Courses of Study 2024-2025 
    
    Dec 03, 2024  
Courses of Study 2024-2025

Special Academic Options


In the Nolan School of Hotel Administration .

Study Abroad


All students planning to study abroad must apply through the Office of Global Learning; please see the description in the introductory section of this catalog or view their website.

The Nolan School of Hotel Administration represents the international aspects of the hospitality industry in many ways—from the large number of international students in its program to career opportunities throughout the world. To prepare for the global nature of the industry, students are encouraged to consider studying abroad in either the fall or spring semesters of their junior year (or, in some cases, both). While abroad, students have the opportunity to learn about other cultures, to become more proficient in a second (or perhaps third) language and, in those programs where internships are offered, to work in an international environment.

Students should start the investigation process early, including a consultation with the Nolan School study abroad advisor, 180 Statler Hall, as well as with the Education Abroad advisors in the Office of Global Learning, B50 Caldwell Hall. Requirements for college approval include completion of all 1000-level and 2000-level HADM core courses, completion of the University swim test and Physical Education requirements, a GPA of 3.0 or higher, good academic standing, registered full-time student status, and not being in one’s final semester. Credits earned abroad are considered transfer credits, and, as such, they count toward the maximum of 60 transfer credits allowed. A maximum of 15 credits may be transferred from study abroad programs, and students should plan on taking no less than 15 credits while abroad. Courses typically transfer toward Distribution Elective or Free Elective degree requirements. Credit for study abroad programs will be awarded only after successful completion (marks equivalent to a Cornell grade of C or higher) of the semester abroad and receipt of the official transcript by the college.

Culinary Institute of America Alliance


The Nolan School of Hotel Administration has an alliance with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), which is located in Hyde Park, New York. Nolan School juniors and seniors can earn both their B.S. from Cornell and complete the requirements for an Associates in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) degree in Culinary Arts or Baking & Pastry Arts from the CIA through the Collaborative Degree Program between the two schools. The Culinary Arts degree program can be completed during the course of their four-year program at Cornell. The Baking & Pastry Arts degree program requires an additional semester to complete.

Most students apply to the Collaborative Degree Program during their sophomore year, so planning should start early to be sure all program requirements are met. Program requirements include: completing the requisite classes (currently six Nolan School core classes and four electives); being in good standing at Cornell; having the required commercial kitchen work experience; maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all transfer classes; and successfully completing The CIA application process. 

Nolan School students complete their CIA degree requirements around their academic program at Cornell. The Collaborative Degree Program consists of two parts, The CIA’s Culinary Immersion Technique and Theory class and the extended CIA studies. The initial three-week Culinary Immersion is an intensive course where students learn the culinary fundamentals necessary to succeed in their extended CIA studies. This class is also open to students at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology. Typically, students apply for the Culinary Immersion by December 1st of their sophomore year, to attend at the end of their sophomore year. This class is offered only once a year at the end of May.  In January or May following completion of the Culinary Immersion class, Nolan School students start their extended CIA studies on site at the CIA for two full semesters (a Cornell semester and the summer). Nolan School students pursuing the Baking & Pastry Arts degree will complete a third semester at the CIA, typically after their Cornell graduation.  

Students are required to be in good standing and have completed HADM 1361 Principles of Food and Beverage Operations Management and HADM 2351 Restaurant Management from the Nolan School core curriculum before attending their extended program studies on site at the CIA.  In addition to the core curriculum requirements, Nolan School students are required to take two specific Nolan School electives to complete the degree requirement:

HADM 4340 - Catering and Special Events Management  (offered fall only, prerequisite: HADM 1361 )

HADM 4300 - Introduction to Wines 

More information about the CIA is available at www.ciachef.edu. Collaborative Degree Program information and frequently asked questions are available at www.shacia.org. For additional questions and to apply to the Collaborative Degree Program, contact the Program Director at ha-cia_alliance@cornell.edu.