Hospitality Management
Degrees:
- Hospitality Management (Bachelor)
- Restaurant and Food Industry Management (Associate)
- Event Management (Minor)
- Hotel/Restaurant and Food Industry Management (Minor)
- Club Management (Certificate)
- Event Management (Certificate)
- Restaurant and Food Industry Management (Certificate)
- Ski Resort Management (Certificate)
Locations:
- Big Rapids
Contact a program advisor
Our Hospitality Management Program is based upon a solid business curriculum with a focus on managing service-oriented operations. With rigorous academic coursework, hands-on experience, frequent field trips, classroom guest speakers, registered student organizations (RSO), worldwide internship placements, and industry-experienced faculty, our program offers you access to gaining knowledge and experiences that can be applied to your professional development and network within the hospitality industry.
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. ACBSP is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence.
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New & Noteworthy
Building Your Network: Sydnee Pruett’s Internship with Electricology
August 13, 2019
Being able to work in a variety of fields is what brought Ferris Hospitality Management student Sydnee Pruett to the program. Now, experiencing it firsthand during her Summer 2019 internship at Electric Forest is why she loves it. Pruett interned…Read more »
College of Business Students Recognized for Excellence
May 14, 2019
The College of Business recently recognized 20 outstanding upperclassmen by presenting them with Student Excellence Awards. On Friday, April 04, 2019, recipients were treated to a catered dinner and a speech from Jeff Harrold, retired Chairman and CEO of Auto-Owners Insurance.… Read more »
College of Business to Host Homecoming Welcome Back Alumni Tent
September 26, 2018
The College of Business will host the COB Homecoming Welcome Back Alumni Tent at the Ferris Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, September 29, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This year’s Homecoming Theme “Color Me Crimson” will allow alumni to… Read more »
Hospitality Management Students Complete Housekeeping 101 Externship at Courtyard, JW Marriott, and Amway
March 21, 2018
Four Hospitality Management students spent Spring Break participating in a Housekeeping 101 Externship hosted by the Courtyard, JW Marriott, and Amway in Grand Rapids. During this experience, students Joel Poirier, Jennifer Orent, Nicholas Oatley, and Oliver Wissman learned the various Housekeeping… Read more »
Eight College of Business Faculty Members Recognized at Annual Author Celebration
March 16, 2018
Eight College of Business faculty members were recognized for their recent scholarly accomplishments on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Ferris State University annual Author Celebration. Those recognized included: Timothy Brotherton, Marketing Beverly DeMarr, Human Resource Management Greg Gogolin, Information Security and Intelligence Henry Ho, Marketing Karyn… Read more »
Professor Lianne Briggs Completes Leadership Program at 2017 HERS Institute
September 1, 2017
Dr. Lianne Briggs, Professor and Sports, Entertainment & Hospitality (SEHM) Department Chair in the College of Business, at Ferris State University, completed the 2017 HERS Institute at Bryn Mawr College, July 10–22, 2017. Briggs joined 68 women leaders from across… Read more »
Embracing the ‘Hospitality High’
June 28, 2017
Students gain real-world experience at X Games By Katelyn Crain | Communications Specialist This article was originally published in the Spring 2017 edition of Ferris Magazine. It was the 2017 Winter X Games, but snowboarding was the last thing on…Read more »
Hospitality Students Gain Key Skills Through RedGlobal Revenue Management Simulation
May 30, 2017
Hospitality Management students recently completed their first ever RedGlobal Revenue Management simulation as part of their Revenue Management and Hotel Analytics (HSMG 406) course. Students were able to embed key career skills throughout the entire live monitoring simulation process. RedGlobal… Read more »
Ferris State University Students Working 2017 Aspen ESPN X Games
January 30, 2017
Amy Dorey and Karyn Kiio, faculty members with the Hospitality Management program, departed on Tuesday morning to take a team of 13 students from six different programs on campus (Hospitality, Public Relations, Music Industry Management, Communications, Marketing and TV & Digital Media… Read more »
Senior Hospitality Management Students Execute “Bulldogs to Business” Conference
November 22, 2016
What do you do when you have over thirty professionals from the Hospitality Industry travelling from many corners of the country that represent all facets of the industry to your campus for a meeting? This is how we tapped into…Read more »
Hospitality Management Students Embrace Opportunity To Experience German Fest
September 22, 2016
The Hospitality Management Student Association (HMSA) had the opportunity to serve German beers, ciders, and wines at the German Fest here in Big Rapids, MI on Friday, Sept. 16. These hospitality students worked directly with Scott Rios, one of the… Read more »
Professional Brew Management Degree—New to the Ferris State University College of Business
May 19, 2016
The Ferris State University Board of Trustees has approved a unique new degree for the College of Business. Starting in the Fall of 2016, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Professional Brew Management. The program curriculum provides… Read more »
