Hotel Administration (BS)

SC Johnson College of Business

Program Website

Program Description

The Nolan School of Hotel Administration undergraduate program provides a comprehensive business education grounded in the principles of hospitality, integrating classroom learning with practical, hands-on experience. Students earn an AACSB-accredited bachelor’s degree in hotel administration, preparing them for diverse and rewarding careers in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries. As the only Ivy League program of its kind, the Hotelie community embodies the spirit of hospitality and counts the world’s foremost hoteliers, restaurateurs, and sommeliers among its ranks as well as leaders in the finance, real estate, travel, marketing, consulting, and technology industries.

The faculty-designed curriculum encourages completion of two-thirds of core coursework in the first two years. Immersion in core provides a thorough overview of hospitality, allowing students to quickly determine their specific interests and positioning them to tailor internship experiences toward their anticipated career path. Students’ education is rounded out with industry treks, robust internship opportunities, and meaningful career symposiums, and as a result, students are launched into fast-tracked industry leadership roles, all supported by dedicated Nolan alumni.

Special Academic Options

Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series

The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS) is a long-running Friday afternoon tradition in the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration affectionately referred to as ‘Hotelie Friday.’  For over 100 years Hotelies have taken this course where top industry leaders in hospitality operations, food and beverage, and real estate—many of whom are our alumni—talk to students. They share their career journeys and provide insights on their leadership styles, business strategies, and industry trends. All Nolan Students are encouraged to enroll in HADM 1910 Distinguished Lectures in Hospitality Management during the fall of their first year at the Nolan School.  Seniors also have the opportunity take HADM 4100 Hospitality Management Seminar which provides an extraordinary experience for students to interact directly with these leaders in the hospitality industry in a limited-enrollment seminar. 

Distinction in Research

Distinction in Research applicants' GPAs must be in the top 10% as measured by cumulative GPA up to and including the semester prior to matriculation in the program (the end of junior year). Interested applicants must submit a Distinction in Research Course Enrollment Form, signed by both student and thesis advisor, to the Office of Student Services by end the semester prior to matriculation in the program. Accepted applicants will be enrolled in two Distinction in Research courses (HADM 4970 Distinction in Research Course I in the fall and HADM 4971 Distinction in Research Course II in the spring) for the duration of the year-long thesis project. Thesis coursework totals 6 credits, 3 can be applied toward the HADM Elective requirement and the remaining 3 can be applied toward the Free Elective requirement. 

Note: Thesis must be completed in the last two consecutive semesters before graduation.

Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC)

HEC allows students to practice the skills they learned in the classroom and showcase their talents to a distinguished and discerning audience. Board members receive academic credit for HADM 4910 Hotel Ezra Cornell (H.E.C.). Three credits will be applied to HADM Electives. Any additional credits will be applied to Free Electives. Student managers can earn up to 80 hours and volunteers can earn up to 40 hours of Practice Credit. To apply to be on the HEC Board of Directors, students must (1) be in good standing with a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher; (2) have previous HEC experience; and (3) receive approval of the course instructor.

Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP)

The Hotel Leadership Development Program (HLDP) offers students professional growth through experiential learning within the framework of an academic environment. Students will gain valuable management experience at the Statler Hotel while concurrently attending school. Exposure to hotel operations offers meaningful learning opportunities, challenging a student’s ability to apply critical thinking and management theory to personal experience. Interaction with hospitality leaders enables students to establish professional relationships that facilitate and help define their professional path prior to graduation.

HLDP participants progress through several different paid employment phases, from entry level positions to student director. Each phase requires a specified minimum hours of paid employment at the Statler Hotel and is completed through a certification process. To prepare for each certification, participants are trained in the basic skills of each position. After the participant masters the position, a certification evaluation is conducted.

The students are required to complete the HADM 3170 Hotel Leadership Development Program to prepare them for their roles as supervisors and leaders. Students will also participate in the HLDP Seminar Series, a non-credit program which provides additional training on management topics. Cross Divisional work experience is also required for students to ensure a broad exposure to hotel operations. Students who progress to the level of Statler Fellow will have reached the pinnacle of the program and are ready to become an effective hospitality manager.

For more information on HLDP including eligibility requirements and the application process, contact the Director of Planning & Administration.

Minors

Real Estate Minor

Nolan Students are eligible to complete the Real Estate Minor. This minor prepares students for careers in the commercial real estate industry such as real estate investing, real estate finance, real estate consulting, structured finance, and real estate transaction support.

Cornell University Minors

Cornell University offers a variety of minors across the schools and colleges, in a variety of fields and disciplines. Many of these minors are interdisciplinary, and many are available to all Cornell students. Nolan School students may consider a minor in a foreign language, computer science, theater, nutritional and health sciences, and more. A list of all Cornell University undergraduate minors can be found on the University Programs page. Nolan School students are not eligible for the Undergraduate Business Minor.

Special Studies

Students have the option of arranging a special studies project in any academic area of the Nolan School of Hotel Administration. Projects are conducted under the direction of a Nolan School faculty member, and regular, frequent consultations are mandatory. Students enroll in HADM 4990 Special Studies Project I and the number of credit hours for such projects will be arranged on an individual basis. For more information, review the Special Studies Project Application form.

Note:

  • Students are limited to a maximum of 6 special studies credits toward degree requirements–inclusive of any similar courses such as independent research conducted in other colleges.

  • Up to 3 special studies credits, taken for letter grade, may fulfill HADM Elective requirements with prior approval. Any additional will be noted as Free Electives.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to consider studying abroad to explore language, cultural immersion, and a global curriculum. 

Eligibility Requirements:

For Students who entered the Nolan School as First Year Students

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • completion of 1000-level and 2000-level core coursework
  • completion  of PE credits
  • The ability to study abroad and graduate on time

For Internal and External Transfer Students

  • A minimum Cornell GPA of 3.0
  • A maximum of 15 credits of Core remaining
  • Completion of both PE credits
  • The ability to study abroad and graduate on time

For details on how to apply, schedule an appointment with the Nolan School's Study Abroad Advisor, in 180 Statler Hall, or visit the Office of Global Learning and speak with an education abroad advisor who can help you identify programs that will allow you to pursue your interests abroad. You can also get started by visiting their website to begin exploring programs.

Note:

  • Students should enroll in a “normal full load” (the equivalent of 15-16 credits) while abroad.
    • In exceptional circumstances, the Nolan School may grant permission for students to take:
      • As many as 18 credits, the University maximum that may be transferred from study abroad programs.
      • As few as 12 credits, the minimum to maintain full-time student status.
  • Students must take courses abroad for a letter grade (no S-U designations) and the credit will only count toward Distribution Electives and/or Free Electives.
  • Grades on transcripts from abroad are not incorporated in the Cornell University cumulative GPA
  • Internships may not count toward academic credit but may count toward up to 1 unit of practice credit.

Ye Hosts Honor Society

The Ye Hosts Honor Society is composed of Hotel School students that are selected from the top 10 percent of their class. Members serve as role models and are exemplary students and ambassadors. Ye Hosts members serve as liaisons between the student body and various groups such as faculty, Cornell administration, alumni, and industry leaders. Many also serve as teaching assistants.