Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Options
- Co-op
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
A specialized business degree
The main industry in many of the most beautiful places in the world is tourism and hospitality. With a VIU Bachelor of Hospitality Management you can take on a leadership role at any of those beautiful places. In this program you get in-depth business education and hands-on experience in hospitality. And you can combine your degree with a specialty.
Nanaimo is a tourism-rich area, which gives you opportunities to experience real tourism dynamics. You study in a multicultural environment that reflects the diverse nature of the hospitality industry. And the program's focus on global hospitality standards and international perspectives means you get training you can take with you anywhere in the world.
Why study hospitality management at VIU?
If you want to study hospitality in Canada, you should study in a tourism-rich area like Nanaimo. You get to network with and learn from a wide range of local businesses, from boutique hotels to major resorts. These interactions can lead to valuable career opportunities.
The VIU Hospitality program emphasizes community engagement, so you develop skills in community-based projects and sustainability initiatives. These skills are increasingly important in today's hospitality field.
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Choose a hospitality specialty
VIU’s Hospitality degree is the only program in BC where you can choose options that combine hands-on culinary or baking training with a comprehensive business education. Your first two years will cover your specialty and years three and four you’ll join other hospitality students to complete the business-focused portion of your degree. This is ideal if you want to become executive chefs, pastry entrepreneurs, or hospitality leaders.
Culinary Arts
Earn a Culinary Management Diploma and a Bachelor of Hospitality Management.
Professional Baking and Pastry Arts
Earn a Baking and Patry Arts Management Diplomanand a Bachelor of Hospitality Management.
What can I do with a hospitality degree?
A hospitality degree sets you up for a leadership role in hotels, restaurants and more. And you gain highly transferable management skills you can use for a career in any industry.
- front desk manager
- food and beverage manager
- general manager
- conference and events manager
- booking manager?
- entertainment manager
- marketing manager
Practical hands-on learning
Lab work
Gain valuable skills in practical lab assignments
Internships and co-op
Gain on-the job experience
International exchange
Learn at one of our global partner institutions
About the Bachelor of Hospitality Management
In this program you gain the skills and knowledge for leadership roles in hotels, restaurants, conference centres and more. You will become a well-rounded hospitality professional. You study all aspects of running a hospitality business including:
- customer service excellence
- financial and revenue management
- human resources
- event planning and coordination
- marketing and brand management
- operational and quality management
You also explore leadership and team management. You develop the ability to lead and motivate teams effectively, particularly in diverse and fast-paced settings. This includes managing team dynamics and conflict resolution. You will also learn how to foster a positive work environment.
You gain important soft skills that give any career a solid foundation. This includes:
- strategic thinking and innovation
- cultural awareness and sensitivity
- sustainability and ethical practices
- adaptability and resilience
You graduate ready to tackle the industry's challenges and opportunities.
Courses and Concentrations
Bachelor of Hospitality Management students are required to complete the following courses:
- 2 discipline-specific electives from the following list; 6 credits
- Anthropology
- Geography
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Liberal Studies
- Global Studies
- Political Science
- First Nations Studies
- 3 upper-level Faculty of Management electives; 9 credits
- 3 general electives, any level; 9 credits
- 3 required co-operative education placement or approved internships.
| Year 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 101 - (Preparation for Co-operative Education Placement I) | 1 |
| HOSP 110 - (Intro to Hospitality and Tourism) | 3 |
| HOSP 130 - (Lodging Organization and Operations) | 3 |
| HOSP 185 - (Leadership Skills for Hospitality Professionals) | 3 |
| HOSP 162 - (Dining Room Operations 1) | 1.5 |
| HOSP 163 - (Dining Room Operations 2) | 1.5 |
| HOSP 120 - (Accounting Principles) | 3 |
| HOSP 180 - (Principles of Services Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 165 - (International Hospitality and Resort Operation) | 3 |
| HOSP 131 - (Property Management Systems) | 3 |
| HOSP 133 - (Beverage Theory) | 3 |
| ENGL 115 - (University Writing and Research) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 |
| Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 102 - (Co-operative Education Placement I) | 9 |
| Year 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 201 - (Preparation for Co-operative Education Placement II) | 1 |
| HOSP 215 - (Principles of Services Marketing) | 3 |
| HOSP 225 - (Financial Control Systems) | 3 |
| HOSP 240 - (Principles of Food Production) | 3 |
| HOSP 282 - (Human Resource Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 262 - (Dining Room Management 1) | 1.5 |
| HOSP 263 - (Dining Room Management 2) | 1.5 |
| HOSP 205 - (Hospitality Financial Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 241 - (Food Service Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 230 - (Law and Ethics) | 3 |
| ECON 100 - (Intro to Economics) | 3 |
| ENGL 204 - (Business and Technical Writing) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 31 |
| Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 202 - (Co-operative Education Placement II) | 9 |
| Year 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 335 - (Advanced Resort Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 340 - (Conference & Event Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 357 - (Advanced Research Methods in Hospitality Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 311 - (Consumer Behaviour: The Guest Experience) | 3 |
| HOSP 358 -(Data Analysis for Decision Making in Hospitality Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 382 - (Managing Cultural Diversity) | 3 |
| Four electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
| Intersession | Credits |
|---|---|
TRMT 309A - (Co-operative Education Work Placement III) or, TRMT 309B - (Internship) | 9 |
| Year 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| HOSP 421 - (Hospitality Entrepreneurship) | 3 |
| HOSP 453 - (Community Development in Hospitality Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 435 - (Strategic Revenue Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 460 - (Hospitality Risk Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 470 -(Hospitality Strategic Management) | 3 |
| HOSP 490 - (Graduating Seminar in Hospitality Management) | 3 |
| Four electives | 12 |
| Total Credits | 30 |
Electives for the 3rd or 4th year of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management
All students should consult with the Program Degree Advisor upon admission to the program.
