Overview

Are you keen to upskill in the exciting world of hospitality and tourism? SAIT's Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program can pave the way to a rewarding career in this dynamic industry. 

With a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism, you can pursue diverse, exciting opportunities in tourism, restaurants, event planning, and hotel management. It can also give you the foundation to start your own business. 

Industry expertise 

Our program was designed with input from industry professionals, ensuring you receive the most relevant and up-to-date education. You'll learn from experts with real-world experience in the hospitality and tourism sector. 

Global perspective 

In today's interconnected world, having a global perspective is essential. Our hospitality management studies and business courses equip you with skills that make you an asset in a global job market. 

Personalized learning 

Enjoy a personalized approach to learning with small class sizes and opportunities for professional mentorship. You'll gain knowledge in various areas, including leadership, communications, global tourism, and sales and marketing. 

You will develop a strong foundation in process improvement and productivity enhancement alongside technology integration for quality and productivity. You'll gain an understanding of strategic thinking and project management, as well as practical policy planning and implementation. This knowledge will empower you to develop and lead high-performance teams while emphasizing ethics, health, safety, and sustainability. 

You'll also hone your skills in stakeholder engagement, professionalism, and change management. Additionally, our program equips you with expertise in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurial opportunities exploration. 

Real-world challenges 

Put your skills to the test in your capstone course, where you'll work closely with industry partners to solve real-world challenges and develop comprehensive business plans. This hands-on experience will prepare you for the demands of the industry. 

Top-ranked school 

SAIT's School of Hospitality and Tourism is recognized globally, ranking among the Top 50 Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools worldwide by CEOWORLD Magazine. 

SAIT's Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management program is your pathway to a fulfilling career in this ever-evolving industry. Join us in shaping the future of hospitality and tourism. 

Those in the hospitality and tourism management industry tend to be directive, methodical, and social. 

You need:  

  • excellent communication skills 
  • organizational skills 
  • good general health, stamina and mental alertness to cope with the long, irregular hours of work 
  • the ability to get along with all kinds of people 
  • leadership and decision-making skills 
  • the ability to adapt to changing customer needs and unexpected situations 
  • the ability to remain calm while under pressure. 

To do well in this field, you should enjoy being in charge, taking a methodical approach to your work, and negotiating with people.  

Graduates of the SAIT Hospitality and Tourism Management diploma with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+) meet the admission requirements to enter this program. 

In your final year, you will participate in a capstone project where you will work with real industry partners to complete a comprehensive business plan and apply the skills you've learned in your classes while building relationships with potential employers. 

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll receive a SAIT Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

salary icon $40,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 12103, 60030, 60031, 62020, 62022, 64300, 64314, 65210.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Courses

The Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree requires 60 credits (20 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

View classes by semester

Course Credits

This course will examine intercultural communication and its relationship to personal, organizational and societal identity and influence. The ability to communicate with people from diverse cultures will promote increased understanding of cultural differences, challenge perceptions and develop tolerance for differences. Developing intercultural communication skills will enable you to work successfully and collaboratively in a global marketplace.

Equivalents:
  • COMM 300
3

Financial Management in Hospitality and Tourism explores financial concepts and how they apply specifically to hospitality and tourism operations. Topics include budgeting, forecasting, asset management, cash flow, financial ratios and management contracts, as well as the financial aspects of planning for hospitality entrepreneurship.

3

Health and Safety in Hospitality and Tourism provides an opportunity to develop a clear understanding and working knowledge of the obligations and responsibilities related to workplace health and safety in hospitality and tourism. Topics include regulatory aspects, compliance, collective agreements, health and safety resources, contracts, tenant and landlord responsibilities, and risk management.

3

Business Leadership is a course that will take you on a journey of self discovery as well as an inside look at current perspectives of Leadership today. We all take on leadership roles in our lives. In business, success is often attributed to great leadership. However, today in business this role has evolved as has the business environment. Team work is an essential component of an organization's efficiency and effectiveness. From time to time you may be called upon to take on a leadership role for your work group, even without a title. Throughout this course you will gain the knowledge and skills to help you fulfill your role as a leader through your understanding of personal and organizational leadership.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • MNGT 2250
    • MGMT 2050
    • MGMT 230
    • MGMT 3030
    • MNGT 250
    • LDSH 310
Equivalents:
  • LDSH 360
  • LDSH 405
3

Hospitality Design and Development examines the issues and opportunities inherent in the development and operation of hospitality facilities, specifically hotels and restaurants. Topics include logistics for new builds and renovations, capital project planning and management, facility design, engineering considerations, energy management technology and the environmental aspects of hospitality facilities. 

