Getting Started
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Please remember that advisers are available to discuss with you your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Penn State accepts applications on a rolling basis for the associate degree program in hotel, restaurant, and institutional management. For planning purposes you should have all application and supporting materials submitted to the Undergraduate Admissions Office 2 months prior to your intended starting date.
If you intend to use financial aid, we recommend the following deadlines for completed degree application and FAFSA submissions:
- June 30 for fall semester admission
- October 31 for spring semester admission
- March 15 for summer semester admission
Evaluations of degree and financial aid applications may not be completed in time if received beyond those deadlines. Please visit the Office of Student Aid's Web site for more information about FAFSA applications and other financial aid.
Prerequisites and Technical Requirements
- You must be a high school graduate or
- You must have completed your GED
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our current students page for instructions. For your application to be considered complete, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Many of our students find it helpful to review our important application instructions PDF. We recommend that you print this for future reference and assistance while completing your application.
- Complete the online application form and submit your application fee ($50).
- Admissions will need official copies of the following:
Official high school transcripts; or GED transcript with available high school records
Official military transcripts (if applicable)
Official college or university transcripts (if you attended another institution)
Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (if applicable) score
Please submit all official documents to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
Box 3000
University Park PA 16802
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "Check Application Status." Your determination letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Practice Site Requirements
To complete Penn State's associate degree in hospitality management, you will need to complete certain courses at an appropriate practice site, such as a full-service hotel or restaurant. Please see the FAQ section of this Web site to learn details about the type of practice site required for the various courses. Before graduating you will also need to document 500 hours of work experience in the hospitality industry.
You do not need to be working in the hospitality industry to begin the degree program, however, you must be able to find a suitable practice site in order to complete several core courses in the program. This is much easier to accomplish if you are an employee at the facility that you are using for this purpose.
If you have additional questions about your intended practice site, please contact us by e-mail or phone (800-252-3592, ext. 0), and we'll be happy to help.
