The hospitality management program at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus is tailored for student success
What better place to study hospitality management than in one of the top tourism destinations in the country — the beautiful Coachella Valley. It’s an area famous for luxury resorts, top-tier golf courses, fine dining and major event venues. The region continues to thrive and is full of opportunities for top-notch hospitality professionals.
At the California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, students are being prepared for successful managerial careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving hospitality industry. The university’s hospitality management program offers a comprehensive, hands-on approach to education that combines classroom theory with practical industry experience, making it a prime destination for students interested in pursuing a career in hospitality management.
The university’s hospitality management program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a wide range of careers, ranging from hotel and restaurant management to event planning and tourism. The curriculum is steeped in experiential learning and covers everything from marketing to accounting and finance to sustainability practices. While in the program, students gain a holistic understanding of the industry’s demands.
"We focus not only on the technical and operational aspects of hospitality management, but also on the soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, conflict-resolution, emotional intelligence and customer service, that are essential for success in this industry.”
Joseph Tormey
Director of Hospitality Management
“The hospitality industry is a global business with an incredibly diverse set of challenges and opportunities,” said Joe Tormey, the program’s director. “Our goal is to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for leadership roles in hospitality management. We focus not only on the technical and operational aspects of hospitality management, but also on the soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, conflict-resolution, emotional intelligence and customer service, that are essential for success in this industry.”
Students in the program benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention from faculty and access to industry leaders and experts through guest lectures, internships and networking events.
These hands-on learning opportunities allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of high-end resorts, restaurants and event spaces.
“The desert region is an incredibly dynamic and diverse destination,” said Tormey. “It’s home to a broad spectrum of hospitality businesses, from large resorts to boutique hotels and fine dining establishments. Our students are exposed to this diversity, which gives them a broad perspective on the industry and helps them develop a versatile skill set.”
One unique and special advantage of being in the program at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus is the opportunity to travel both domestically and internationally. Students travel to Chicago and New York City to attend trade shows, as well as Italy, where they interact with business owners and operators in the manufacturing and services sectors of wine, food products, retail, hospitality and tourism. The best part is that most of the students receive scholarships to make these trips possible.
Upon graduation, many students in the program secure full-time positions in the area right away, including at prestigious locations like The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage. Cristian Cabrera, '22, a first-generation college student and a child of farm workers, graduated with a degree in business management with a concentration in accounting and a minor in hospitality management. He started his journey at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage after graduation.
"My experience has been really amazing here at The Ritz-Carlton. It’s an outstanding resort. I never thought I would be here at such a luxury property .”
Cristian Cabrera, '22
CSUSB alumnus
Other recent graduates have been hired at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa and the Thompson Palm Springs and currently enrolled students work at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa Indian Wells, as well as numerous local restaurants and casinos in the Coachella Valley.
As hospitality continues to evolve, the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus remains committed to providing its students with the best possible education and preparation for the future. With an educational emphasis on “learning while doing,” industry partnerships, technology and innovation, the hospitality management program is laying the groundwork for the next generation of hospitality leaders.
For students at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, the future is bright. Graduates leave the program with a strong foundation in hospitality management, equipped with the tools to succeed in an industry that is constantly adapting to new trends and challenges. With the guidance of dedicated faculty, a cutting-edge curriculum and extensive industry connections, students are not just ready for the future — they’re poised to shape it.
The university’s hospitality management program is prepared to meet the needs of the industry and help students navigate this exciting, diverse and ever-growing field. Whether they’re managing a resort or planning a major event, CSUSB students are equipped to lead with passion, professionalism and innovation.
Cal State San Bernardino, set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, is a vibrant hub of education and culture in Inland Southern California. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctoral program, all housed within five academic colleges and the Palm Desert Campus.
Not only is a degree from CSUSB affordable and attainable, it is also a pathway to a brighter future. Ranked No. 3 nationally for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, CSUSB helps students rise to great opportunities, securing high-paying jobs while keeping costs low.
The university is consistently recognized for its academic excellence, affordability and commitment to empowering students and communities to achieve their fullest potential.
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