In an effort to help students enrolled hospitality management associate programs earn a bachelors degree in this field, four-year schools are partnering with neighboring community colleges to improve transfer programs. This opportunity can prevent individuals from having to retake courses, allowing them to obtain an undergraduate degree faster and at a lower cost.
Widener University recently signed an agreement to accept transferred credits from Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) students, beginning this fall. Individuals who are currently earning an associate degree in hospitality management will be able to transfer credits towards obtaining a Widener bachelors degree in this specialization.
The new undergraduate degree will be the first program of its kind to be offered in the region. Widener already offers a masters program in this field of study, which is ranked in the top-20 for best hospitality degree programs in the U.S.
"Partnering with Widener allows us to train and retain high caliber hospitality and tourism professionals in our region," said Getachew Kassahun, professor and department chair of hospitality and tourism at HACC. Kassahun added that this degree "benefits the workforce and economic development of Central Pennsylvania - and beyond."
The employment of hotel, motel and resort desk clerks is expected to grow by 14 percent during the next eight years, and this demand will create approximately 31,500 new jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
