The hospitality program, which is open to all Wells students, will give you a thorough grounding in the basics of the industry through an innovative combination of the liberal arts and pre-professional practice. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business management, marketing, and financial analysis, while also immersing yourself in the operations of local travel and tourism businesses. In addition, you’ll choose supplemental courses from a wide variety of liberal arts offerings in areas like psychology, theatre and sustainability.
Come be a part of the inaugural class in this exciting new program, which combines hands-on experiences at some of the region’s top tourism hot spots with a deep grounding in the liberal arts! Through foundational coursework and discipline-based required courses, you’ll hone skills that transfer across the vast array of hospitality operations and service-oriented businesses. You will master the financial and strategic aspects of this growing industry; the unique dynamics at play in a services-based economy; and your own role in navigating the workforce as an employee, manager and leader.
As goods and services become more and more intertwined, thanks to the advent of the internet and other technologies, the hospitality industry has taken a place at the forefront of the U.S. economy. About one in eight Americans work in the travel and tourism industry, which generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually. And with its abundant number of restaurants, state parks, wineries and breweries, and other attractions, the Finger Lakes region is also increasingly dependent on the hospitality industry — and gaining national recognition in the process.
One of the program’s highlights is a two-week intensive course held at a nearby, nationally recognized resort, where you will experience firsthand what it’s like to manage various aspects of a top-tier hospitality business. (You may also instead opt for an internship at a similar hospitality business.)
Whether you’re looking to work in the hospitality sector, start your own business or just learn more about this fast-growing industry, Wells College’s hospitality management program will help give you a competitive edge you won’t find anywhere else.
