B.S. Hotel Administration degree requirements & curriculum
The Cornell Nolan School’s Hotel Administration degree requirements ensure students graduate prepared to be leaders within the hospitality industry.
Suggested core curriculum timeline
Our suggested core curriculum schedule allows you to complete two-thirds of your major requirements in your first two years, giving you a thorough overview of hospitality. In addition, this timeline allows you to quickly determine your specific interests and gain valuable experience each year, making your internships more relevant to your career plans.
Year one
In your first year you will be immersed in core major requirements, providing a solid foundation. You will have the opportunity to take minimal distributive and free electives.
Year two
In your second year you will fulfill a large portion of your required courses along with time for electives.
Year three
This year you should take the opportunity to study abroad, pursue your specialization or explore a minor.
Year four
In this most flexible year, explore your interests through a wide variety of options including Nolan school and distributive and free electives.
Degree requirements
Bachelor’s degree candidates in the Cornell Nolan hotel administration program study all aspects of the business of hospitality, developing the requisite knowledge and skills for leadership in the world’s largest industry. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 classroom credits plus a minimum of 800 hours of work in the field. Your credits come from the following:
Core courses
Nolan School courses are designed to provide you with strong foundational business knowledge and skills, as well as industry-specific expertise. We provide a rich variety of courses to develop your capabilities and satisfy your career interests.
HADM specialization electives
Focus on your specific interests within hospitality through Nolan School-specific (HADM) electives. You have the option to complete a specialization or the Real Estate elective minor. All coursework must be taken for a letter grade (unless offered only with an S/U option).
Distribution and free electives
Explore your career interests through electives offered within the greater context of Cornell’s many schools. Choose from more than 4,000 courses offered by Cornell’s other six undergraduate schools and colleges.
Practice credit
You’ll fulfill at least 800 hours of valuable work experience directly relevant to your career — to gain hands-on experience directly in the industry. Student work opportunities are available at The Statler Hotel or Taverna Banfi. Working or volunteering in various capacities during Hotel Ezra Cornell HEC weekend can also contribute to your practice credit requirements.
Physical education
All Cornell undergraduates are required to complete two credits (two courses) of physical education (PE) during their first year.
Minors & specializations
Choose from the Nolan School Minor in Real Estate or from more than 70 Cornell minors. For more information on minor options, visit Undergraduate Minors under the Cornell University Fields of Study. As a note, students must follow the requirements of their matriculation term. Specializations can be found in the degree requirements.
Experiential learning opportunities
Enhance your undergraduate experience even further with extended academic opportunities, which let you pursue your passions in even greater depth. These optional components complement your degree and enhance your time at Cornell. The experiences include study abroad opportunities, the Hotel Leadership Development Program (HDLP), Statler Hotel Work Experience, Establishment (Esb.), Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC), Undergraduate Research Opportunities and the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS).
Discover optional Nolan School opportunities
Academic advising
At the Nolan School, you have comprehensive resources for advising including the Office of Student Services, Faculty Advising and Career Advising. Our faculty and professional academic advisors help you with choosing coursework, degree audits and transferring credits, among other items. Students needing academic accommodations can connect with the Academic Accommodations Manager to ensure their needs are met. Lastly, Career Advising provides career guidance including access to internships and posted jobs.
Degree requirements & curriculum FAQs
Start your Nolan School journey today
Your hospitality management education opens up a world of possibilities in a rewarding, fulfilling industry that’s constantly growing. Take the first step by applying today.