Top Texas Hospitality Training Programs
Texas is home to a variety of programs designed to train and develop the next generation of hospitality professionals. While programs teach culinary arts, hotel management, and event planning, they also focus on training the next generation of hospitality leaders to integrate sustainability, technology, and personalized service into the business.
DALLAS
For decades El Centro, now Dallas College, has provided chefs and bakers to the restaurant industry. The Culinary Arts program at the Dallas College Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center offers students an immersive learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities. It offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Culinary Arts and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Baking & Pastry Arts degree programs as well as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Hospitality Management. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and hands-on training, students learn about food preparation, cooking techniques, kitchen management, and nutrition. The curriculum also emphasizes creativity, innovation, and sustainability in culinary practices.
HOUSTON
The University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership is one of the premier hospitality management schools in the U.S. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Hospitality Management, it provides students with a comprehensive education that combines business principles with the specific demands of the hospitality industry. The program offers opportunities for internships, research, and hands-on experience at the university’s affiliated hotels and restaurants. Students gain exposure to areas like hotel management, event planning, food and beverage management, and tourism.
AUSTIN
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Austin offers culinary arts and pastry arts programs providing a blend of cooking techniques and foodservice business knowledge. Classes are led by experienced chef instructors to build student knowledge and technique, then they complete an industry externship to apply what is learned in a real-world setting.
SAN ANTONIO
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) is one of the most renowned culinary schools globally, offering a world-class education in culinary arts and hospitality management. Located in the heart of Texas, its San Antonio Campus provides students with the skills necessary to succeed in both culinary and management roles within the hospitality sector. CIA degree programs include Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Culinary Arts and Bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. Students gain hands-on experience in CIA’s student-run restaurants and have access to internship opportunities in Texas’ vibrant restaurant scene and beyond.
San Antonio College’s Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality Management trains students in areas such as hotel management, tourism, and event planning, and the program places a strong emphasis on practical learning. Students have the opportunity to work with local hospitality businesses like San Antonio’s luxury hotels and tourism operations, gaining experience in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations.
Sustainability & Technology Are Important Next-Gen Skillsets
Texas State University offers a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Hospitality Management. The program emphasizes leadership, customer service, and operational efficiency and is ideal for students interested in hotel management, event planning, and tourism. Texas State has strong industry connections opens the door for students to complete internships and capstone projects with Texas hospitality businesses like San Antonio’s River Walk and Austin’s hotel scene, allowing them to gain experience in real-world settings.
Texas A&M is known for integrating hospitality management with broader business principles. Its Hospitality Management Program within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences provides an industry-responsive curriculum with a focus on experience design and implementation, management of organizations and human capital, data-driven decision-making, service quality, marketing, risk management and financing of programs/services. Its Master of Agribusiness program, ranked #1 in the nation and #3 in the world by Eduniversal, teaches students to use data and economic modeling to for food sourcing, sustainable practices, menu development, and supply chain management. Experiential learning for both programs allows students to participate in internships, research projects, and leadership training in collaboration with industry leaders.
Other training programs, certifications, and resources for students and industry professionals:
In addition to the degree programs mentioned above, the Dallas Colleges Culinary, Pastry and Hospitality Center offers continuing education and professional development courses for industry professionals. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including advanced culinary techniques, wine and beverage management, and hospitality leadership. The center also provides certification programs, such as ServSafe® and Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS), helping professionals stay current with industry standards.
The American Culinary Federation (ACF) Texas apprenticeships programs are ideal for those who prefer practical, on-the-job learning rather than traditional classroom education, ACF programs offer hands-on training in culinary arts, baking & pastry, and food service management with experienced chefs. Students take part in the programs while also earning a paycheck.
Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation (TRAEF) programs include the ProStart high school program, Texas Restaurant Association’s Texas Hospitality Training (THT) program, and various certifications such as food safety and management.
A Promising Future
As Texas continues to be a top destination for both leisure and business travelers, the demand for skilled and dedicated hospitality professionals will only increase. There is a concerted effort from industry leaders to address the labor shortages by investing in training programs and improved working conditions, ensuring that those who enter the field can look forward to stable and gratifying careers.
