Lone Star College-North Harris Hospitality Management Department

Lone Star College
A convenient, affordable hospitality education in Houston

Lone Star College is an ideal environment for students to study hospitality management in Houston, Texas.  The Houston area is home to hundreds of hotels, thousands of restaurants, a dynamic sports climate, and millions of annual tourists.  The associate of applied science degree in hospitality services management provides opportunities for students to learn concepts and practice skills that are directly applicable to the workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of jobs are available in the hospitality industry?

Careers in hospitality include:

• Restaurant management 
• Hotel and resort management
• Country club and golf management
• Catering operations and management
• Special event and wedding planning
• Food service operations
• Contract food service management, including hospitals, colleges, and institutions
• Cruise ship management

What are future career opportunities in hospitality?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over 13 million people are employed in leisure and hospitality jobs in the United States.  From December 2009 to 2010, employment in the industry has increased by 240,000. The hospitality industry is truly worldwide and offers career opportunities in nearly every corner of the globe, yet it is possible to have a great career in the Houston area.  

Within Greater Houston, hospitality and tourism supported 114,000 jobs in 2009.  Accommodations & food service provides 55,000 of these jobs--a 25% increase in employment in 10 years.  (Source:  Texas Travel impacts Data / Dean Runyan Associates).

The dynamic nature of hospitality also makes it easy for qualified employees quick promotional opportunities to management positions, especially for those with the advantage of a degree in hospitality management. 

More information about the job outlook for a hospitality career

Do I really need a degree to succeed in the hospitality industry? 

In the hospitality industry, it may be possible to obtain a position without a degree, but typically the management positions are filled by those with degrees. An associate of applied science degree is an accomplishment that shows employers you can set and reach goals. Earning a degree is taking the path to a better future, opening doors for career advancement, higher earnings and new opportunities. College graduates have higher employment rates and earn more over their lifetime than those who have completed only high school.  Personally, earning a degree provides skills to help you grow, to continue learning, and to make informed decisions for a lifetime.

What degrees & certificates does Lone Star College offer?

Lone Star College offers:

• A hospitality operations certificate in hospitality management, online or in the classroom  

• Associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree in hospitality management       
  

• Easy transfer to Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at University of Houston for a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management

The Lone Star College Hospitality Management site makes it easy to compare the programs.

How affordable is Lone Star College, compared with other options?

As an accredited public college, a hospitality education at Lone Star College is one of the most affordable associates degrees offered in the area.  Students in North Houston, the Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, & Montgomery County will find convenient classes at Lone Star College. 

Can I work while pursuing my degree?

Because Lone Star College encourages its hospitality management students to work in the industry, Lone Star makes it easy for students to take courses, by offering courses in the classroom or online.  In fact, the college offers online hospitality management degree options.  Students can complete  their hospitality coursework online, earning an online certificate in hospitality operations. 

Will my credits transfer to a 4-year university?

Students wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management will benefit from Lone Star College’s partnership with the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management at the University of Houston, one of the most prestigious hospitality schools in the world.  Classes from Lone Star College, including those in hospitality management, transfer to the University of Houston.

In the future, Lone Star College and the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston will partner to offer both lower- and upper-level classes at Lone Star College – University Park in Northwest Houston.  Lone Star College will offer first- and second-year hospitality management classes, and University of Houston will offer upper-level hospitality management classes.  Lone Star students who are admitted to the University of Houston can begin taking university courses, which can also count toward their associates degree.

Who should enroll?