Sock Hop Event Marks 25 Years of Hospitality Gala
March 3, 2016
The College of Business Hospitality Management Program will celebrate their 25th annual gala featuring an authentic 1950s-style sock hop. On Friday, April 1, 2016, in the University Center Ballroom, guests can enjoy delicious appetizers and floats and participate in a… Read more »
International Option Enriches College of Business Experience
February 25, 2016
The Ferris College of Business has reached an agreement that offers students seamless study-abroad options. With the Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences, located in Kleve, Germany, Ferris is able to offer both a dual-degree program and the opportunity to…Read more »
Learning in Action at the ESPN Winter X Games
February 8, 2016
A team of 10 students from the College of Business Hospitality program just returned from a four-day trip to Aspen, Colorado, for the ESPN Winter X Games. These College of Business students not only saw some amazing athletics, but got…Read more »
A Balancing Act: Resort Management Student Spotlight
August 24, 2015
Upon graduating in May 2016, Danielle Murphy will receive her Resort Management degree with a Club Management & Special Events minor as well as a Meeting Planning minor. Murphy holds a dominant presence on campus, but continues to find time…Read more »
International Students Expand Horizons in Hospitality
August 12, 2015
Here at Ferris State University, over 50 different countries are represented by the international students who make up nearly four percent of our student body. Laura D’Artanay and Yadan Du are both international students studying within the College of Business Hospitality…Read more »
Putting Hands-on, Business-Integrated Hospitality Education to Work
July 8, 2015
“I didn’t exactly choose to intern here,” says (Jeffrey) Cole Green of his internship at Marriott International Mid-Atlantic Group Sales Office in the Washington, DC, Metro Area. The senior in Hospitality Management goes on, “I interviewed against over 18,000 students…Read more »
Hospitality Student Spotlight: Wayne Bersano
May 27, 2015
Hotel and Restaurant Management student Wayne Bersano has excelled as a leader within the College of Business and beyond. Currently in his junior year, he holds the position of President in the Hospitality Management Student Association and is also President…Read more »
Voyages Through Future’s Past: The Students Behind The 24th Annual Gala
February 26, 2015
The Hospitality Management program’s annual Hospitality Gala is right around the corner! Students in the program have been working diligently to organize this year’s event, Voyage Through Future’s Past. Every student enrolled in courses in the Hospitality Management program participates…Read more »
Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society Inducts 14 Hospitality Students
February 19, 2015
The Eta Sigma Delta Honor Society inducted 14 students from the Hospitality Management program from three Ferris campuses: Big Rapids, Flint and Grand Rapids. Twelve of the 14 students attended a formal induction ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, in Big Rapids.… Read more »
Faculty Nominate Seniors for Student Excellence Award
March 25, 2014
College of Business faculty members recently nominated students to be honored with the Student Excellence Award. The awards, in the form of an engraved plaque, will be presented at a special banquet and ceremony; students’ names will also be displayed on… Read more »
Wining and Dining with the Hospitality Program
March 20, 2014
It takes a prominent program to educate and train students in the exciting fields of hospitality management and Ferris State University’s Hospitality Management program is no exception. “I think the key for our Hospitality Management program is that our program…Read more »
Hospitality Professor Receives Certification and Honors
October 14, 2013
In July 2013, Professor Lianne Briggs completed Train the Trainer Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics offered through the SHARE Center by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute in partnership with Smith Travel Research. This hotel-related certification for university students… Read more »
Hospitality Students Staff Detroit Conference on Geotourism
October 14, 2013
As a hands-on learning experience, four Flint campus Ferris students, with instructor Dr. Lorie Tuma, participated in the 2013 International Society of Travel & Tourism Educators conference on Geotourism in Detroit, MI. The conference program can be seen online. The four… Read more »
Student Receives EPIC Rising Star Award
April 2, 2013
Kathryn Douglas, senior and president of the Ferris Student Chapter of National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) received the Event Professional Industry Class (EPIC) Rising Star Award at an event on March 20, 2013. The award recognizes a student member of NACE… Read more »
Sizzle Magazine Features Hospitality Partnership
November 16, 2012
The American Culinary Federation Sizzle magazine featured an article about the partnership of Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC) and Ferris State University (FSU) of Grand Rapids. In a newly accredited program serving high school juniors and seniors, the Hospitality/Culinary department offers… Read more »
Professor Earns PhD in Educational Leadership
October 29, 2012
Professor Lianne Briggs, Hospitality Management, earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership (Ph.D.) in July 2012 from Western Michigan University.