3

Marketing Action will take the concepts learned in Marketing Essentials and build on them so students will have application experience in creating a new product. The key areas of focus will be on value proposition and business models. Marketing Action will ground their marketing knowledge so they will create sustainable decisions. This is an immersive class where students are required to continue their team projects outside the classroom and present their findings to their instructor and industry professionals.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • MKTG 1060
    • MKTG 326
    • MKTG 390
Equivalents:
  • MKTG 336
3

Project Management introduces you to the standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute. We will cover both the technical and sociocultural components of project management at an introductory level, including project definition, work breakdown structures, cost and scheduling techniques, and an introduction to earned value concepts. Stakeholder communications, risk management, project leadership, and project closure round out the topic coverage.

Equivalents:
  • MNGT 321
3

Operational Data and Analytics uses and applies the data provided by hospitality and tourism property management systems, point-of-sale systems and other industry software to generate informed business decisions. Topics include third-party competitive sets and data mining, as well as the legal aspects and requirements surrounding security, privacy and ethics.

3

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to fundamental skills in critical thinking. You will develop skills in identifying fallacies, evaluating formal arguments, and diagnosing the appropriate form of argumentation in a variety of areas, including science and morality. Your skills in argumentation will be honed both in evaluating others' arguments and in making your own.

Equivalents:
  • PHIL 241
3

The philosophical study of morality - ethics - provides a foundation upon which laws and definitions of acceptable behaviour are built. Understanding the theory and application of ethical reasoning provides insight into the functioning and differences between societies. This comprehensive introduction to ethics will provide an overview of the major ethical schools of thought and their application to a diverse range of contemporary ethical questions.

3

Quantitative Methods will build analysis skills through the study of basic concepts in statistics, including: sampling; measurement of central tendency and variability; probability and probability distributions; random variables; estimation; hypothesis testing; small sample theory; analysis of variance; linear programming; and regression analysis.

Equivalents:
  • STAT 220
  • STAT 270
3

Research Methodologies introduces you to the scientific method and its application in the research process. You will explore topics such as literature review, hypothesis formulation, research design, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, referencing, research report writing, and peer review. You will develop an ability to conduct research in an ethical and thorough manner using appropriate research strategies, and to critically assess the reliability and validity of common research tools.

3

Global Tourism surveys macroeconomic principles as they relate to the global travel and tourism industry. Topics include tourism ecosystems, business fundamentals and tourism economics, product development, related technologies, and cultural and societal issues. Foci will include both developed and developing global tourism markets. 

3

Tourism Policy and Planning examines the roles, processes and impacts of tourism policy and planning at the municipal, provincial and national levels. This course leads to an applied understanding of the factors that contribute to sustaining the environmental, cultural and social integrity of tourism destinations in a Canadian context and an analysis of tourism policy via research. Topics include public policy; ethics; tourism laws; municipal, provincial and national government involvement in tourism; tourism marketing organizations; global effects on domestic tourism; and tourism policy creation and communication.

3

Sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism explores the ever-evolving world of contemporary tourism sustainability issues. Trends, best practices and their relationships to sound business practices are examined and researched using the lenses of social and cultural factors, economic issues and environmental considerations. Further topics include sustainable tourism, ethical food sourcing, indigenous tourism, environmental infrastructure design, farming systems, technology as a sustainability tool, and adventure or ecotourism.

3

The Hospitality Capstone provides an opportunity for integration, synthesis and application of Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (BHTM) program outcomes. Working both individually and collaboratively with hospitality and tourism industry partners, students will complete a comprehensive business plan. The capstone path includes concept and product development, marketing, financial measurements and controls, legal aspects and physical facility considerations. The business plan is defended and revised per industry recommendations.

3

You will choose courses from the following lists.

