Hospitality

Hospitality Management Programs at Vancouver Island University

Hospitality Management Programs

The Hospitality Management Program educates students for all sectors of the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, golf courses, catering, event planning, agri-tourism, the wine industry, and more. Courses are strongly geared toward experiential learning in a competitive marketplace, with an emphasis on providing a high level of customer service and developing strong industry connections.

The Hospitality Management Department offers both a diploma and degree program. The 4-year degree program features a flexible and effective method of delivery that offers a variety of options. Students may choose to graduate after two years with a diploma, and Hospitality and Tourism diploma graduates from across Canada and internationally can transfer their credits into the third year of the degree.

Students apply their professional knowledge and skills in a variety of settings: the classroom, a teaching kitchen, the Discovery Room dining room for training in fine dining service, Property Management Systems software, field schools, and three paid co-operative education work experiences.

First and second-year students learn professional food and beverage service and dining room management through scheduled a la carte and banquet dining room shifts in the Discovery Room, as well as a number of off-campus events, including the annual Festival of Trees.

Third and fourth-year students complete research assignments that require meeting with hospitality industry leaders. Assignments typically include completing a conference plan, a risk assessment of a property, or completing a full business proposal.

Co-operative education work terms are another important foundation of the program. Three paid co-operative education work terms following years one, two and three reinforce classroom learning and provide valuable links with the industry for future employment opportunities. A dedicated faculty member provides students the tools they need to apply and interview successfully for these jobs, as well as support and follow-up with the students and the employers. 

VIU has developed strong professional relationships with industry leaders in British Columbia. Major Rocky Mountain resorts and hotels – Fairmont, Delta, Four Seasons, and Marriott, as well as countless smaller properties in Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Whistler and Vancouver – recruit students for co-operative education work term opportunities and full-time employment.

Testimonials

Your Future Begins Here: Megan Reid, VIU BHM Alumni