Department Chair: Dr. Pierre Laguerre
Department Secretary: Dolores Piro
Room: A-306
Phone: (201) 879-5003
Hotel Restaurant Management Coordinator: Ronda Drakeford
Hotel Restaurant Management Academic Advisor: John Bandman
Our Mission
The mission of the hotel and restaurant management program at Bergen Community College is to provide the knowledge and skills needed in the rapidly expanding hospitality field. Instituted in 1974, the program has since kept pace of employers in the hospitality industry. The program emphasizes culinary arts, baking, catering, and hospitality and lodging. Our students are prepared to understand and apply the regulations and standards, which govern the hospitality industry and culinary arts. Students are trained to be proficient in food preparation, purchasing, cost control, and all phases in the hospitality industry. All certificate and degree programs prepare students to earn nationally recognized TIPS Certification and ServSafe Certification for food handling and beverage service.
Students may choose from a variety of degree and certificate programs. The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in hospitality management allows students to select program concentrations after their first semester that align with their career interests. One-year certificate programs are also available. Through the Co-Op externship program, the program prepares students to become leaders with the ability to shape the future of the hospitality and culinary industry. With an increasingly favorable job projection outlook, they become prepared for numerous management and culinary positions in hotels, restaurants, catering halls, bakeries, and many other related areas of the profession.
Career Paths
The Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in hospitality management is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and hospitality management. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in hospitality including catering manager, concierge, event planner, wedding consultant, chef, baker, chocolatier, and other hospitality positions. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in hospitality, culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, catering and event planning, and hospitality and lodging. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.S.S.) in hospitality can transfer into majors, such as hospitality and hospitality management. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.