New Jersey Hospitality Management Schools

The hospitality industry is broadly categorized into food and accommodation. However, often the areas overlap significantly; for example, in the hotel industry. Some of the programs mentioned below focus on one of these; others provide a more wide-ranging curriculum. Read on to see the various hospitality management programs on offer in New Jersey.

What Kind of Programs for Hospitality Management Are Available in New Jersey?

Schools in New Jersey offer certificates that can be achieved from a matter of months up to between one and two years. Many certificates, as well as two-year associate's degrees, are geared towards people already working in the hospitality industry who want to advance their careers into management positions.

A certificate or associate's degree should be a sufficient level of education to get you started as a manager in the hospitality industry. For some positions, especially in the restaurant and food industry, related practical experience may also be required.

While it is not a requirement for most positions, a bachelor's or master's degree in hospitality management will enhance your career prospects. For management positions in most full-service hotel chains, a bachelor's degree would be the minimum requirement.

What Will I Learn in New Jersey's Programs for Hospitality Management?

In the accommodation area of the industry, you will learn about hotel administration, housekeeping, hotel maintenance and engineering, reservations, and billing.

On the food side, you will cover topics such as food service management, nutrition, sanitation, food preparation, food purchasing, beverage management, food and beverage cost control, and banqueting and catering management.

Subjects that cover the whole industry include accounting, marketing and sales, hospitality systems training, record management, security, accounting, and business law.

Which Colleges in New Jersey Offer Certificates or Associate's Degrees in Hospitality Management?

The following schools all offer certificates and associate's degrees that cover various aspects of hospitality management:

• Bergen Community College, in Paramus, offers a one-year Hospitality Management Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management with a concentration in hospitality/lodging.
• The County College of Morris, in Randolph, has a Certificate of Achievement in Restaurant Management and Event Planning, as well as an Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management.
• The Hudson County Community College, in Jersey City, offers a Certificate in Hospitality Management as well as a choice of three specializations for your Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management: entrepreneurship, travel & tourism, and hotel & restaurant management.
• Middlesex County College, in Edison, has a Certificate in Culinary Arts, which will enable the student to continue on to the Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Management program at the same college.
• Camden County College, in Blackwood, offers a Culinary Certificate as well as an Associate in Applied Science in Hospitality Technology.

Which Universities in New Jersey Offer Bachelor's or Master's Degrees in Hospitality Management?

Two bachelor's degree programs and one master's degree program are on offer in New Jersey:

• The School of Business at Stockton University, in Galloway, has a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Studies program.
• The International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University, in Madison, offers a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a Master of Science in Hospitality Management program. They also offer the opportunity to complete both degrees simultaneously over the course of five years.

What Certifications Can I Get to Improve My Career Prospects?

Certification is not required in the hospitality industry. However, getting certifications will enhance your career prospects.

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers nine certificates that people can attain while they're still studying. Topics range across the restaurant and hotel industry, and schools can integrate the certificates' learning material with their own courses.

By passing a food safety exam, managers can get the Food Protection Manager Certification from any institution that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation awards a voluntary certification of Foodservice Management Professional to managers who pass an exam and meet other criteria.