Bachelor of Arts in Service Management

Prepare to effectively design and deliver service with your Bachelor of Arts in Service Management from Ashford University. The service sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the US economy. This growth has fueled demand for skilled and effective managers.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Service Management prepares you to manage a service enterprise, whether in a non-profit organization or in the hospitality, restaurant, or retail industries. This degree demonstrates your ability to integrate practices and impact the performance of a service organization. You will discover how best to deliver whole enterprise services in organizations devoted to customer care. Learn to assess logistics, manage operations, examine market conditions, and make strategic decisions in a variety of service environments.

Career Opportunities
With your Bachelor of Arts in Service Management from Ashford University, you prepare to advance your career from entry-level service to management positions, in which you make key decisions that impact an entire enterprise. Just a few of the many professional careers that often begin with a Bachelor of Arts in Service Management include: 

• Guest services manager 
• Hotel manager 
• Restaurant manager
• Retail store manager 
• Customer service manager

Specializations
Due to the wide range of career opportunities covered by this curriculum, students must select one of four specializations in this degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Each specialization focuses on unique enterprise characteristics within the scope of Service Management, which will further enhance your skills and prepare you for a larger range of responsibility. Choose from the following specializations: 

• Hospitality Enterprise
  Explore different ways in which hotels and resorts attract and retain customers when you choose this specialization. You will expand your experience with event planning, conferences, and food and beverage control. 
• Mass-Market Retail Enterprise Management
  Take advantage of a wide range of opportunities in one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. Increase both your business and technical skills with this specialization added to your degree. 
• Non-Profit Enterprise
  Prepare to manage non-profit enterprises. Enhance your organizational skills when you pair this specialization with your degree. 
• Restaurant Enterprise Management
  Discover how to achieve business success in one of the most artistic of enterprises with this specialization. You'll be prepared to succeed in restaurant settings where management skills are essential.

Your courses are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Service Management

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Service Management degree program will be able to:

• Assess service logistics in a variety of service environments; 
• Apply various service systems to construct customer relationship platforms; 
• Integrate innovative practices and processes designed to increase the performance of a service organization; 
• Develop new human capital strategies in service organizations; and
• Design service metrics based on the needs of a service organization.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits 
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
• Major Course Requirements: 45 credits
• Specialization Requirements: 12 credits
• Electives: 23-26 credits

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.

*In the Non-Profit Enterprise specialization, 3 credits from the specialization may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements 

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies. 
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process. 
• English Language Requirement 
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies. 

Technology Requirements

Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet; 
•  Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
•  Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required: 

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
•  Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
•  Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course. 

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date. 
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education. 
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Service Management

Create exceptional customer experiences with your Bachelor of Arts in Service Management. Your online courses include accounting, human resources, and marketing. Design service metrics and develop human capital strategies.

Your degree program consists of 11 core courses, worth 33 credits, plus a required specialization worth 12 credits. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements before you can begin your specialization. Below you will find the courses for this program, beginning with the introductory courses.

Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Specializations

• Hospitality Enterprise
• Mass-Market Retail Enterprise Management
• Non-Profit Enterprise
• Restaurant Enterprise Management

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Educationand PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable credits, you are required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(45 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

MGT 330 Management for Organizations
This course presents an introduction to management theory and practice, including the inter-relatedness that the planning, organizing, leading, and controlling functions play in the multicultural, technology-driven and global organizations of the 21st century. The emphasis is on the application of management theory to real-life situations in the workplace.

BUS 303 Human Resources Management
An introduction to the field of human resource management. Topics to be discussed include communication, motivation, and management of personnel. The course will include a review of current standards and practices as well as the legal environment as it pertains to the human resource field.

BUS 311 Business Law I
This course involves the study of contemporary issues of business law. The class will focus on how these legal issues influence traditional business operations, e- commerce and information technology. The course will address such topics as: business ethics, online commerce, contracts, business organizations, employment law and international law.

ACC 205 Principles of Accounting I
Introduction to the principles and procedures of general financial accounting with an emphasis on reporting to individuals outside the organization. Development of accounting reports on an accrual basis.

ACC 206 Principles of Accounting II
Primarily covers the principles of managerial accounting. Emphasis on reporting to individuals inside the organization. Major concepts include job order costing, process costing, budgets and standards, and statement analysis.

ECO 204 Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to the theory of consumer equilibrium, market structure, and wage determination.

SRV 301 Introduction to Service Management
This course introduces management in the 'intangible industries' organization and addresses the central challenges presented by services organizations. The course also addresses the need for value creation through customers, the role of organizational leadership, and the role of services in modern society.

SRV 312 Service Operations Management
This course is an introduction to service-related operations in a variety of business sectors and is studied through the shared aspect of their service elements, drawing upon service management theory to provide the academic framework. Students are introduced to operations management principles, and study the role of the operations manager within service organizations.

