this degree are eligible for employment in entry-level hospitality positions or to continue their education to obtain bachelor’s degrees.

Contacts:
Harper College
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, Illinois 60067
Information Desk: (847) 925-6707
Website

Admissions Outreach:
Building C, Room C103
(847) 925-6700
Hospitality Management AAS Program

Joliet Junior College

Career and Technical Education: Business Education

Started in 1901, Joliet Junior College is noted to be the nation’s first public community college. Its focus is to reach area citizens with occupational education that results in direct employment resulting in career stability. To that end, JJC developed an associate degree program for students interested in the growing hospitality industry. Joliet’s instructional formats are presented in traditional on-campus class settings, experiential settings, and through online distance learning programs. The college also supports transfer student programs. Joliet Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Hospitality Management – AAS

Offered through the Business Education Department of JJC, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management prepares its students for supervisory, managerial and technical positions in the hospitality industry. The program is designed to complete 62 credit hours over two years. Curriculum requirements include: General education classes, computer information systems, fundamentals of hospitality coursework, culinary arts concepts and approved electives. Graduates will be eligible to work immediately in entry-level positions or to pursue further studies towards a bachelor’s degree in four-year college programs.

Contacts:
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, Illinois
(815) 729-9020

Catherine Anderson, Coordinator
Office: T-2035
canderso@jjc.edu
(815) 208-2448
Hospitality Management AAS Program

Kendell College

School of Hospitality Management

According to a TNS Global report conducted in May of 2013, Kendell College was ranked by Chicago area hotels as the number one institute in the region for providing careers to students in hospitality management. Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, Kendell College students have multiple opportunities to hone their craft in hospitality venues. Kendell College has many resources through its affiliation with Laureate International Universities which further enhances the global reputation of its hospitality management program. Kendell’s accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

BA in Hospitality Management Degrees

Kendell offers seven concentrations for Bachelor’s of Art degrees in Hospitality Management:

• Asset Management.
• Beverage Management.
• Hotel/Lodging Management.
• Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) program.
• Restaurant/Food and Beverage Management.
• Sports Management.
• Sustainable Management in Hospitality in Tourism.

All program concentrations require completion of 185 credits over four years. Sixty credits for the Bachelor of Arts core of general education studies and seventy-five credits in foundational hospitality management principles are taken during the first two years. Students will then branch out, taking classes that specifically address their chosen concentration for an additional 24 credits. Rounding out the curriculum are eight elective credits, six credits for a Capstone Project and 12 credits for completing two on-the-job internships. From resort hotels to high end entertainment venues, graduates holding any of Kendell’s Hospitality Management bachelor’s degrees will have a wealth of high quality jobs to choose from around the world.

Contacts:
Kendell College
900 N. North Branch St
Chicago, Illinois 60642
(888) 905-3632 (toll free)

Dr. Susan Tinnish
Dean, School of Hospitality Management
Susan.Tinnish@kendall.edu
Hospitality Management BA Programs

Lexington College

Hospitality Management College

Lexington College is a unique higher learning institution for for women focusing on Hospitality Management careers. Located in the West Loop of Chicago, Lexington College offers a variety of on-site training opportunities as part of its curriculum. LC offers bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs and is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools through the Higher Learning Commission.

BAS – Hospitality Management

Students in the Bachelor of Applied Science Hospitality Management program have a choice of specialization in:

• Hotel & lodging management.
• Restaurant & food service management.
• Culinary arts.
• Baking and pastry.
• Gastronomy – food and culture.
• Event planning.
• Travel and tourism.
• Catering management.
• Health care and wellness.
• Nutritional studies.

Coursework completion requires 129 credit hours in classes covering core concepts for the degree in the areas of: General education, hospitality management, business management, specialization classes and electives. Students must also complete a graduation portfolio and two internships. Additional internship and scholarship opportunities link students with some of the world’s best hospitality companies for on-the-job training in specialty areas. These real-life, work experiences prepare Lexington graduates with some of the best entry- and mid-level job positions available within the global hospitality management industry.

