This two-year Ontario College Diploma program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. This expanding industry has a demand for highly skilled, people-oriented graduates with good service orientation and managerial techniques. Although the hospitality industry involves long hours and shift work, it can also be rewarding. To acquaint students with these working conditions, some practical classes are held during the evenings and weekends and may include participation at community events sponsored through the College.

The program is divided into four levels and emphasizes practical applications and a foundation of managerial skills. In the first two levels, students study a variety of introductory courses to prepare them for entry-level employment. In the last two levels, there is a greater focus on courses that provide management skills including computer technology, menu planning, financial analysis, law, and hospitality management projects.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism has articulation agreements in place with several Canadian universities. These agreements allow students, who maintain a high grade point average (GPA) and are interested in pursuing a degree in hospitality and tourism management, to transfer credits to the university system. Students must meet the standards dictated by each university to qualify for this option. Depending on the university, the credits may equal the equivalent of one to two years.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy interacting with people.
• Are interested in a career in the hospitality business that is portable throughout the world.
• Seek variety in their daily work.
• Are looking for a job that allows for the flexibility to mix career and family.