College of Education and Professional Studies
Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Science | Major
Hospitality Management Specialization
If you've always dreamed of running a bustling restaurant or launching your own service business, a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management is for you.
We aim to equip you with the skills needed to step into key supervisory roles that make the world of hotels, restaurants, and the wider service industry so exciting. You will explore the principles of guest satisfaction and service excellence, as well as how to transform your innovative ideas into a successful business venture.
Questions? Contact Us.
Carla Jellum
Create Your Future
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management
Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management Core
- HRM 381 - Management of Human Resources
- HTE 201 - Introduction to Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management
- HTE 230 - Program and Event Budgeting
- HTE 303 - Hospitality Leadership
- HTE 373D - Convention and Meeting Management
- HTE 419 - Applied Research and Evaluation
- HTE 420 - Program Promotion, Sales and Advertising
- HTE 484 - Hospitality Law, Negotiation, and Risk Management
- HTE 487 - HTE Capstone
- HTE 492 - Senior Practicum
Hospitality Management Specialization
- HTE 202 - Food and Beverage Operations
- HTE 272 - Lodging Operations I
- HTE 309 - Facility Planning, Maintenance and Safety
- HTE 310 - Customer Service Operations
- HTE 361 - Hospitality Technology
- HTE 474 - Lodging Operations II
- HTE 488 - Revenue Management
Department-Approved Electives
- COM 301 - Public Speaking for Business and Organizations
- HTE 273 - Airline Operations
- HTE 292 - Practicum
- HTE 351 - Online and App Strategies for HTE
- HTE 373E - Resort Management
- HTE 377 - The Gaming and Casino Industry
- HTE 379 - Cruise Line Industry
- HTE 405 - Hospitality Catering
- MGT 382 - Principles of Management
- MKT 360 - Principles of Marketing
- MKT 376 - Foundations of Digital Marketing
- RMT 366 - Customer Relationship Management
- WINE 201 - Wine Service and Food Pairing
- WINE 325 - Winery Administration and Budgeting
- WINE 353 - Tasting Room and Wine Club Management
HTE 361 – Hospitality Technology
Explore the software that powers today’s hospitality industry. From scheduling to revenue tracking, you’ll gain experience with the tools used to manage operations and guest satisfaction.
Hands-On Learning
Engage in practical experiences, including internships, food lab courses, and field-based classes that equip you with real-world skills.
Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced faculty who bring industry knowledge and connections into the classroom.
Study Abroad
Take advantage of opportunities to study abroad, expanding your global understanding of hospitality management.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Industry in Washington
Hospitality is among the top three industries in Washington State and the number-one industry globally.
Environment
Enjoy career benefits like traveling to exciting places, meeting interesting people, and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Range
Graduates can expect a starting salary between $45,000 and $75,000 depending on the role and location.
Career Outlook
Hospitality Specialists keep the guest experience running smooth from boutique hotels and resorts to large-scale conference centers. They oversee daily operations, lead staff, and ensure every guest enjoys exceptional service.
Wages and Opportunities
Most Lodging Management positions require a bachelor’s degree and several years of hands-on experience in hospitality or business operations.
In Washington, lodging managers earn an average of $86,890 per year, with top earners making more than $169,000 annually. Across the United States, the average salary is $68,130, with strong growth potential for those with management experience.
Data provided by O*NET and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Successful Fields
Hotel Manager
Restaurant Manager
Guest Services Manager
Resort Operations Manager
Sales and Marketing Specialist (Hospitality Focus)
Commitment to a Sustainable World
Central Washington University is committed to integrating sustainability across academics, operations, and campus life. Many CWU programs embed sustainability-related concepts, skills, and applied learning that prepare students to think critically about their impact on the world around them.
CWU is nationally recognized for this work through the AASHE STARS Gold rating, reflecting our dedication to transparency, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Sustainability courses include:
- HTE 309 Facility Planning, Maintenance and Safety
- HTE 371 Tourism Essentials
- HTE 330 Sustainable Resources for Tourism
- HTE 331 Sustainable Events: Best Practices
- HTE 355 Sustainable Tourism
Learn more about CWU’s sustainability efforts through the Office of Sustainability, explore CWU’s national sustainability recognition, or view the full AASHE STARS report.