The USM curriculum includes courses in marketing and accounting, along with offerings like law, finance, management and marketing tailored just for the hospitality business. There are also courses in tourism, convention and meeting planning, and hotel and restaurant operations. Hutchinson expects the 175 students now enrolled in the program to have few problems landing jobs, with two career fairs held on campus and another for Southeastern U.S. students hosted in Atlanta each year. John Abbott of Byram, a USM junior, hopes he'll be in demand once he graduates with a degree in hospitality management next year. You won't find one person without a job after graduation in this program.
Most graduates have at least five companies knocking their door down.
Ole Miss' program offers a bachelor of science degree in Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis in hospitality management. A good national economy has helped the industry, too, Smith said. People have had more discretionary income and they've been spending it in these areas, so the jobs have been there. Coursework includes classes in human resource management, hospitality promotions and marketing, financial management and food service. Students are required to complete 200 hours in a practicum of actual work experience during their senior year.