Hospitality & Tourism Business Management

Professional/Technical Program Advisor
Jackie Landsem
360.383.3080 for appointment 

Program Coordinator
Greg Hansen
360.383.3760

Information Sessions

Tuesday, November 3      11:30-12:30pm     LDC 203

You are encouraged to attend an information session or contact one of the Professional/Technical advisors listed above for planning help.

Degree and Certificate Information [PDF Format]

• Associate in Science Degree / Business Administration, Hospitality & Tourism Emphasis
• Certificate / Hospitality & Tourism Business Management

Program Overview

Many potential pathways to a career in Hospitality and Tourism begin here at Whatcom Community College. Whether you are looking to start your career right away, get a head-start on an advanced degree, or develop a skill that will get you a valuable work experience and a great paying job while you are going to school, Whatcom Community College can help.

Whatcom Community College offers a 45 credit certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Business Management or a 90 credit Associate in Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Hospitality and Tourism. The certificate program is designed to accommodate the working student's schedule with a minimum number of days on campus. The program incorporates business management courses such as Business Computing and Customer Service for Professionals with general education classes and the following core of technical courses:

• Introduction to Hospitality Management
• Hotel Management and Lodging Systems
• Meeting and Event Planning
• Travel and Tourism Operations
• Catering, Banquet, and Food Service Management

These courses were created using data collected from local industry businesses about the skills necessary for success. Both the degree and certificate include cooperative work experience, designed to give graduates the necessary experience to compete for higher paying jobs.

What can I do with a Hospitality degree or certificate?

The $10 billion Hospitality and Tourism industry is a growing, vibrant, and fast-paced industry with endless opportunities for advancement. Just some of the exciting careers opportunities include:

• Event and Wedding Planner
• Meetings and Conference Coordinator
• Catering Sales or Coordinator
• Restaurant Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Sales and Marketing
• Publicity and Promotion
• Community Relations
• Tour guide
• Property Management

A certificate or degree in Hospitality and Tourism will give you the opportunity to move up the ladder from an entry level position into management quickly. The program emphasizes cooperative learning to give you the real world, hands-on experience you need to compete for better jobs.

Can I transfer with my Hospitality & Tourism Degree?

If you want to continue your education beyond Whatcom, you can transfer your H&T courses into Washington State University's Hospitality Business Management Program or your AAS degree to South Seattle Community Colleges Bachelors of Arts and Science program in Hospitality Management. Ask your advisor for more information about transferring to one of these fantastic schools.

What are the prerequisites?

There are no special prerequisite courses for this program; however, students are encouraged to develop college level writing and math skills and strong computer skills early in their educational program. New students should complete the college's assessment/placement testing to determine writing and math levels. To schedule an assessment appointment, call the Entry & Advising Center at 360.383.3001.

When can I start?

Students may start the program any quarter, but should be aware that some courses are only offered once per year.

What is the application process?

Apply to WCC online.

If you are unable to apply online, request a WCC application by email at , by phone 360.383.3001 or in person at the Entry/Advising Center, LDC 116.

There is no special program application for the Hospitality and Tourism Business Management Program or the Business Administration Program. For more information about the Business Administration program, please visit the Business Administration program webpage.