Mission
The Department aspires to be the premier business education program in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The mission of our undergraduate program is to prepare graduates for entry level management positions in the hospitality organizations. Our Bachelor of Science in Business curriculum is accredited by both the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration and the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business. There are less than 10 programs nationwide that have achieved that level of accreditation.
Our curriculum emphasizes business education and practical experience. It has three major components. First, all HTM students complete the Pamplin College of Business core curriculum, including accounting, finance, marketing, management, business law, economics, and business information technology.
Second, HTM students complete our core curriculum which focuses on hospitality operations, HTM human resource management, and HTM management policy and strategy. The hospitality operations courses include our food selection and preparation course, food and beverage operations, lodging operations, and practical field studies. Each of these operations courses includes both lecture and substantive practical experience. Currently, the food and beverage operations and lodging operations are offered jointly between the HTM Department and the Hilton professionals in the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center. Additionally, our students complete a 400 hour professional field studies course interning at a hospitality and tourism business.
Third, through required business electives, HTM students are encouraged to pursue either a concentration in a selected area of Hospitality and Tourism Management, additional business education in the core areas of finance, marketing, management, and accounting, or to pursue a minor in business leadership, real estate, and global e-commerce.
Throughout our program we instill a core value to Think Globally, Decide Locally, and Act Ethically. Special emphasis is directed to the development of ethical decision making, leadership, and communications skills. To enhance student understanding of global business, we lead the Pamplin College of Business in the development and implementation of International Study Abroad programs. Finally, we offer an educational environment that encourages students to grow and develop both as a global citizen and as a career minded individual.
