This program covers a broad spectrum of courses to prepare students for careers in the exciting and growing field of hospitality management. The hospitality industry is worldwide, with career potential for students at all levels from local to international. Graduates of this two-year course of study can find management careers with hotel companies, restaurant chains, tourist attractions, recreation facilities, clubs, casinos, convention facilities, and cruise lines, as well as opportunities with supplier and support services to the industry. Those interested in entrepreneurial endeavors will also find many opportunities in the tourism and hospitality field. The service delivery management skills that are the focus of this curriculum are also often transferable to other careers in the business world.

SUNY Niagara offers a two-year academic program with ten industry-specific courses meant to give the student a comprehensive overview of the hospitality industry and the opportunities and challenges that careers in the service industry provide. Each student will be required to find employment in the industry in our internship class to complete 90 hours of work experience prior to graduation at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute site. Additional general education and business courses are included that will allow the student to develop supportive knowledge, soft skills, and abilities the industry looks for in its career personnel. We now offer a pathway to allow students to take a paid internship/class at Disney. Students in their third semester can apply to the Disney internship program, and if accepted, complete a semester while working at Disney and taking online classes.

Students enrolled in this program will demonstrate the ability to participate in live, experiential learning within a public-facing hospitality environment such as a school-run restaurant. This includes involvement in front-of-house and/or back-of-house operations. Students are expected to:

Engage in customer service interactions and service management,
Work on their feet for extended periods (up to 3 hours),
Navigate a fast-paced setting involving food, guests, and staff,
Perform tasks such as hosting, serving, bussing, or managing POS systems,
Adapt to dynamic environments with professionalism and effective communication,

with or without reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA guidelines.

Program Goals and Objectives

To provide students with the fundamental management skills required by the hospitality industry
To enhance the students’ understanding of the opportunities and challenges present in the hospitality industry
To assist the student in developing the high level personal and professional performance standards required by the hospitality industry
To provide students with the necessary support skills (accounting, computer technology, communication) to succeed in management positions within the industry
Understand the structure and operational challenges of various aspects of the hospitality industry
Discern and be able to apply high-quality standards as they apply to guest service and employee support and motivation
Recognize quality standards as they apply to lodging and foodservice businesses
Demonstrate supervisory-level management skills appropriate to the industry needs
Apply managerial accounting principles to various industry situations
Utilize appropriate written and oral communication skills for business applications
Demonstrate proficiency in information technology skills appropriate to the industry
Exhibit a professional appearance consistent with career expectations

Catalog Information

Curriculum Overview

Career information and opportunities

Hospitality Management, A.A.S.

SUNY Niagara’s Hospitality Management A.A.S. prepares you to lead in hotels, restaurants, events and tourism. You’ll learn at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and finish with industry experience, including an option to apply for the Disney College Program.

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Last updated: Oct. 22, 2026

What careers does a Hospitality Management A.A.S. lead to?

Restaurant manager
Hotel front desk supervisor
Event planner
Banquet manager
Catering sales manager
Hospitality business owner

Some of these careers need more experience or education.

What will I learn to do?

Manage and motivate staff
Run hotel and front-of-house operations
Plan events and catering
Design menus and manage beverages
Deliver high-quality guest service
Apply marketing and accounting basics

Sources

How much can I earn in Western New York?

Yearly pay in Western New York, 2026
Job	Starting pay	Median pay
Food service managers	$62,030	$76,520
Lodging managers	$47,980	$76,230
Meeting, convention and event planners	$42,430	$62,020
Food service supervisors	$37,420	$45,850
Hotel desk clerks	$34,490	$37,030

Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less.

Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Pay depends on the job, your experience, your education and the employer.

What is the job outlook in Western New York?

Lodging managers: Jobs are expected to grow about 39% from 2022 to 2032, with about 55 openings each year.
Hotel desk clerks: Jobs are expected to grow about 40%, with about 205 openings each year.
Food service supervisors: Jobs are expected to grow about 20%, with about 850 openings each year.
Meeting, convention and event planners: Jobs are expected to grow about 14%, with about 55 openings each year.

Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Hospitality jobs are expected to grow much faster than that.

Sources

Where do hospitality professionals work?

Hotels and resorts
Restaurants and restaurant chains
Casinos
Convention and event centers
Tourist attractions, clubs and recreation facilities
Cruise lines

Hospitality careers can take you anywhere, from local businesses to international companies. The service and management skills you learn also carry over to other business careers.

Where will I get hands-on experience?

Classes at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute
Front- and back-of-house training in a restaurant open to the public
An industry experience course, or a paid semester with the Disney College Program (application required)

Sources

How do I get there?

Learn the hospitality industry, hotel operations and service styles.
Build skills in event planning, menus, sanitation and front-of-house service.
Add management, marketing, accounting and communication.
Finish the 64-credit A.A.S. with industry experience and start your career.

In your final semester, choose Hotel Operations II with an industry experience course, or apply for the Disney College Program co-op.

Which courses prepare me?

HOS 101 Introduction to the Hospitality Industry
HOS 103/203 Hotel Operations I and II
HOS 111 Event Planning
HOS 222 Catering and Events
HOS 133 Service Styles and Techniques
HOS 142 Menu Planning & Design
HOS 143 Front of the House Experience
CUL 226 Beverage Management
CUL 130 Sanitation and Safety
BUS 102 Human Resource Management

Sources

Apply now

Last updated: Oct. 22, 2026

Hospitality Management, A.A.S.

Program Overview

Program Goals and Objectives