Electives allow customization of a Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Considerations in selecting electives should include what courses will assist a future career, or what areas for interest may wish to be explored. All prerequisites for electives must be met.
Students may also plan to use their electives to participate in a Field School or an International Study Abroad exchange program. Study Abroad exchanges with one of VIU's partner schools allow qualifying students to complete one or more semesters of coursework at the partner school. Outbound students pay tuition to VIU, not the partner school. If you are interested, please see the Education Abroad page. Some funding may be available for qualifying applicants.
General Electives
Three (3) three-credit general electives of any academic university courses are required for the Bachelor of Hospitality Management; for a total of 9 credits. General electives should be used to either fulfill a prerequisite for any course within the Bachelor of Hospitality Management, so some planning is needed, or they may be completely discretionary.
300 or 400 Level Faculty of Management (FOM) Electives
Upper-level Faculty of Management (FOM) electives refers to any 300 or 400 level course that is delivered in the School of Business, the Recreation and Tourism Department, or the Hospitality Management Department electives (any department within the FOM).
The following list is provided as a guide to assist in selecting an appropriate 300 or 400 level FOM elective for the Bachelor of Hospitality Management:
- 300 or 400 level Field School
- Wine Business
- Tourism
- Accounting
- Economics
- Financial Services
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
Bachelor of Hospitality Management students may pursue the Wine Business Program, or select Field Schools, while taking their degree as part of their elective selections.
Admission Information
Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum "C+" grade or equivalent.
Admission Following Culinary Management Diploma
Culinary Management diploma graduates applying to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program will be enrolled in a bridging semester to prepare for entry into the third year of the Hospitality Management degree. The bridging semester of courses may be completed concurrently with BHM course work.
Admission Following Baking and Pastry Arts Management Diploma
Baking and Pastry Arts Management diploma graduates applying to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program will need to complete a bridging semester of courses. The bridging semester of courses may be completed concurrently with BHM course work during the first two semesters of the BHM.
Transfer from other Institutions
Transfer students, with a qualifying two-year diploma, will be considered for block transfer into the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Hospitality (BHM) degree program. Typical qualifying diplomas include, Culinary Arts, Hotel, Restaurant, Hospitality, and Resort Management.
- The Hospitality Management program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) has several articulation agreements allowing qualifying students direct entry into the 3rd year of the BHM. Please check with the sending institution for pathways to VIU.
- Students transferring to VIU after completing a two-year diploma programs in a hospitality-related discipline will be considered for block-transfer into the third year of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree.
- General admission requirements apply.
- Prospective students must hold a minimum "C+" average grade for their completed diploma, with a minimum "C" grade in individual courses.
- Transfer students must satisfy VIU's Degree English Requirement prior to graduation. All students should consult with the Program Degree Advisor upon admission to the program.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) | 5,091.90 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $20.37 per month) | 244.44 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.49 per month) | 269.88 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $28.87 per month) | 346.44 |
| Co-op Fee ($737.13 per term) | 737.13 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,000.00 |
| Total | 7,974.79 |
HOSP 120, HOSP 130, HOSP 133, HOSP 240, and HOSP 241 have an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) | 24,473.10 |
| Student Activity fee (12 months x $20.37 per month) | 244.44 |
| Student Services fee (12 months x $22.49 per month) | 269.88 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (12 months x $28.87 per month) | 346.44 |
| Co-op Fee ($2399.31 per term) | 2,399.31 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,000.00 |
| Total | 29,018.17 |
HOSP 120, HOSP 130, HOSP 133, HOSP 240, and HOSP 241 have an additional lab fee.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Jean-Guy Robichaud Email: Jean-Guy.Robichaud@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
July 31, 2025
Comments:
Students interested in the diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Prior to completion of their first year, students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Hospitality Management Diploma. Upon successful completion of the first two years (60 credits including co-operative work placements and fulfillment of diploma completion requirements), students will be eligible to receive the Hospitality Management Diploma. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Admissions Officer:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: elham.akhoundi@viu.ca
Chair Contact:
Name: Jean-Guy Robichaud Email: Jean-Guy.Robichaud@viu.ca
Document Deadline:
July 31, 2025
Comments:
Students interested in the diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Prior to completion of their first year, students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Hospitality Management Diploma. Upon successful completion of the first two years (60 credits including co-operative work placements and fulfillment of diploma completion requirements), students will be eligible to receive the Hospitality Management Diploma. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Jean-Guy Robichaud Email: Jean-Guy.Robichaud@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
Students interested in the diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Prior to completion of their first year, students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Hospitality Management Diploma. Upon successful completion of the first two years (60 credits including co-operative work placements and fulfillment of diploma completion requirements), students will be eligible to receive the Hospitality Management Diploma. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Chair Contact:
Name: Jean-Guy Robichaud Email: Jean-Guy.Robichaud@viu.ca
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Phone: 250.740.6400 Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
Students interested in the diploma must apply to the Bachelor of Hospitality Management. Prior to completion of their first year, students must indicate their interest in exiting with their Hospitality Management Diploma. Upon successful completion of the first two years (60 credits including co-operative work placements and fulfillment of diploma completion requirements), students will be eligible to receive the Hospitality Management Diploma. For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Already working in hospitality?
If you're a Red Seal baker or chef, you can enter directly into Year 3 of the Hospitality degree.
Beyond the Bachelor of Hospitality Management
You can go on to graduate programs in many areas including recreation and tourism or business.
Learn more on the department site
For more information about the Bachelor of Hospitality Management, including faculty bios and information about the facilities, visit the department site.