SRV 340 Marketing in a Services Environment
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the general principles of marketing and an in-depth study of services marketing theory. The concepts the student learns will enable students to develop the skills appropriate in an emerging service economy. The student will be exposed to the relationship between services marketing and the consumer experience. There will be opportunities for the student to apply services marketing theory in non-profit, mass-market retail, hospitality, and restaurant enterprise environments.

BUS 401 Principles of Finance *
Basic corporate finance is presented with the emphasis on risk and return, bond and equity markets, valuation of bonds and equities, present value analysis, internal rate of return analysis, and project analysis using the weighted average cost of capital.

BUS 402 Strategic Management & Business Policy
A case-based course that discusses the set of managerial decisions and actions that determines the long-run performance of a company. The course includes environmental scanning, strategy formulation, strategy implementation, and evaluation and control.

Specializations

(12 credits each, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

Hospitality Enterprise

SRV 332 Fundamentals of Hospitality
This course is a survey of the interrelated industries that comprise the hospitality and tourism industry. The course also introduces the student to the major concepts and components that representing the hotel, food and beverage, restaurant, recreation, theme parks, gaming, club management, convention and event planning, cruises, and tourism services industries.

SRV 333 Resort Management
This course provides an overview of resort management and operations in the context of ski, golf, gaming, and other types of resorts. The basic principles of marketing, management, and development of a resort will be covered. The course includes a review of the history of the growth of resorts in the United States, expansion of resorts worldwide, and their operations and characteristics.

SRV 423 Food & Beverage Control
This course is a study of the systems and techniques appropriate to manage food, beverage, and labor costs in restaurant and catering operations. Topics addressed include management, marketing, menu development, costs and pricing, quality assurance, production, and operational analysis.

SRV 425 Event, Meeting, & Conference Management
In this course, students learn strategies to develop meaningful, well-organized conferences, meetings, and special events. The course addresses event logistics, facilities management, event compliance with ADA and other laws/regulations, contract negotiation, labor planning, and issues with food and beverage management.

Mass-Market Retail Enterprise Management

BUS 337 Principles of Retail Management
Principles and practices used in management of retail businesses. The course covers topics such as site selection, layout, organization, staffing, positioning, customer service, promotional techniques, and all aspects of the critical buying function.

BUS 317 Introduction to Advertising
This course is designed to introduce students to the field of advertising as a promotional force with emphasis on institutions, planning, strategic practices, and tactical decisions made by advertising executives. It will also explore the various career opportunities including account executive, media buying, copywriting, production, and research.

BUS 441 Retail Pricing Management
The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the issues and considerations in the pricing of retail products, illustrate the role of pricing and product management in achieving strategic retail business goals, and demonstrate the link between pricing and product management within the context of the marketing mix within the marketing management process.

BUS 442 Retail Merchandising
This course addresses the central issues of retailing business while emphasizing issues related to channel options available to the final consumer. The course features concepts applied to both store based (e.g., specialty store, department store, multi-unit retail) and non-store based (e.g., Internet and catalog) retailing channels.

Non-Profit Enterprise

SOC 315 Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Culture and politics in Europe, Latin America, the Arab world, India, East Asia, and other areas are examined. Emphasis is on viewing the world from the diverse perspectives of other cultures and political systems. Topics and regions vary.

BUS 318 Organizational Behavior
This course is designed to develop the student's skills in the understanding of factors that affect how individuals and groups act and interact with one another and with management. It also looks at how organizations manage their internal environment with the aim of improving productivity, efficiency, and communications among members.

SRV 428 Non-Profit Agency Management
This course serves as an introduction to the non-profit organization and management. Discussions will focus on mission, leadership, marketing, community relations, fund development, staff supervision and professional development.

SRV 429 Fiscal Management of Nonprofit Organizations
This course examines the principles and practices of financial management in nonprofit organizations. It is designed to teach students how to use financial information in the management of nonprofit organizations. The use of case studies and applied examples intends to make the course especially practical to those working in the nonprofit environment.

Restaurant Enterprise Management

SRV 346 Introduction to Restaurant Management
Identifies the crucial elements involved in the successful operation of a restaurant and how they interrelate. Students are taken through the process of creating a concept, developing a menu, budgeting and controlling costs, staffing the restaurant, purchasing food and equipment, bar and beverage management, daily operations, and developing a restaurant marketing plan.

SRV 347 Sanitation & Safety
This course introduces the student to public health problems that relate to the hospitality industry. Topics include disease transmission through improper food handling and cooking, major types of micro-organisms, environmental conditions which encourage bacterial growth, fire prevention methods and safety, and sanitation rules and practices.

SRV 438 Menu Planning & Design
This course includes food service design concept including the menu, the location, and the type of clientele expected. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of menu layout, including selection, development, price structure, and restaurant style.

SRV 423 Food & Beverage Control
This course is a study of the systems and techniques appropriate to manage food, beverage, and labor costs in restaurant and catering operations. Topics addressed include management, marketing, menu development, costs and pricing, quality assurance, production, and operational analysis.

* Math competency must be met before taking this course.

 

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

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