Hotel & Restaurant Management
Gain hands-on training in the hospitality industry with the opportunity to earn a diploma or Associate in Applied Science Degree. As the longest-running Hotel and Restaurant Management program in Iowa, our coursework and student experience continues to evolve to meet the skills needed to succeed in the industry. While studying in hotel and restaurant industries, learning health operations skills and experiencing management settings, you will become familiar with:
- Food costing
- Computerized front office management
- Food service sanitation
- Menu planning and design
- Food production
- Convention management
- Housekeeping management
- Hotel operations
- Personnel management
Learn the ropes of the industry in our top-notch facilities. You’ll have access to two kitchens that are fully equipped with a Unox combi oven, steam tables, grills, convection ovens and more.
The best part is that employment and placement rates are exceptional for students in our program. In fact, 95 percent of graduates have been placed in an industry demanding new employees. Whether you want to become a chef, front office worker or hotel manager, you can rest assured there will be a need for you in the workplace.
Faculty Contact
![]() | Jesse Grossnickle Instructor, Hotel & Restaurant Management 712-852-5256 Ext: 5256 | jgrossnickle@iowalakes.educreate new email |

Program Details
Did You Know?
In the Hospitality Services Diploma program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Distinguish between different hand tools, utensils and equipment
- Operate hand tools, utensils and equipment properly
- Demonstrate how to work effectively and cooperatively with others
- Convert recipes to yield different amounts
- Identify proper storage areas for given foods and non food items
- Demonstrate how to balance and total a cash drawer, count change
- Identify nutrients throughout the life-cycle
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Hospitality Services diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Curriculum
Term 1
HCM 104 – Applied Food Service Sanitation
Information and practices to help the food service manager apply sanitation procedures to food handling from purchasing and storage to preparation and serving to patrons. This course is part of the National Restaurant Association management development diploma program and certification.
HCM 292 – Food Preparation
This course offers instruction in the fundamentals of basic cooking skills, use of equipment, kitchen safety and basic recipes that are foundations for all culinary learning.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
HCM 265 – Mathematics for Hospitality
Reviews the fundamentals of mathematics, including methods of figuring percent, discount, mark-up, mark-down and interest. Problems related to the hospitality industry.
HCM 591 – Housekeeping Management
Technical information for persons seeking careers in the hospitality management area. Covers the day-to-day complexities of the housekeeping profession, from planning and organizing to budgeting, supervising and performing the work itself. Certification course offered through the American Hotel and Motel Association.
HCM 705 – Hospitality Club Activities I
Developing leadership, teamwork, communication, commitment and cooperation as required in the hospitality industry.
Grading: P/Q
HSC 134 – First Aide/CPR
Emergency care for the injured. Airway management, hemorrhage control, care for shock victims, CPR/lifesaving skills.
Grading: P/Q
Term 2
BUS 161 – Human Relations
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
BUS 121 – Business Communications
Communication skills necessary in the business world, including use of the telephone, interviews, job applications, listening skills and letter writing.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
HCM 141 – Food Production
Preparation of menus and serving foods and aesthetic appeal for dining rooms. Emphasizes meat, vegetables and dessert cookery. Sanitation, quality and cost of foods served to consumers are stressed.
HCM 595 – Front Office Operations/Night Audit
Emphasizes the efficient operation of the front office area, including reservations, greeting guests, hotel-motel services and payments. Charge account systems and controls, billing methods, checkout procedures and a learning experience with a Front Office Management Simulation included.
HCM 707 – Hospitality Club Activities II
Developing leadership, teamwork, communication, commitment and cooperation as required in the hospitality industry.
Grading: P/Q
HCM 229 – Nutrition for the Life Cycle
Practical, ‘how-to’ course focusing on nutrition as it relates to personal health; foods, and food preparation; menu planning and recipe modification; and marketing of nutritious menu items in the food service industry.
Choose either BUS 121 or ENG 105