Restaurant, Hotel, and Tourism

About the Program
The management of hospitality service establishments continues to be one of the nation’s great growth industries, and the future has never looked brighter. More than 50 percent of the American food dollar is spent in food service establishments, a figure likely to increase in the years ahead. The Food Service industry will employ one out of every 10 workers in the year 2000 and beyond.

Today’s consumers demand more sophisticated food service. They are becoming more quality and time conscious, and they desire greater variety as demonstrated by the popularity of “specialty restaurants” and establishments offering menus for the health-conscious customer. Employers are constantly seeking qualified food service managers who can meet these and other consumer demands.

At Ohio University, the Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism program prepares you to meet the challenges of the industry by emphasizing a program that combines educational expertise with up-to-date, on-the-job experience. If you enjoy working with food and would like to learn the details of operating a business, directing the work of others, and successfully marketing your operation, then consider majoring in this exciting program at Ohio University.

Academic Plan
Your involvement in the Food Service Management Program at Ohio University will provide you with a wealth of opportunities for professional development. Because we care about our students, the faculty members work to foster an innovative, yet practical, curriculum.

Core Courses
You will benefit from a basic core of courses. Some of the areas of study include the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These areas help to develop a foundation of general knowledge, as well as providing an appropriate background for your food service management coursework.

Major Program
Classroom study, laboratory assignments, and practical experience will prepare you for a food service career in your own particular area of interest. Some of the areas you will study include quantity food production, meal management, food and equipment purchasing, food sanitation, international cuisine, nutrition, menu planning, cost control, catering, kitchen design and layout, and computer management.

Experience
The program at Ohio University allows you to get involved in the world of food service during your four years of college. Jobs in food service management are an actual part of coursework in your junior and senior years. Experience opportunities include the Atrium Cafe, an experiential unit housed in Grover Center--the building where students take many of their classes. The Cafe includes a commercial kitchen, dining area and offers limited catering services. This unit, which provide experience in all aspects of food service management, is an integral part of the students' program.

Also, a highly competitive student manager program in our residence hall dining facilities is available, as well as summer food service management internships with well-known companies such as Disney, Bob Evans, Cooker Restaurants, Damon’s, Hyatt, and Marriott, to name a few.

Career Opportunities
A college education in food service management will prepare you for a career limited only by your initiative and ability. Graduates of Ohio University’s Food Service Management Program have secured management positions in restaurants, clubs, hospitals, hotels, contract food companies, universities, and catering services.