Certified Dietary Manager Exam Prep Offered
October 29, 2012
The Dietary & Food Service Management, AAS, will become the first program in Michigan approved to prepare students to take the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam. Hospitality Management submitted a lengthy application for accreditation review to the Association of Nutrition… Read more »
Faculty Member Attends Culinary Essentials Workshops
October 29, 2012
Karyn Bledsoe, Faculty, attended the Culinary Essentials Workshops I & II at Johnson & Wales University’s Denver campus in July 2012. She studied various aspects of the kitchen and dining room, including garde mange, pastry arts, tableside cooking, and dining… Read more »
Spa Management Courses in Development
October 29, 2012
Professor Julie Doyle is on sabbatical fall of 2012 to develop courses for the Spa Management concentration under the Resort Management, BS. She will attend the International Spa Association conference and visit spas at various resorts and hotels, including the… Read more »
Hospitality Enrollment Continues to Grow
October 29, 2012
Hospitality Management continues to offer courses at the Kent County Technical Center in Grand Rapids. Courses offered are both direct credit and concurrent enrollment which articulate with both Northwestern Michigan College’s Great Lakes Culinary Institute and the Grand Rapids Community… Read more »
Hotel Management Courses Offered in Grand Rapids and Traverse City
October 29, 2012
Starting January 2013, Hospitality Management will teach courses for the Hotel Management, BS, at both Grand Rapids Community College and Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. Students transfer into the Hotel Management, BS, with either 48 transferable credits or an… Read more »
Hospitality Management to Host Skills USA Culinary Arts Regional Competition
October 26, 2012
Hospitality Management has been selected once again to host the Skills USA Culinary Arts Regional Competition this coming February. The event brings approximately 70 students and their supporters from seven area career technical centers. Winners will advance to a State… Read more »
Hospitality Management Celebrates 50 Years
October 26, 2012
The Hospitality Management made its first appearance with an AAS in Food Service Supervision in the 1961 catalog of Ferris Institute. The degree featured classes like Catering, Food Sanitation, and Food Service Calculations & Cost Estimating, as well as general education… Read more »
Dietary & Food Service Management Receives Accreditation
October 26, 2012
Ferris State University’s A.A.S. in Dietary & Food Service Management recently received accreditation from the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP). This distinguishes Ferris’ DFSM program the only ANFP-approved program in Michigan. The Dietary & Food Service Management degree… Read more »
Hospitality Management Enters Agreement with Montcalm Community College
October 26, 2012
Hospitality Management recently entered into a cooperative agreement with Montcalm Community College (MCC) allowing their students to be concurrently enrolled at both Ferris and MCC. Students will be able to obtain an A.A.S. in Restaurant and Food Industry Management or… Read more »
Admissions
1. New First Year or “First Time in Any College Freshmen (FTIAC)” Applicant COB Admission Criteria
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (SAA).
Applicants completing the SAT after Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) score of 450 or higher.
- SAT Math score of 500 or higher. Placement in Math 109/110 will be considered (SAT MATH score 480).
- SAT Composite score of 900.
