As a Hospitality Management major at JMU, you’ll learn how organizations attract and retain guests, oversee operations and create experiences that drive customer satisfaction and business success.
Students interested in customer service, brand experiences and how organizations build loyalty with their guests often choose hospitality management. They are detail-oriented and people-focused, with strong communication and teamwork skills, and are comfortable working in fast-paced environments.
The program prepares you to manage guest services, coordinate operations and support business success across areas like hotels, restaurants, resorts and event venues. You’ll work directly with employees and guests, manage service workflows and respond in real time to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences.
What you’ll gain:
- Skills to create exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high standards of service and professionalism
- Experience working with teams to coordinate operations, solve problems and meet customer needs in real time
- Opportunities to apply what you learn through required industry work experience, including 1,000 hours in professional hospitality settings such as Hotel Madison, major events and leading organizations in the field
- Industry exposure through opportunities such as the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show in New York City and the Napa and Sonoma Wine and Culture course
“The education I received and the network I built at the Hart School continues to impact me long after graduation, helping me navigate a four-year hiatus from the industry and ultimately giving me the confidence and connections to launch my own event planning company.”
Robin Soriano ('16), Owner and Event Production Manager
Instructional Kitchen
The program’s instructional kitchen provides hands-on learning in a state-of-the-art facility, where students support event management, work alongside guest chefs and gain experience that prepares them for careers in hospitality.
