Hospitality Specialist

Why Hospitality Specialist?

The hospitality industry offers a world of opportunities in tourism, food service, lodging, and event management. In this program, you will learn the skills needed to provide exceptional guest experiences while gaining the business and communication abilities that open doors to a wide range of careers. You’ll build a strong foundation for success in one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide.

At Mid-State, you can complete this fully online program on a part-time or full-time schedule that fits your lifestyle. You’ll earn the Customer Relationship Professional technical diploma on your way to completing the Hospitality Specialist credential—and can continue another year to achieve the full Hospitality Management associate degree.

Develop essential hospitality skills in customer service, communication, and teamwork.
Gain practical, career-ready knowledge for roles in tourism, lodging, and food service.
Earn multiple credentials that build momentum toward an associate degree.
Complete the program fully online with flexible eight-week courses.
Apply prior work or life experience for college credit and faster completion.
Prepare for a rewarding, people-centered career in a thriving industry.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

27 Credits

Degree Type

Technical Degree

Program Length

Less Than One Year

Delivery Method

Online

Location

Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$4,995.82

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Customer Service Representative

Food & Beverage Server

Host and Hostess

Hotel/Resort Front Desk Representative

$56k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $56,184. Source: Lightcast Data Set

339

Average Monthly Hires

339 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Angela Steinhauer, AAS, BS, MBA
In addition to an MBA with management emphasis, Angela holds a bachelor of science in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management from University of Wisconsin–Stout. She has taught hospitality, business, and leadership courses for several years and brings over 20 years of hospitality industry experience in everything from entry level to senior-level management positions.

“Being a hospitality professional and mentor is the essence of my character—I thrive on creating an authentic, memorable, and supportive learning environment for all those who enter this dynamic industry!”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Distinguish the varying components of the hospitality industry.
Apply business concepts to the industry.
Communicate as a hospitality professional.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad