Walters State Community College will launch a new technical certificate in Hospitality Management, beginning in the upcoming fall semester.
The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-growing hospitality industry and will feature two specializations: hotel management and food and beverage management.
This new certificate aims to equip students with practical skills and essential knowledge to succeed in one of the region’s fastest-growing employment sectors. Students can tailor their education by selecting a specialization that aligns with their career goals.
“This certificate is a very appealing option for students who want to focus solely on industry-related courses,” said Joe Fall, head of the Hospitality Management Department and associate professor. “We worked with key businesses that employ our graduates and focused the curriculum specifically on hospitality content.”
“This program gives our students a competitive advantage and provides a flexible pathway to enter or advance in the field,” Fall added.
Fall noted that the certificate has no prerequisites and can be completed in one year by full-time students. Part-time students can finish in two years by taking two courses each semester. The program does not require an ACT score or general education courses.
“Students learn what they need to know and can quickly begin their careers,” Fall said. “This focused curriculum also allows those already working in the field to continually learn and apply new skills as they progress through the program.”
All courses in the certificate program are part of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management, providing a seamless option for students who choose to continue their education.
The certificate qualifies for financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and the Tennessee HOPE Lottery Scholarship. It may also be tuition-free for recent high school graduates who qualify for Tennessee Promise, and for eligible adults through Tennessee Reconnect.
All students will complete four core classes: Introduction to Business, Human Resources, Introduction to Hospitality, and Marketing for the Hospitality Management Profession.
The hotel management specialization can be completed entirely online and includes courses in sanitation and food safety, front office procedures, hotel operations, and convention management and service.
The food and beverage specialization includes courses in sanitation and food safety, dining room service, culinary fundamentals, and purchasing and cost control. Some of these classes must be taken at the Sevier County Campus.
For more information about the program, contact Joe Fall at 865-774-5814 or [email protected].
