New Hospitality Certificate Begins Fall Semester

Joe Fall, head of hospitality management at Walters State Community College, has worked with area employers to develop a new technical certificate in hospitality management.

Specializations Offered in Food and Beverage, Hotel Management

     Walters State Community College will launch a new technical certificate in hospitality management this fall. This program features two specializations: hotel management, and food and beverage management.
     Graduates will have the practical skills, and the knowledge needed to succeed in one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the region. Students choose a career path by selecting a specialization.
     “This certificate is a very appealing option for students that want to focus only on industry-related courses,” said Joe Fall, head of hospitality management and associate professor. “We worked with key businesses who employ our graduates. We’ve pulled out the content directly related to hospitality business. This will give our students a competitive advantage and provides a flexible option to enter or advance in the field.
     Fall said the certificate has no prerequisites and can be completed in one year for full-time students. Part-time students can complete the program in two years, taking two courses each semester. The certificate does not require an ACT score or any general education courses. 
     “Students learn what they need to know and start their careers,” Fall said. “This focused curriculum will allow those working in the field to learn and apply new things constantly as they move through the program.”
      Credits are part of the associate of applied science degree in hospitality management should student decide to further their education.
      The certificate qualifies for financial aid programs, including Pell grants and the Tennessee Hope Lottery Scholarship. The program may be tuition free for recent high school graduates qualifying for Tennessee Promise and adult learners qualifying for Tennessee Reconnect.
     All students will take four classes: introduction to business, human resources, introduction to hospitality and marketing for the hospitality management profession. 
     The hotel specialization can be completed online and includes sanitation and food safety, front office procedures, hotel operations and convention management and service.
     The food and beverage specialization classes include sanitation and food safety, dining room service, culinary fundaments and purchasing and cost control. Some of these classes must be taken at the Sevier County Campus. 
     For more information about the program, contact Fall at 865-774-5814 or Joe.FallFREEWS. You can also visit https://ws.edu/academics/programs/tc/hospitality-management-hotel-food-beverage-management.aspx.