Honors Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality)/Honors Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) Fast-track

Continued advances in the hospitality industry have led to larger and more complex hospitality enterprises and increased demand for well-educated professionals with analytical skills capable of leading them. That’s where George Brown’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) comes in.

The program is designed to teach you how to plan and manage complex integrated hospitality operations so that you can become one of the skilled, knowledgeable leaders in the hospitality sector. The employment prospects in this sector are outstanding. In Canada, the hospitality industry employs more than 1.2 million people, representing over 7 percent of all employment. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, the hospitality sector accounts for almost 329,000 jobs.

A Comprehensive Curriculum

The curriculum has been developed to prepare students for management, supervisory and administrative careers through training in analysis and problem-solving, critical thinking, integrated operations, customer management, and international applications. Students will become technically proficient in the major components of a hospitality business, including operational processes, finance, human resources, marketing, facilities, risk management, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.

In addition, the curriculum is designed to:

• Provide flexible student learning – courses are offered in online and in-class hybrid format throughout the program to accommodate the paid work placements. Semester 7 is delivered completely online.
• Integrate knowledge and practical applications developed through projects and experiential learning in two paid work placements.
• Build strong management and leadership abilities, with every student working on projects individually and with team members.

Fast-Track Option

The fast-track program is designed for students with a two-year Hospitality diploma or degree in a related field wishing to pursue a degree in business focusing on hospitality.

Qualified applicants who have completed one of the following diploma programs may be eligible:

• Food and Beverage Management (H132)
• Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management (H133)
• Special Events Management (H131)
• Tourism and Hospitality Management (H130)

Honors Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) (Fast-Track) students will complete a bridging semester from May to August and then go on to complete all outstanding credits toward their degree. This pathway will give students an opportunity to earn a degree credential in two additional years plus the one summer semester, or more, depending on the total transferable credits granted (please see How to Qualify and Apply section for specific admission requirements).

Your Field Education Options

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the program's learning outcomes. This valuable work experience can be added to your resumé.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavors to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and customers.

Applied Learning – Benefit from Hands-on Training

Co-operative education is an important component of this degree program. Students spend at least two four-month paid terms working full-time in the industry, giving them a chance to apply the knowledge they have acquired in a real-life, hands-on situation. Students obtain practical experience and further develop their skills – an asset for our graduates and their future employers. Students also establish valuable contacts with potential employers, and many graduates find full-time employment with their co-op employer.

Required Courses

*To graduate, students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 (grade of C+). The course passing grade is D.

Liberal Studies courses (listed as electives) are an important part of the program, designed to increase awareness of the society and culture in which students live and work. They strengthen skills in areas of critical analysis, problem-solving, and communication through an exploration of topics of broad-based personal and societal importance.

Fast-Track Option

The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Assess the impact and implications of external environmental factors on the hospitality industry, its sectors, organizations, and stakeholders.
• Explain the results of original research that has been conducted using social science research principles and methods.
• Apply management knowledge and technical ability for effective operation and organization of a variety of hospitality enterprises.
• Justify ideas generated, decisions made and actions taken to address business opportunities, challenges, risks, and crises.
• Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to support business decisions, operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Present information clearly, concisely, persuasively, professionally, and respectfully using appropriate and alternative modes/means of communication in a variety of hospitality contexts and situations.
• Display ethical behavior and social responsibility in personal and professional pursuits.
• Design creative marketing, sales, and customer service strategies for chosen market segments.
• Apply strategies to keep current in the field, respond effectively to change, and support personal and professional development.

Your Career

Graduates of our Hospitality Degree program can pursue a wide range of career opportunities across the hospitality sector. Many of our graduates are hired for supervisory and managerial positions soon after graduation with starting salaries as high as $50,000, depending on experience, position and employer.

There are many career opportunities awaiting you in the diverse sectors of the hospitality industry:

• travel (airlines, cruise ships, railways, bus coach, ecotourism)
• accommodations (hotels, motels, resorts)
• food service (restaurants, catering, clubs, and managed services)
• sports and recreation (attractions, gaming, parks, recreation)
• assembly and event management (meetings, conventions, expositions, special events)

Educational Pathways

Graduates of the Hospitality degree program have pursued advanced degrees with our partner universities, IMI and Manchester University as well as institutions such as the University of Guelph, Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, Royal Roads University, and Queen's University. Acceptance to graduate studies is subject to institutions' admission criteria and entry requirements.

Articulation Options – Upgrade Your Diploma

Do you have a two-year Hospitality diploma? Ask about our articulation options into the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) program, an opportunity to upgrade to a degree. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify and class grades of 73% ("B" grade) or higher to gain exemptions. A special semester delivered from May to August will help you fast track into the program. Visit the School of Hospitality page or contact the program coordinator.

Future Study Options

Student exchange: The Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) program now offers a student exchange with Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England. Eligible students may study for one or two semesters abroad in their second year of study.

Graduates of the program can continue their studies by pursuing a master's degree or postgraduate education.