Online associate and bachelor's degree
programs in food service management pair instruction in leadership and
problem-solving techniques with culinary, business and marketing
essential to the food service and hospitality industries. Graduates of
these programs are prepared for management careers in food service.
Online Associate Degree in Food Service Management Overview
Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Occupational
Studies degree programs are all available online through a number of
educational institutions. Food service management training is often
found within broader degree programs in such fields as hospitality,
tourism and hotel or restaurant management. Students enrolled in these
programs develop essential leadership and managerial skills and acquire
business, legal and culinary knowledge necessary to function in the
hospitality industry.
An associate degree program in food service management can usually be
completed within two years. Courses are available entirely online with
no campus attendance required. However, some programs require field
practice that students must complete at a hospitality facility.
Online courses give students access to the course materials to work
on assignments at any time as long as certain deadlines are met.
Students stay connected to their instructors and peers through class
discussions held on message boards and through e-mail.
Common Food Service Management Courses
The curricula of associate degree programs in food service management
are composed of core courses and general education credits in areas
such as math, science and English. Professional courses cover the
fundamentals of managing practices in a food service environment, such
as purchasing and inventory, resource management and accounting.
Restaurant and Dining Room Management Course
This course introduces students to a variety of skills and theories
essential to the food service industry. Students discuss topics in cost
control, menu planning, staffing and quality control. Management and
organizational skills as they pertain to dining room and kitchen
operations are also studied in depth.
Food Sanitation and Safety Course
Students examine the basic concepts and methods for the safe handling
of food. The course identifies various types of safety hazards and the
most frequent reasons for food borne illness. Topics emphasize
industrial standards of food handling and sanitation and familiarize
students with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and
similar governing rules that regulate safety and sanitation in the food
service industry.
Nutrition Course
This course analyzes human nutrition in regard to the factors that
contribute to a proper, balanced diet and explores the differing
nutritional needs of people of various ages. Students identify specific
nutrients as well as their functions, health benefits and problems
arising from a lack of each nutrient. Contemporary dietary issues,
guidelines and fads are also discussed.
An associate degree in food service management prepares graduates for
careers as supervisors or food service managers. Although formal
postsecondary education is not required by most employers, an associate
degree provides sufficient training and experience for entry-level
managerial positions. In May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(BLS) reported that there were 773,400 supervisors in charge of food
preparation workers and servers (
www.bls.gov). The average yearly salary for these positions at that time was $31,770, according to the BLS.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Food Service Management Overview
A bachelor's degree in food service management is often available in
an entirely online format. Bachelor's degree majors exist in culinary
management, culinary arts and food service management. Some degree
programs are formatted as degree-completion programs intended for
students that already hold an associate degree in culinary arts or a
similar area.
The bachelor's degree in food service management can be completed in
four years, though completion programs usually only require an
additional two years after earning an associate degree. Though most
coursework can be done online, some schools require a few select classes
that necessitate a brief campus residency. Field experience is also
required and can usually be achieved at a student's current job or
through an internship program. The online portions of the coursework
afford students scheduling freedom and usually only require a computer
with Internet access.
Common Bachelor's-Level Food Service Management Courses
Students enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in food service
management study topics such as marketing, human resource management and
problem-solving techniques. The degree program often culminates with a
capstone project that incorporates students' acquired skills and
knowledge.
Wine and Beverage Operations Management Course
This course summarizes the history of the alcoholic beverage industry
and the different types of wines, beers, spirits and other alcoholic
beverages. The steps involved with establishing and managing a bar
business are identified, such as developing an initial concept, creating
a business plan, inventory pricing and formulating a drink menu. The
course emphasizes responsible beverage service.
Hospitality Accounting and Financial Management Course
Students examine the concepts, theories and strategies of financial
accounting as they pertain to the hospitality industry. The course
studies the process of creating a proper financial statement. Other
topics discussed include capital investment analysis, valuation, the
double-entry system, inventories, the accounting cycle and the closing
process.
Hospitality Laws and Ethics Course
This course reviews legislative and moral issues concerning the
hospitality and food service industries. The court systems are studied
in depth as well as issues involving contracts, negligence and
liability. Students learn the value of ethical decision-making in the
business world through theoretical situations.
A bachelor's degree in food service management provides ample
knowledge and experience to find employment as a supervisor or a food
service manager. While these positions could be filled by promoting
lower-level employees with food service experience, a bachelor's degree
could result in quicker advancement opportunities to managerial
positions. The BLS reported that in May of 2010, 186,830 food service
managers worked in various establishments, such as full-service
restaurants, schools and recreational facilities. These managers were
reported to earn an average yearly salary of $52,200, per the BLS.
Continuing Education
Online master's degree programs exist for food service management.
Schools offer both educational master's programs in the field and
professional Master of Business Administration degree programs with a
focus on management in the food service industry. Doctoral degree
programs also exist, though online coursework is rare.
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