Junior Humanities elective (choose 1)

Course Credits

The History of Architecture course introduces you to the chronological development of architecture from prehistory to Egyptian, Greek, Byzantine, Early Christian, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Industrial and Modern eras, highlighting the development of structural systems, materials, construction and other building systems. You will focus on developing an understanding of material use, styles of architecture and an appreciation of the unique architectural legacies of various cultures.

3

Critical Reading and Writing students explore a variety of literary and visual texts, and demonstrate an understanding of literature, primary and secondary material, and referencing techniques. Development and demonstration of skills in comprehension and critical analysis in written and oral assignments are required.

3

HUMN 2010 - Introduction to Humanities - offers insight into people and culture. We explore the artistic and philosophical legacies that have shaped our perspective as a contemporary society. We consider art, literature and music through an historical lens and interdisciplinary approach to understand how humanity has been molded. The emphasis will be on analysis and discussion of the concepts, critical reading of the texts, and persuasive writing and oral presentations of your ideas.

3

Ethics in Technology provides an introduction to ethical theory as it applies to the assessment of current issues related to advancing information technology. Issues covered include intellectual property, network security and privacy focusing on ethical issues in both the fundamental problems and the approaches to mitigate or solve them.

3

Through readings, writing, discussion and analysis in this course, you will compare the thinking of some influential philosophers on topics such as knowledge, existence, the mind and morality with your own views. You will learn to formulate arguments and theories, examine them critically, and come to a better understanding of your own beliefs and their justification. You will also be better equipped to analyze and judge the theories of others, especially those of the philosophers studied in this course.

3

Junior Science elective (choose 1)

Course Credits

From the smallest cell to the largest animal, this course examines the diversity and complexity of life as we know it on Earth. Using a phyletic classification system, you will learn about the similarities and differences that unite all life on this planet. You will trace the human lineage and learn about your shared heritage with the simplest of organisms. The relationships between taxonomic groups will be emphasized, and the characteristics that allow organisms to thrive in their ecosystems will also be explored using Darwinian evolution.

3

This course provides an introduction to the scientific process and the disciplines involved in understanding our global environment. The course will explore our human impacts on the earth's atmosphere, water, soil and biotic systems. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to identify sustainable options to reduce our collective impact on the global environment. At the completion of the course students will be able to explain how human activities cause impacts to the environment and the changes required to move toward environmental sustainability.

3

In this course, you will examine the physiological and psychological aspects of health and wellness. Topics include physical fitness, musculoskeletal health and cardiorespiratory health; nutrition and weight management; mental health and stress management; infectious and chronic diseases; the effects of consumerism on health and health care; and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and healthy aging.

3

This course will give you a broad and first-hand experience of science. The goal is to explore the scientific method, the techniques through which it establishes its reliability, and current trends which suggest the shape that future science will take. In this course you will increase your awareness of science's growing influence on how we understand the world, as well as how science's history and underlying philosophical assumptions are essential to understanding why it is so successful.

3

Junior Social Sciences elective (choose 1)

Course Credits

The focal point of Indigenous Studies is the wealth and diverse nature of Indigenous histories, languages and cultures, as well as contemporary challenges and opportunities. The course is intended to provide a conceptual framework that all learners can use to enhance their understanding of the Indigenous cultures in Canada.

3

Introduction to Psychology introduces you to a variety of scientific approaches to the understanding of human behaviour. This course will challenge you to think critically about actions and decisions that involve assertions or underlying assumptions about human nature. The concepts studied in the course are applicable to both your personal life and to the workplace.

3

Introduction to Sociology will introduce learners to the study of society from a sociological perspective. Participants will consider social processes such as power and agency as well concepts of the individual, the family, and groups including community, culture, and work environments.

3

Using a multi-disciplinary approach, students will explore and examine popular culture as one of the most significant cultural and social agents in contemporary society. Learners will study the emergence of pop culture research and a range of diverse theoretical approaches including critical studies of gender, sexuality and race. Students will consider a variety of mediums such as music, video games, social media, art, film/television, fashion and celebrity. Finally, learners will study and reflect on the role of popular culture in the development of individual identity and group/community identity and action.

3

Senior Social Sciences or Humanities elective (choose 1)

Course Credits

Participants in this course will explore types of creative nonfiction (CNF), examining its history and development while recognizing its role in improving understanding of individual and cultural experiences. Students will also discuss using storytelling in the workplace and writing creative nonfiction as a means of empowerment.  

