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College of Health and Human Sciences
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
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B.S. in Hospitality and Event Management

Our Hospitality and Event Management program helps you develop critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills through hands-on experiential learning.

What is a Hospitality and Event Management degree?

In Hospitality and Event Management, you’ll explore both the art and science of hospitality, from cuisine and food service to lodging, event planning, tourism, and business strategy, building a versatile skill set for a wide range of careers.

Graduates from our program go on to pursue and secure roles such as:

  • Director of Events and Experiences
  • Luxury Hotel Operations Manager
  • Revenue Management Analyst
  • Resort and Destination Manager
  • Guest Experience Manager
  • Food and Beverage Director
  • Convention and Conference Services Manager
  • Travel and Hospitality Consultant

Internships, field trips, team-based projects, and role-playing provide opportunities for you to demonstrate your understanding of what you’re learning. Our program’s strong ties with industry partners across Colorado and nationally help graduates connect with employment opportunities in the second-largest industry employer in Colorado.

Follow the student-run CSU HEM Adventures Instagram page to find out more about what it’s like to be a student in the major.

 

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CSU HEM Adventures (@csu_hemadventures) • Instagram photos and videos

Hospitality and Event Management Major Classes

Major in Hospitality and Event Management

Forecast your future Potential Hospitality and Event Management Careers

Hotel/Resort General Manager

$70,000 Median Salary
Top roles in Colorado resort markets exceed $120,000+
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Director of Events and Experiences

$85,000 Median Salary
Large venues and destination events exceed $110,000
From salary.com

Food and Beverage Director

$85,000 Average Salary
Luxury hotels and resorts exceed $130,000+
From Glassdoor

Meeting and Convention Services Manager

$60,000 Median Salary
Strong demand in convention destinations like Denver, CO.
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Hospitality Sales Manager

$90,000 Base Salary
Top performers exceed $130,000+ with incentives
From O*NET/Industry Data

Experiential Learning and Student Engagement

Learning goes beyond the classroom. Through internships, site visits, team-based projects, and applied simulations, you’ll actively practice what you learn and build industry-ready experience.

Our strong partnerships with hospitality organizations across Colorado and nationwide connect you directly to career opportunities in one of the state’s largest and fastest-growing industries.

Internships

Hospitality industry experience is a prerequisite for starting a career in hospitality and event management. You can earn elective credits by taking Management Internships and/or the Work Practicum courses, which look great on resumes as you interview for career positions after graduation.

A large group of CSU hospitality and event management students smile while holding certificates

Gifford Catering Business and Café

Gifford Catering was born out of the notion that students learn best from hands-on experience in a lab setting with real customers and real stakes. Assistant Professor Eric Milholland runs the Gifford Catering business, which provides various high-quality menu items to any group meeting, from 15 to 200 guests, and can deliver straight to any building on campus.

A CSU Hospitality and Event Management student smiles while preparing a drink in the Gifford Cafe space on CSU's campus.
  • Made for Colorado Tourism and hospitality have long been recognized among Colorado’s largest industries and employment sectors
  • Leisure and Hospitality remain one of the largest and fastest growing employment sectors in the U.S.
  • 91% of graduates had at least one job offer within six months of graduation

Student Resources

Paying for College

There are several scholarships available specifically for Food Science and Human Nutrition students. You need to fill out the general CSU scholarship application. Search the College scholarship database to see the full list.

Student Organizations

As a Hospitality and Event Management major, you can join the Hospitality Club to promote nutrition and health in the CSU community, network with industry professionals, and build leadership experience in a club officer role.

Academic Advising and Support

At least once per semester, you will meet with your academic success coordinator, who can help you answer questions about which majors and careers might be right for you, what courses and extracurricular activities will help you prepare, and how to stay on track for graduation.

Career Resources

Job Board

The FSHN-HEM job board will help you find a job while a student and upon graduation!

Career Opportunities

Explore the possibilities in the Hospitality and Event Management industry.

Industry Connections

Industry Relationships

Our program has a strong relationship with several companies in the industry including but not limited to Disney, Hyatt, Marriott, and Chipotle. Listen to what some of our community leaders in the industry are saying about our program.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board is made up of local business managers and owners. The board helps inform how we can all move forward together.

Industry Capstone Event

As a graduating senior, you will connect with industry professionals through a capstone gala event, showcasing your knowledge and gaining vital, hands-on experience working as a team to plan the event.

Hospitality and Event Management News

More HEM News