Dedman College of Hospitality
Undergraduate
Dean: Donald G. Farr; Assistant Dean: Alishia Piotrowski
Established in 1947, the Dedman College of Hospitality (DCH) is the second oldest U.S. hospitality management program of its kind in a public university. The program is regarded by industry recruiters as one of the most highly respected, offering domestic and international studies focusing on luxury resort and lodging management, restaurant and fine dining management, beverage management, event management, recreation, and private club management.
The Dedman College offers majors in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Global Club Management and Leadership as options within its Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree. In addition, the college offers a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management.
The college is a favored hiring source for managers of the world's leading hotels, restaurants, clubs, recreation organizations and resorts. College administrators and faculty members work with top industry organizations, executives, and alumni to provide students with a relevant curriculum, valuable internship experiences and networking/mentorship opportunities. Graduates are prepared to fill the growing global demand for multicultural awareness in hospitality managers and experience high industry placement rates.
The college's internship program encourages experiential learning as a complementary approach to classroom education. It offers established internships across the U.S. and those with world-class operations in other countries, such as in Ireland and New Zealand. Students are also encouraged to enrich their global education through the Dedman College's Montreaux, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and Florence, Italy Study Abroad Programs.
Networking and leadership opportunities are available through student organizations — such as the Club Manager Association of America, Eta Sigma Delta, the Themed Entertainment Association, and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association — and through numerous events held at the college. The Dedman College's unique curriculum parallels requirements for membership in Florida State's elite Garnet & Gold Scholar Society, thereby supporting student leaders.
Programs Offered
The Hospitality and Tourism Management major prepares students for leadership positions in hospitality management in hotels, restaurants, and other service industries. The college employs a global approach to prepare students to serve a multinational clientele and to fill the growing international demand for hospitality industry managers. Graduates of the program currently enjoy top managerial and ownership positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, and other facets of the hospitality industry. The requirement of practical, on-the-job experience, where the student applies classroom knowledge to the workplace, prepares the Dedman College of Hospitality graduate for the operational challenges of industry.
The major in Global Club Management and Leadership is built on a track record of preparing students with business knowledge and skills, developing international internships at top hospitality organizations, and building life-long relationships with industry partners. Graduates are prepared to enjoy being part of an exciting industry segment that includes private country clubs, international hotels, resorts, private yacht clubs, private dining clubs, and international golf management companies.
The Recreation and Tourism Management major is designed to prepare individuals for professional positions in such settings as resort and commercial recreation, corporate and employee recreation, public parks and recreation, youth-serving and military agencies, campus recreation, and travel and tourism. With a bachelor's degree from this program, students may qualify for employment as recreation program supervisors/managers/coordinators, facility managers, adult and youth sports supervisors, activities directors, special events coordinators, tourism services managers, and guest service coordinators.
Certificates
The Certificate in Special Events is a 12-credit hour certificate preparing students for employment opportunities in the special events industry. Courses introduce the special event industry, as well as event operations and management, event promotions, and event technology.
The RNDC Certificate in Beverage Management is a 12-credit hour certificate designed to meet the needs of individuals interested in pursuing careers that involve beverage management. The primary emphasis is on sales and service within the context of the hospitality and tourism industries.
Institutes and Centers
The International Center for Hospitality Research and Development serves as a key provider to international industry professionals of research on a wide array of topics, including tourism marketing, visitors, lodging and service management, food safety, operations policy analysis, and training.
The Marriott Career and Professional Development Center prepares students to launch their career by helping them develop relationships with top hospitality organizations through internships and work experiences. Students have the opportunity to polish interview skills, fine-tune résumés and cover letters, and network with industry leaders, recruiters, and prominent alumni.
Facilities
The Dedman College of Hospitality is located in the University Center Building B, which provides for the specialized academic/training objectives established by the college. In addition to classrooms, this state-of-the-art facility provides hospitality students with teaching kitchens, a student collaboration center, a publication resource center, and a placement center. The building also contains an affiliated professionally managed city club that provides hospitality students with real-world food and beverage experience in elegant surroundings. In addition to the facilities located in the University Center Building, the Global Club Management and Leadership major is housed at 2550 Pottsdammer Street on the second floor of the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course Clubhouse.