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Curriculum and Certification

Program Overview

Hospitality & Tourism Management Pathway

The Hospitality & Tourism Management Program is a four-course, career-focused pathway designed to prepare students for success in one of the world’s most dynamic industries. Through hands-on learning, industry certifications, college credit opportunities, and real-world experiences, students graduate confident, credentialed, and career-ready.

Course 1: Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism

Open to students in grades 9–11 (seniors may be eligible based on availability)

Do you love to travel? Do you enjoy creating memorable experiences for others? Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to make vacations, events, and guest experiences seamless?

This year-long, entry-level course is the foundation of the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program and is required before enrolling in advanced courses.

Students explore:

  • The structure of the hospitality and tourism industry

  • Career pathways and professional opportunities

  • Industry terminology

  • Foundational math, economics, marketing, and sales concepts

  • Customer service excellence

Industry Certification Opportunity

Students may earn one professional certification:

  • Guest Service Gold – Tourism

  • Front Desk

  • Executive Housekeeping

Students select and take the certification exam of their choice.

College Credit Opportunity

Students may earn 3 college credits toward Seminole State College’s Hospitality & Tourism Management Program (HFT1000) if eligibility requirements are met.

Course 2: Technology for Hospitality & Tourism

Open to students in grades 10–12
Prerequisite: Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism (may be taken concurrently)

Technology is transforming the hospitality industry—from digital marketing and booking systems to data analytics and guest engagement strategies.

In this year-long course, students:

  • Explore how technology drives innovation in hospitality

  • Develop entry-level computer and digital skills

  • Learn how businesses use technology to improve operations and customer experience

  • Build career-ready technical competencies

Industry Certification Opportunity

  • CIW Social Media Strategist

Course 3: Hospitality & Tourism Marketing Management

Open to students in grades 11–12
Prerequisite: Technology for Hospitality & Tourism (may be taken concurrently)

In a world of social media, branding, and targeted advertising, hospitality businesses must stand out.

This advanced course focuses on:

  • Marketing principles and sales strategies

  • Hospitality management techniques

  • Entrepreneurship and business planning

  • Customer loyalty and brand development

  • Employment qualifications and industry career opportunities

Students develop real-world marketing strategies tailored specifically to hospitality and tourism businesses.

Industry Certification Opportunity

  • ServSafe Food Protection Manager

Students take the ServSafe Manager Certification exam at the end of the course.

Course 4: Entrepreneurship for Hospitality & Tourism

Open to 12th grade students
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the first three courses

For students who aspire to lead, innovate, and possibly own their own business, this capstone-level course provides advanced preparation for high-demand, high-skill hospitality careers.

Students:

  • Develop business leadership skills

  • Learn project management principles

  • Create and evaluate hospitality business concepts

  • Align performance standards with employer expectations

  • Strengthen professional readiness and employability

Industry Certification Opportunity

  • Project Management Institute (PMI) Certification

Senior Capstone Internship

Open to 12th grade students who have completed the first three courses
May be taken concurrently with Entrepreneurship
Students must provide their own transportation

This supervised, real-world internship places seniors directly into hospitality industry settings, where they apply classroom knowledge in authentic professional environments.

Students gain:

  • Hands-on operational experience

  • Leadership and communication skills

  • Customer-service expertise

  • Professional networking opportunities

This experience bridges the gap between education and employment—allowing students to graduate with meaningful industry experience.

Certification Testing Location

All certification exams are administered at the SCVS office in Lake Mary, Florida.