Motlow State Adds Hospitality Management Degree
January 27, 2025
Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Motlow State will begin offering classes for the new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Hospitality Management both online and on the Moore County campus. Students will have an opportunity to apply their unique interests, diverse skillsets, and creative abilities in their pursuit of a degree that prepares them for an extensive range of careers in Hospitality Management.
Launching this August
Motlow State plans to begin offering Hospitality Management courses in August of 2025. Newly-hired Program Director Dr. Jack Babb will lead courses that explore the beautiful and bustling world of food service, the diverse ecosystem that is travel and tourism, the exceptional service standards that define the world’s best hotels and resorts, and much more.
This program facilitates students’ growth in service expertise and business acumen so that they may go on to have successful careers within country clubs, cruise ships, amusement parks, sports arenas, restaurants, resorts, or any sector that piques their interest.
According to Dr. Babb, “Motlow State’s new Hospitality Management Program was built to help students discover the many diverse and exciting industries that fall under the umbrella of hospitality. The program incorporates experiential learning, relevant certifications, and insights from industry professionals in a way that prepares students for a variety of career paths.”
Embedded Credentials
The Hospitality Program includes two embedded certifications in the first semester that immediately make students more knowledgeable about the industry and thus more valuable to prospective employers. Sanitation and Food Safety is a two-credit-hour course that helps students obtain their ServSafe Food Handler certification from the National Restaurant Association. Fundamentals of Guest Services is a one-credit-hour course that prepares students for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute’s certification, which they will earn by the end of the class.
Next Steps
Current Motlow students who are unsure of their major are encouraged to obtain these certifications as they can help them in their careers regardless of whether they decide to pursue Hospitality Management. Those who graduate from this program are eligible to go directly into the workforce and are not required to obtain a four-year degree, although many colleges offer relevant bachelor’s degrees that can further qualify students for higher roles. High School students who are involved in their school’s Career and Technical Program courses are also encouraged to take these introductory courses so that they can build on their skills and see how they can transfer to a high-paying job.
To learn more about Hospitality Management and the program, email jbabb@mscc.edu or speak with a Student Success Advisor at advising@mscc.edu.