Hospitality Innovative Technology, Graduate Certificate
Hotel and Restaurant Management
The W. A. Franke College of Business
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- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
- No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
- No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
- A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
- A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
- Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
- Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
Information Technology is revolutionizing business operations in the hospitality and tourism industry and its transformation demands hospitality professionals to be innovative learners. Therefore, the purpose of the Hospitality Innovative Technology (H I T) certificate/credential program is to equip students with in-depth understanding of hospitality information technologies through innovative training and hands-on exercises with industry-leading applications.
The H I T certificate/credential offered jointly by the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Information Systems Management in the W.A. Franke College of Business, and NAU Online College is proposed to educate and develop students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to become visionary leaders in the application of advanced information technology practices to the hospitality industry. The population that is best suited for this graduate certificate are managers in hospitality, business services, healthcare and the retail industry desiring a highly useful, impactful, and valued degree in information technology. Moreover, the program will greatly benefit students in several undergraduate majors including Technology, Computer Science, Hospitality, Tourism, Business, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Health Sciences, and other undergraduate degrees.
The HIT graduates will be competent in strategic management; the technical aspects of information technology including system analysis, data analytics, hospitality information technologies, operation systems, data security, project management, social media/marketing, and service systems. Graduates will be the future leaders in hospitality information technology in the specific context of hospitality (lodging, food services, events, destination, healthcare, retail, etc.). We anticipate a level of placement with companies such as Marriott, Aramark, Hyatt, Google, IBM, Darden Restaurants, Honor, Banner Health, Oracle/Micros, cruise lines and many others. We anticipate 100 percent job placement for the HIT graduates, as a strong technology skillset is required by businesses today to be competitive and successful. Career opportunities that can be pursued include General Manager in hospitality and retail businesses, Hospitality Information Technology manager in Hotels, Restaurants, Healthcare, and related businesses, IT Manager, IT Security Manager, Data/Technical Analytics, Technology Trainer, Developer/Programmer, Mobile and Web Application Development, Project Manager, etc. With further education, a student can additionally aspire for a Master of Science in Hospitality Administration, the Master of Business Administration (MBA), and/or a Ph.D.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the certificate, graduates of the H I T certificate/credential program in HRM/FCB at NAU will be able to:
- Understand, identify, and apply business concepts, skills, and technology relevant to the operational areas of hospitality management.
- Describe and apply the fundamental principles of hospitality and travel technology and innovation to provide solutions.
- Understand and integrate technology into the guest services hospitality processes (including the guest to staff interactions; the flow of goods and materials; the flow of guests throughout the operation; and how technology integrates into the hospitality and travel operation).
- Describe the skills of technology management communication that students would demonstrate.
- Analyze information and make decisions using critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Develop innovative management technology strategies for hospitality and tourism organizations.
- Develop a creative technology analysis project for the hospitality and tourism industry.
Additional Admission Requirements
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Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
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The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
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- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
- Reference form with contact information for two references
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Responses to specific essay questions
Certificate Requirements
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This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
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Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.