The College of Business and Economics (COBE) at Boise State University received unanimous approval from the Idaho State Board of Education to launch new online entrepreneurship and resort operations and hospitality management programs in fall 2022.
The new programs expand the existing Boise State Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. They include an emphasis in entrepreneurship, an emphasis in resort operations and hospitality management and a resort operations and hospitality management certificate.
New Programs Driven By Workforce Demands
The entrepreneurship emphasis program seeks to provide students with the skills and knowledge to launch, market and manage a new business successfully. The resort operations and hospitality management emphasis and certificate programs aim to fulfill workforce demands for skilled managerial professionals within Idaho’s resort and hospitality industry. Idaho’s leisure and hospitality sector is currently projected to add 5,900 jobs between 2021 and 2023, the second-largest job increase in any sector (U.S. Department of Labor).
“This new program is an excellent example of the ways in which Boise State University is connecting with communities and the industries there, driving wellbeing and economic health to build customized academic programs that advance our state,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, Boise State president.
Resort Operations and Hospitality Management Programs Supporting Idaho
Boise State Online’s resort operations and hospitality programs provide practical knowledge of the industry to program graduates in a flexible and accessible format. This program is designed to give students the tools to build a long-term career within the industry.
Idaho resorts already have expressed support for the resort operations and hospitality management programs, and the impact on hiring and the advancement of current employees.
“We envision Boise State University’s new program as an important source of skilled and trained potential employees,” said Susan Saad, community relations director of Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area.
Other Idaho resorts have expressed how the programs create new industry connections for students.
“Tamarack Resort is beyond excited to participate and partner with Boise State in this great opportunity. As a resort, we plan to provide educational support, training and hiring of current and future students of the program,” said Tom Knill, director of human resources at Tamarack Resort.
The addition of skilled professionals to the workforce to meet the demands of Idaho’s resort and hospitality labor market also impacts the sustainability and future success of Idaho’s resort communities. The rural communities in which many Idaho resorts reside depend on an educated and skilled workforce led by knowledgeable and community-invested business leaders.
Expanding Access To Develop Skilled Professionals
Boise State recognizes the need for skilled professionals who can meet the workforce demands in business and hospitality and impact the community. The addition of the online entrepreneurship and resort operations and hospitality management programs expands access to higher education across Idaho and beyond and opens doors to increased career opportunities.
To learn more about Boise State Online’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Management programs, please visit https://boisestate.edu/online/business-management.
To learn more about all of Boise State University’s online offerings, please visit www.boisestate.edu/online.