AAS – Hospitality Management

For students who wish to work towards competencies that allow them to start a career in the hospitality management industry, the Associate of Applied Science degree is a great place to hone their skills. The curriculum focuses on 66 credits of the basic core requirements of the bachelor’s degree in: General education courses, hospitality management, business management and approved electives. Students will also complete a portfolio and one supervised work internship. Unlike the BAS degree, there is no specific concentration area to work towards. Graduates with an AAS degree in Hospitality Management from LC are welcomed into a variety of employment settings within the hospitality industry.

Contacts:
Lexington College
General Admissions
310 S. Peoria Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 226-6294 or (866) 647-3093 (toll free)
admissions@lexingtoncollege.edu

Parkland College

Business and Agri-Industries Department

Parkland College has educated students in the Champaign, Illinois region since 1967. Their mission is to promote achievement and excellence among all learners in all programs. Focusing on high performing technical and career industries, Parkland graduates are prepared for immediate employment and upward mobility within their occupations. Parkland holds accreditations by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools through the Higher Learning Commission, the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Hospitality: Hotel-Motel Management AAS

Flexibility and variety of jobs world-wide are the outcome of this Associate of Applied Science degree. Students will be engaged in meaningful learning activities through traditional classwork and on-site job training through local, national or international internships. Minimum graduation requirements entail 65 semester hours that cover: 15 hours in general education classes; 35 hours studying foundational principles about the hospitality industry, management basics and food service operations; and 15 hours business principles.

Contacts:
Parkland College
2400 West Bradley Avenue
Champaign, Illinois 61821
(217) 351-2200 or (800) 346-8089 (toll free)

Bruce Henrikson
Department Chair, B115
(217) 351-2435
Hotel-Management AAS Program

Robert Morris University – Illinois

Institute of Culinary Arts

Students enrolled at Robert Morris University have bright futures knowing that their alma mater has a graduation rate ranking in the top five for private colleges according to the Higher Chronicle of Education. Accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and overseen by the Higher Learning Commission and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, RMU students can anticipate high quality, educational programs from a school with a stellar reputation and great job placements after graduation.

Bachelor of Professional Studies – Advanced Culinary Arts and Hospitality

The goal of the BPS in Advanced Culinary Arts and Hospitality is to afford graduates with opportunities to apply cutting edge skills and techniques in top-notch hospitality venues around the world. The BPS requires 96 quarter hours in classes devoted to:

• Professional competencies in core business and management principles.
• Core concentration courses in food service and purchasing.
• Thematic sequence electives in communications, human relations, quantitative methods and specialization choices.
• On-the-job training and internships within Chicago and in study-abroad locations.

In general, holders of a Bachelor’s of Professional Studies degree can obtain employment starting at mid-level positions or are poised for higher management jobs down the line within the hospitality industry.

Contacts:
Robert Morris University – Illinois
401 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(800) 762-5960 (toll free)
General Admissions: enroll@robertmorris.edu
Advanced Culinary Arts and Hospitality BPS Program

Roosevelt University

Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies: The Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Since 1945, Roosevelt University has helped numerous Chicago area citizens earn degrees through flexible scheduling of traditional and online coursework. RU’s progressive curriculum includes 126 degree programs that are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Courses are offered on two campuses in Chicago or Schaumburg and through distance learning online programs. RU is on the forefront of hospitality education, offering not only a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management but also the only master’s in this concentration in the state of Illinois.

Hospitality and Tourism Management – BSHTM

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management emphasizes: managing food and lodging services; planning and coordinating events, conventions, meetings and exhibitions; overseeing sports and recreational programs; administrating tourism venues; and overseeing casino and club operations. Due to their rigorous training, many graduates with an RU bachelor’s begin employment at mid-level positions and are highly sought after to fill positions within the hospitality industry. The BSHTM program encompasses 120 semester hours divided between: 36 credits in general education classes; 54 credits in hospitality management studies; and 30 semester hours of electives from one of five concentration areas. Students will be involved in research and complete a senior project as part of the requirements. Concentration areas are: Tourism Administration; Restaurant and Food Service Management; Meeting and Event Management; Sports Hospitality; and Hotel and Lodging Management.