Applicants completing the ACT; or applicants completing the SAT before Fall, 2016, must have a 2.5 high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and meet two of the three criteria below:
- English ACT score of 16 or higher, or SAT Writing score of 370 or higher
- Math ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Math score of 460 or higher
- Reading ACT score of 19 or higher, or SAT Reading score of 430 or higher
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or approved satellite location.
Applicants not meeting the above criteria (or criteria for direct admission into a specific COB program listed in Section 3), MAY be considered for an approved Associates Degree if:
- High School GPA of 2.35 or higher
- Math ACT score of 16/SAT Math 430 and additional high school algebra
- ACT Reading score of 16 and ACT English score of 14 or a comparable SAT ERW score to be determined.
- SAT Composite score of 860 or ACT composite score of 15.
2. Transfer Applicant COB Admission Criteria (this includes internal applicants from other FSU colleges and external applicants from other institutions)
Applicants are expected to meet the criteria listed below to be placed directly into a College of Business bachelor/associate degree program except for Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) which have specific admission requirements listed in Section 3. Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA.
Transfer applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Combined college or university GPA of 2.35 (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 12 credit hours or more. Developmental courses will not be considered in computing the GPA requirement.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU English 150 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT English score of 16 or higher; or SAT ERW score of 450; or Accuplacer English score 6 or higher.
- Transfer equivalency for FSU Math 114/115 or placement during the first semester at FSU which would require an ACT Math score of 19 or higher; or SAT Math score of 500; or Accuplacer MATH scores: Elementary Algebra score 75 or higher and College Level Math 0 – 49.
ACT/SAT score requirements shall not apply to international students and non-traditional students age 23 or older. However, a placement test (specified by Ferris State University and/or COB) may be necessary for English and Math. Most students complete the Accuplacer at the FSU Testing Center or an approved satellite location.
COB students may transfer into another COB program with a 2.0 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
FSU students may transfer into a COB program with a 2.35 FSU GPA unless they do not meet requirements that are program specific. A “Program Change Form” will be processed in the Dean’s Office/SAA (BUS 200).
3. COB Specific Programs’ Admission Criteria
New applicants (FTIAC)* and transfer applicants interested in Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Systems Computer Information Systems (CIS), Computer Information Technology (CIT), Graphic Design (DSGN), Information Security and Intelligence (ISIN), Music Industry Management (MIM), PGA Golf Management (PGA), and Professional Tennis Management (PTM) have specific admission criteria as follows:
Accountancy/Computer Information Systems (ACIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet the COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Systems (CIS-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA.
Computer Information Technology (CIT-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and have a college or university 2.5 GPA.
Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree (DSGN-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria. Students must maintain a 2.7gpa in their DSGN courses.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and will be referred to the Program Coordinator for portfolio review to determine acceptance and placement within the program.
Information Security & Intelligence (ISIN-BS-BU and ISIN-AAS-BU)
- All applicants applying for admission to the ISIN programs will submit a 750 – 1,000 word essay that addresses the following: Who they are and why they desire admission in the ISIN program, description of a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience, and description of someone that influenced them and why.
- Minimum computer spec for ISIN students: Laptop; Windows or OSX/MacOS; 8 GB RAM, 16GB recommended; 500 GB HDD or SSD; CPU minimum i5 or equivalent.
- FTIAC applicants require a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school and a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550.
- Transfer applicants must have a combined 3.00 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from all institutions attended. GPA is based on completion of 24 hours or more. Students must have completed the transfer equivalent of FSU’s Math 114/115 or higher (this does not include FSU’s equivalent of Math 117) with a minimum 2.00 GPA or have a Math ACT minimum score of 22 or Math SAT minimum score of 550. (See information above regarding the required essay.)
Music and Entertainment Business (MEBM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants must meet COB FTIAC admission criteria.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria and (see Section 2) have a combined college or university 2.5 GPA. Typically no more than 45 applicable credit hours should be transferred from other institutions. Exceptions will be based on approval by the MIM Program Director.
PGA Golf Management (PGA-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, ACT composite score of 19 or SAT composite score of 980. The program has a Fall Semester entry only. Because of the uniqueness of the program, applicants are encouraged to visit campus and talk with an admissions counselor and/or the PGA program coordinator.
