The Food and Beverage Management certificate at Mason teaches students key concepts and operational functions, strategies, and practical skills necessary for managing and operating food and beverage business for restaurants and catering companies.
- Students will learn to develop menus, prepare food, implement food safety standards, manage food waste, and utilize best-practice food service principles.
- Students will also be exposed to a variety of food and beverage businesses, including hospitality venues, restaurants, and food service management for large institutions like schools and hospitals.
- Graduates will be prepared to manage and operate restaurants, catering companies, and institutional food service suppliers.
What you’ll learn:
The focus of the curriculum is to provide students with a foundational knowledge of the food service industry, from basic nutrition and diet fundamentals to restaurant operations.
Coursework includes instruction on food safety, culinary basics, and menu development. In addition, there is a specific focus on management issues, including human resources, buying and selling food and beverages, and cost control. The curriculum emphasizes hospitality skills and the scope and forms of hospitality organizations.
Who will benefit from this certificate?
Courses are open to any individuals with an interest in the food and beverage management and operations.
- The Certificate benefits individuals who need to learn more about the specifics around restaurant and catering operations.
- Individuals who do not work in restaurants but need to be conversant in operations of food and beverage providers will also benefit from this certificate.
- This certificate may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis for degree seeking or non-degree seeking students.
This certificate may be pursued on a part-time basis only.
Courses for this certificate are offered face-to-face at Mason’s Fairfax campus or online. Students must complete 18 credits.
Current Mason Students
Current Mason undergraduate students should contact their advisor about adding a certificate. Students may need to fill out the Certificate Declaration form from the Registrar’s Office website.
New to Mason Students
To apply to the Food and Beverage Management undergraduate certificate, applicants must complete an undergraduate transfer application. Applicants can select the Food and Beverage Management certificate from the program offerings on the application.
Note: Once a student earns academic credits at Mason, they are no longer eligible to be considered a first-time Freshman and apply to a four-year degree through the Freshman application. This could affect eligibility for freshmen scholarship opportunities. If a student in the certificate would like to advance to a four-year degree program, they must re-apply to Mason through the undergraduate transfer application.
Requirements
- A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- 24 earned semester credit hours
- Students who have earned less than 24 transfer credits will be required to submit an official high school transcript for review. A cumulative GPA of a 3.0 of higher would be required.
- Secondary school coursework or test scores demonstrating English language proficiency
Students who are actively suspended or dismissed will not be offered admission.
Documents
- Completed George Mason Transfer Application and non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities
- Official high school or GED transcript, if less than 24 college credits earned
| TUITION CLASSIFICATION |
COST PER CREDIT |
| Virginia Resident |
$596.50
(includes MSF*) |
| Non-Virginia Resident |
$1,638.00
(includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee
($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses) |
$25 - $257 |
| Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit |
$621.50 - $853.50 |
| Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit |
$1,663.00 - $1,895.00 |
Undergraduate New Student Fee
(non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$350 | $275 for transfer students |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $163.50
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.
Student Success Center
Academic Advisor
Dr. Michelle Séki
Email: mgnoleba@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-5200
Schedule an appointment
Primary Faculty
Min Park
Academic Program Coordinator
PhD, Texas A&M University
Tina Jones
MS, University of Maryland Global Campus