Hospitality and Tourism Management – MSHTM

For students interested in further study and faster career advancement in the hospitality industry, the Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management is designed to enhance the student’s professional, technical and research skills. Graduates with an MSHTM will have leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry and increased employment opportunities nationally and internationally. The MSHTM requires an additional 30 hours of graduate level credits in:

• Advanced hospitality and tourism management studies.
• Approved electives.
• Graduate seminars.
• Completion of a research thesis or master’s level project.

Contacts:
Roosevelt University
430 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60605
(312) 341-3500

Brad Hunt
Dean of the Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies
(312) 341-3145
dbhunt@roosevelt.edu
Hospitality and Tourism Management BSHTM Program
Hospitality and Tourism Management MSHTM Program

Southern Illinois University – Carbondale

College of Agricultural Sciences: Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition

Started in 1869 as a teacher’s college, Southern Illinois University has grown into a higher learning institution offering a variety of associate’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees to qualified students. With the rapid growth of the hospitality industry, SIU’s bachelor’s in Hospitality and Tourism Administration has become a popular program among new students. The university is accredited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration.

Hospitality and Tourism Administration – Bachelor’s Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Administration degree specializes in providing students with management and administration skills in the areas of lodging, food service and tourism. The program requires 120 credit hours in: general education classes, courses in major concentration areas of hospitality and tourism management, specialization areas and electives. Students will also complete field experiences in actual business settings as part of their curriculum. Degree holders can expect to be hired in many entry-level positions around the region.

Contacts:
Southern Illinois University
Undergraduate Admissions
Mail Code 4710
1263 Lincoln Drive
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
(618)536-4405
admissions@siu.edu
Hospitality and Tourism BS Program

Triton College

Applied Science Programs: Hospitality Industry

Located within easy reach of Chicago, Triton College is a two year institution of higher learning that helps students develop work-ready skills for employment in competitive markets such as the hospitality industry. Flexibility of scheduling encourages students to complete degree offerings through a combination of traditional classes, experiential training and online distance learning options. Triton College is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools through the Higher Learning Commission.

Hospitality Industry Administration Hotel/Motel Management AAS

The Associate of Applied Science degree instructs students in the fundamental principles necessary to work in entry-level positions within the hospitality industry. From managing front desk workers and housekeepers to supervising food service staff, graduates will have many job options from which to choose. The curriculum spans two years and requires 67 total credits for completion. Coursework emphasizes: Basic hospitality industry management skills; food service operations; lodging and tourism principles; staff supervision; marketing and business practices; and general education requirements. Before graduating, students will also complete a cooperative work experience.

Hospitality Industry Administration/Restaurant Management AAS

This concentration of the Hospitality Industry Administration associate’s degree prepares students for work within the fast paced restaurant world of the hospitality industry. Students study specific courses designed to help them master the skills necessary to manage all aspects of food service work, including: Food preparation and service, purchasing, cost control, menu planning, customer service and satisfaction and staff supervision. The curriculum is a minimum of 67 credit hours and entails completion of courses in: General education requirements; accounting and culinary math; food industry safety and standards; nutrition guidelines; staff supervision; marketing and business practices; dining room and beverage management; hospitality principles; and completion of a supervised work experience.
Graduates holding this degree will be able to work in a variety of dining establishments, from casual to formal in any part of the country.

Contacts:
Triton College
2000 Fifth Avenue
River Grove, Illinois 60171
(708) 456-0300

Denise Smith-Gaborit, Coordinator
Hospitality Industry Administration Programs
denisesmithgaborit@triton.edu
Ext. 3624
Hospitality Industry Administration Hotel/Motel Management AAS Program
Hospitality Industry Administration/Restaurant Management AAS Program

Careers in the hospitality industry are exciting and employees build job satisfaction while helping thousands enjoy excellent guest and travel accommodations. With employment in the Illinois hospitality industry on the rise, it’s never been a better time to consider education for a career in this exciting field. Graduates from Illinois’ excellent choices of accredited hospitality programs will have their pick of jobs from hotel, restaurant, sports, entertainment and tourism venues. Imagine being on the forefront of leadership and administration in a career that can lead to employment anywhere in the world. Take control of the future: Earn one of the many hospitality degrees in Illinois available today and become an industry leader for tomorrow.

For more information on Hospitality Degrees, please see “Top 10 Best Online Hotel and Hospitality Management Degree Programs 2014“.