- There are two alternatives for students to demonstrate the golf playing ability required to enter the Ferris State PGA Golf Management Program. Each State Golf Association offers memberships that include score posting for rounds played to allow golfers to establish an official handicap. If a student elects to use option 1 below, the maximum permitted USGA/World Handicapping System Index is 8.0.
- In Michigan, for example, the Golf Association of Michigan offers score posting options online. The following link will take you directly to the GAM Membership page. As a GAM Member not only can you post your scores but the GAM offers discounts on greens fees and merchandise at various courses throughout Michigan. https://www.gam.org/?Membership&view=Join
- The other alternative is to demonstrate playing proficiency in a 36 hole PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT) conducted in any PGA Section in the United States. The proficiency considered acceptable by Ferris State is as follows: In at least one of the two rounds of the PAT, the student shoots a score that is within 5 strokes of the PAT Target Score.
For Example, the PAT Target Score for 36 Holes = 158 (79 + 79 = 158)
Player in PAT Shoots 84 and 86 in the two rounds. Since at least one round (the 84) is within 5 strokes of 79 that would be considered acceptable.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admission criteria (see Section 2) and demonstrate golfing ability as explained above. Transfer equivalency or placement in ENGL-150 and MATH-114 or MATH-115.
- Students must complete the program within eight years of the initial enrollment as required by the PGA.
- PGA Playing Ability Test Registration
Professional Tennis Management (PTM-BS-BU)
- FTIAC applicants require a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from high school, NTRP of 4.0 with USTA District ranking and one of the following two criteria: (1) ACT Math score of 19 or higher or SAT Math score of 500 OR (2) ACT Reading score of 19 or higher or SAT ERW to be determined.
- Transfer applicants must meet COB transfer admissions criteria (see Section 2) and NTRP of 4.0 or USTA District ranking.
4. Undergraduate COB Certificate Programs’ Admission Criteria
Any person admitted to a Ferris State University degree program may enroll in courses for undergraduate COB certificates. No more than 50% of the credits in a certificate may be transferred from another institution. If a student is in a FSU degree-seeking program, the certificate will not be granted if more than 50% of the certificate credits are required in the program/major. The certificate will be granted upon completion with an average GPA of 2.0 or higher in the courses designated for the certificate.
Individuals wanting to advance their career, but not admitted to an FSU degree program, may also earn undergraduate COB certificates.
Admission process for individuals seeking only a certificate:
- Applicant should show proof of high school graduation with a 2.35 GPA. If it is determined by the COB Dean’s Office/SAA that regular program admission criteria should be met in order to complete the certificate successfully and be a contributing member of the course, all college transcripts should be submitted to the Admissions Office. Once admitted, an advisor will be assigned by the College of Business in the certificate program.
- Dual enrolled/concurrent students must complete their high school degree (provide transcript) before the certificate will be granted from FSU.
- Students wishing to pursue a bachelor or associate’s degree must meet the admission criteria for the program. This criteria review is initiated when the “Program Change Form” request is processed through the COB Dean’s Office/SAA.
Any mitigating circumstances will be considered on an individual basis by the College of Business Dean’s Office/SAA
*This document is subject to change. Questions should be submitted to the COB Dean’s Office/Student Academic Affairs (BUS 200) in care of the Director of Student Academic Affairs (231-591-2420).
SLG: April 9, 2013; Spring, 2014 (PHMT and eliminate PMIM); December, 2014(editorial); August 20, 2015 (criteria change: Section 1 preprogram requirements; PGA Golf Management name change); April and May, 2016 (Certificate process updates); Reviewed by AC: March 16, 2017 and updated on April 4, 2017 (Updates with certificate, ISIN admissions criteria, SAT updates, program changes, eliminate pre-programs, editorial changes); June 13, 2107 (MIM transfer credit clarification); June 19, 2017 (CIS transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.5 GPA); July 27, 2017 (ISIN computer recommendations; Accountancy/Computer Information Systems transfer criteria update: combined college GPA 2.50); August 16, 2017 (Edit); Oct 6, 2017 (ISIN AAS); November 7, 2017 (PTM edit “or USTA”);