The non-credit program is designed for both newcomers to the hospitality field and working professionals looking to expand their expertise in lodging, tourism, and hospitality operations.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, employers are seeking professionals who can combine exceptional guest service with strong business and leadership skills. To help meet that demand, ODUGlobal Continuing Education is offering a comprehensive Hospitality Management Certification program that prepares students for career advancement in lodging, tourism, and hospitality operations.
The non-credit program is designed for both newcomers to the hospitality field and working professionals looking to expand their expertise. Through a curriculum focused on sales and marketing, hotel operations, and personnel and financial management, participants gain practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
Students who complete the program will also complete the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Guest Service Gold training and, upon passing the exam, earn the Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP) credential. Graduates are additionally prepared to pursue the AHLEI Certified Hospitality Supervisor exam, further enhancing their professional credentials.
What sets the program apart is its combination of flexible online learning and real-world industry engagement. Courses are delivered live via Zoom, allowing students to interact directly with the instructor while maintaining the convenience of studying from any location. Recorded sessions remain available throughout the course, giving participants additional flexibility to balance education with work and personal commitments.
The program also includes optional property tours and networking opportunities with hospitality leaders throughout the Hampton Roads region, helping students connect classroom concepts with industry best practices. According to ODUGlobal, these experiences are designed to transform theory into practical knowledge and provide valuable exposure to hospitality operations.
Instructor Stacey Shiflet shared, “Hospitality is best learned through experience. Students will have the opportunity each week to learn and share by engaging with industry leaders, explore real-world hospitality trends while getting involved in real-time industry happenings. This is a wonderful experience-driven course that engages students into the real world of hospitality, providing professional connections and practical skills they can share with current or future employers.”
Instructor Shiflet brings extensive industry and higher education experience to the program. Her background includes expertise in leadership, marketing, team building, and hospitality management, providing students with insights drawn from both academic and professional environments.
Hospitality remains a significant economic driver in Virginia and across the nation, creating opportunities for skilled professionals in guest services, operations, sales, and management. Graduates of the certification program may pursue roles such as guest services manager, sales coordinator, operations supervisor, and assistant general manager.
By combining industry-recognized credentials, practical business skills, and flexible online delivery, Old Dominion University’s Hospitality Management Certification offers a pathway for individuals looking to enter the field or advance their careers in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
For more information about the Hospitality Management Certification program, visit ODUGlobal’s Hospitality Management program page.