3

Through critical reading, written responses, class discussion, and academic research of literary texts, you will develop an awareness of the form and content of short stories and novels from various world regions. You will also develop an appreciation of world literature and the historical, social, and cultural context in which the texts were created.

Pre-requisites:
  • One of:
    • COMN 220
    • COMM 1070
3

In the 21st century, creative and innovative thought are essential skills. Creativity isn't an innate ability that only artists are born with. Creativity and innovation are skills that can be learned and developed. In this course, participants will form an appreciation and understanding of creativity as a genre worthy of academic study. We will think about generative thought and the expression of emotion as part of the creative process. We will discuss the importance of taking risks and making mistakes as vital to innovative thought. We will consider the behaviors, techniques, and practical tools that students can use to nurture creativity and innovation. Learners from all disciplines will gain an understanding of how to integrate the processes of creativity and innovation into their professional and personal lives.

3

This course is a philosophical exploration of the nature and role of money in shaping our lives, our understanding of the world, and our lived experiences. After examining the history of money from its early forms as commodities to modern incarnations like cryptocurrency, we will look at how it is used and how it affects how people understand both the world around them and their own identity. We take up a philosophical lens to identify the metaphysical and ethical implications of what we do with money, and a monetary lens to look at philosophy and expand our understanding of what it means to exist and how our interactions using money shape our perceptions of ourselves, others, and the things that we value.

Pre-requisites:

One of:

  • PHIL 241
  • PHIL 1011
3

The advancement of science and technology depends in a large part on the priorities and ambitions of society. By the same token scientific discoveries and the introduction of new technologies can have an impact on social structures and values. The complex interrelationship between these two forces will be explored in detail providing learners with the context to understand and evaluate our technologically-based society and the directions it might take.

3

In this course, you will examine the history of the Canadian workplace as well as contemporary issues that involve job satisfaction and alienation. You will study both Canadian and global employment trends. Business and political influences on the workforce, including technology use, labour laws, trade unions, and employment equity will also be explored.

Pre-requisites:

One of:

  • SOCI 2010
  • SOCI 2020
3

Do you consider yourself a conformist or a deviant? Is one better than the other? Why? The circumstances in which you adhere to or ignore standards of socially-acceptable behaviour are complex and dynamic. In this course, you will investigate these situations by focusing on the workplace. You will examine the effects, both positive and negative, of conforming and divergent behaviour; learn how marginalizing factors such as gender, ethnicity, and disability relate to these behaviours; and analyze when and why it is important to comply with or challenge established norms.

Pre-requisites:

One of:

  • SOCI 2010
  • SOCI 2020
3

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

  • a SAIT Hospitality and Tourism Management diploma or equivalent from an accredited post-secondary institution, with a minimum 2.3 cumulative GPA (67% or C+), and
  • at least 50% in English 30-1 or at least 60% in English 30-2, and
  • at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2.

COMM 240 or COMN 220 may be used as an alternative to the high school English requirement.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

Aspira University College

Program name
Bachelor of International Hospitality and Tourism Management
Available credits:
n/a

Graduates of Aspira University College's Bachelor of International Hospitality and Tourism Management program meet the admission requirements to apply for this SAIT program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 30, 2025
International students: Open
  • Application deadline: May 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
3 2 $7,260 $1,608 $8,868
4 2 $7,260 $1,680 $8,868
Total cost:
$17,736

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
3 2 $21,450 $1,608 $23,058
4 2 $21,450 $1,608 $23,058
Total cost:
$46,116

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

You must also dress in proper business attire for class presentations and industry visits.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Application process

Applicants to this program will be assessed on the following criteria, and seats will be offered accordingly:

  • Applicants who have graduated from SAIT with a diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management (previously Hospitality Management) with a minimum GPA of 2.3 will be offered admission on a first-qualified, first-offered basis. Once the program is full, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Applicants with a diploma in Hospitality Management from another accredited post-secondary institution will be placed into selection for review to determine equivalency. Completion of additional courses may be required.

Applications and proof of the admission requirements (transcripts and supporting documents) must be submitted by Aug. 15 to be included in the selection.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the hospitality@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $175 for international applicants. 

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Hospitality and Tourism Advising

Phone
403.284.8612
Email
hospitality.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca
a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.