Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster

Revised June 2024

The Hospitality and Tourism career cluster focuses on the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services. Careers range from reservation and transportation ticket agents to event planners and general managers.

Statewide Program of Study: Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with planning, directing, and coordinating activities of a food and beverage organization or department. Students gain experience preparing food and participating in culinary operations.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Introduction to Culinary Arts
• Level 2: Culinary Arts
• Level 3: Advanced Culinary Arts
• Level 4:
  • Food Science
  • Practicum in Culinary Arts

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

• AP Chemistry

Students should consult a counselor to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Shadow a director of a non-profit that produces and delivers food for communities in need
• Intern at a catering company and learn about food production for large-scale events
• Work part-time in a restaurant as a line cook or chef

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in SkillsUSA

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Associate Degrees

• Culinary Arts
• Baking and Pastry Arts

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Hotel/Motel Administration and Management
• Culinary Science

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Organizational Leadership
• Foodservice Systems Administration and Management

Additional Stackable Certifications

• Food Manager License

Example Aligned Occupations

Bakers

• Median Wage: $29,466
• Annual Openings: 2,942
• 10-Year Growth: 26%

Chefs and Head Cooks

• Median Wage: $44,761
• Annual Openings: 950
• 10-Year Growth: 37%

General and Operations Managers

• Median Wage: $83,220
• Annual Openings: 25,450
• 10-Year Growth: 23%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications Offered in LCISD

• ServSafe Manager

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Culinary Arts program of study fulfills requirements of the Business and Industry endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study