Begin your career in hospitality management, a fast-paced, dynamic field. This program
will give you a strong background in every aspect of hotel and restaurant management,
including: food preparation, menu planning, operations, safety and quality, purchasing
and cost control, sales, customer service, and leadership skills. Through The Dining Room at Harper College, our on-site restaurant, you get hands-on experience planning, preparing and serving
meals.
Students who earn a Hospitality Management degree can transfer to bachelor’s programs
at several area institutions. Harper also offers several certificate programs, credit
courses and continuing education classes.
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It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Earn a career-ready degree
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is designed to prepare you for immediate entry into this career field. This
is one degree with different areas of specialization. Coursework in the AAS may also
prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university To learn more, visit
our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program. Many of Harper's certificates are stackable to a degree program through
additional coursework.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Hospitality Management degree/certificate
programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including
salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Hospitality Management Careers page.
Chefs and Head Cooks
Chefs and Head Cooks
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Chefs and Head Cooks career profile for most current data.
$58,977 Median Salary
4.9% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
497 Job Postings
Description:
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups,
fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items,
order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Core tasks:
Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow standards and regulations.
Check the quality of raw or cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery
of services.
Check the quantity and quality of received products.
Quick facts:
Food Service Managers
Food Service Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Food Service Managers career profile for most current data.
$57,058 Median Salary
3.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
1,848 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that serves
food and beverages.
Core tasks:
Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation or food subsidies.
Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations.
Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records.
Schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify
product quality and quantity.
Quick facts:
Lodging Managers
Lodging Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Lodging Managers career profile for most current data.
$56,488 Median Salary
5.2% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
162 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization or department that provides
lodging and other accommodations.
Core tasks:
Answer inquiries pertaining to hotel policies and services, and resolve occupants'
complaints.
Participate in financial activities, such as the setting of room rates, the establishment
of budgets, and the allocation of funds to departments.
Greet and register guests.
Confer and cooperate with other managers to ensure coordination of hotel activities.
Quick facts:
Travel Agents
Travel Agents
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Travel Agents career profile for most current data.
$44,172 Median Salary
-4.8% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
20 Job Postings
Description:
Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination,
modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also
describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving
clients' travel problems.
Core tasks:
Collect payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.
Converse with customer to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates,
financial considerations, and accommodations required.
Compute cost of travel and accommodations, using calculator, computer, carrier tariff
books, and hotel rate books, or quote package tour's costs.
Plan, describe, arrange, and sell itinerary tour packages and promotional travel incentives
offered by various travel carriers.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
