Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management

at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Canada

Learn all aspects of the upstream petroleum industry, including exploration and economic analysis, to prepare for a career in areas like gas process engineering and facilities design. 

The Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering program is designed for students who have completed technical degrees or diplomas and wish to receive training for a career in the petroleum industry.

Our courses provide detailed training in specialized fields such as oil and gas exploration, drilling, reservoir and production engineering, oil and gas facilities design and operation, upgrading and refining operations and economic analysis.

Gain practical business knowledge in courses blending theory and hands-on learning in the core areas of business including economics, communication and organizational behaviour. Build a career in one of six majors - accounting, financial services, human resource management, management, marketing or supply chain management.

Engage in small classes with active, collaborative coursework, learning from faculty with real business experience. You work in teams to deliver projects, present strategies and meet business goals. You start with a common first year to build core business skills. In year two, you become proficient in your choice of major: Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.

You begin the program with a small business simulation. Then you progress to your final capstone course - a global simulation of an international enterprise where you make all decisions from manufacturing and production to hiring your workforce, determining pricing and promotional strategy and more.

Accounting
Gain intermediate-level accounting skills and a practical understanding of how to analyze a company's performance using financial information. You graduate ready to enter CPA's Advanced Certificate in Finance and Accounting program. You can apply to SAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration degree in order to pursue the CPA designation.

Gain practical business knowledge in courses blending theory and hands-on learning in the core areas of business including economics, communication and organizational behaviour. Build a career in one of six majors - accounting, financial services, human resource management, management, marketing or supply chain management.

Engage in small classes with active, collaborative coursework, learning from faculty with real business experience. You work in teams to deliver projects, present strategies and meet business goals. You start with a common first year to build core business skills. In year two, you become proficient in your choice of major: Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.

You begin the program with a small business simulation. Then you progress to your final capstone course - a global simulation of an international enterprise where you make all decisions from manufacturing and production to hiring your workforce, determining pricing and promotional strategy and more.

Business Administration diploma students can choose between the following majors:

• Accounting: Gain intermediate-level accounting skills and a practical understanding of how to analyze a company's performance using financial information. You graduate ready to enter CPA's Advanced Certificate in Finance and Accounting program. You can apply to SAIT's Bachelor of Business Administration degree in order to pursue the CPA designation.
• Financial Services: Build skills to succeed in the financial services industry. You can write the Investment Funds in Canada (IFIC) exam to sell mutual funds. You graduate ready for an entry-level position in financial planning, retail or corporate banking, investing, insurance, trusts or compliance.
• Human Resource Management: Develop skills in human resource (HR) management through an understanding of the recruitment process, the role of employee training and development, employment law, and HR information management systems. Graduates can launch their HR careers in areas such as recruiting, training, payroll and more.
• Management: Develop general management skills in project management, international management, human resources and leadership. You graduate ready to launch a career in human resources, administration, operations, projects, and more in any industry. You can pursue a Certified in Management (CIM) designation.
• Marketing: Explore marketing fundamentals and apply the latest trends in brand management, strategic marketing, research and planning. You graduate ready for a career in public relations, media, advertising, sales, promotions, events and more. You can pursue a Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) designation.
• Supply Chain Management: Learn how to build, maintain and support an efficient supply chain process. You graduate with an understanding of operations, procurement, logistics, performance analytics, and quality management. You can pursue a career in a variety of industries including transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more.

Train for a career as a restaurant or hotel manager, special events coordinator or entrepreneur through courses in business management, food and beverage, human resources and marketing. Hospitality Management provides a unique educational experience with students learning and working in SAIT’s popular on-campus restaurant.

The Hospitality Management program at SAIT is known worldwide for its innovative curriculum and real-world education. At SAIT, we prepare our students for rewarding and in-demand careers in the global hospitality industry through expert instruction, hands-on learning anda state-of-the-art facilities. Our alumni are working in top hospitality organizations in Calgary, Canada and around the globe.

During this full-time two-year diploma program, you will obtain skills in lodging, food and beverage and a host of other hospitality sectors. Your training will cover hotel and restaurant operations, wine and beverage appreciation, special events, marketing, human resources, accounting and much more.

Our blended learning environment includes classroom instruction, laptop delivery and a live working environment - all delivered through a personalized approach. You will learn what it’s like to work as a member of a hospitality team by participating in group projects, serving in the renowned Highwood restaurant and executing special events on campus.

You will also be trained on the latest industry software including:

• Opera Property Management System
• MICROS point of sale system
• OpenTable restaurant management software.

As part of our close relationship with the hospitality sector, we are privileged to have some of the best and brightest leaders from the community serve on our advisory board. They help by providing insight into industry trends and informing the development of an up-to-date and practical curriculum.

Special events

• As a student, you will also have the opportunity to put your knowledge into action as part of a team planning and hosting special events such as:
  • HOSPO: the largest one-day tourism conference in Western Canada featuring 50 guest speakers and a career fair with over 50 industry booths
  • Scholarship lunch and industry gala in The Highwood
  • SAIT President’s gala dinner for 400 VIP delegates.

Professional paid internship and study tours

• Between your first and second year of study, you will be able to apply your skills in a professional paid internship. In addition to gaining experience in a real-world environment, internships provide valuable connections and opportunities to network with future employers.
• As a student, you can also take advantage of exciting international study tours. Previous tour locations have included Scotland, Italy, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Developed with input from industry experts, the Hospitality and Tourism Management program will give you practical hands-on education, ensuring you have the real-world knowledge and skills to achieve success in the workforce.

During this program, you will develop a strong understanding of the hospitality and tourism industries. You will gain knowledge in guest experiences delivery, sales and marketing, service and applied leadership, all complemented by a strong financial management foundation. You will expand your knowledge by choosing a specialization in travel and tourism, entrepreneurship and innovation, hotel and accommodation management, restaurant and service operations, event management, beverage management and more.

Develop qualities that are in high demand for all hospitality and tourism jobs such as communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The industry is fast-paced and requires you to be adaptable, enthusiastic and resilient. If you enjoy keeping busy and working within a team to achieve common goals, then this career is perfect for you.

The program allows you to choose an area of specialization in:

• Hotel and Accommodations
• Restaurant and Service Operations
• Beverage Management
• Travel and Tourism
• Event Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Event Management - Specialization
This specialization exposes you to all aspects of the event and meeting planning industry, from conventions to live events and festivals. You will gain applied knowledge in contract and stakeholder negotiations, event strategy planning and execution as you bring several events to life on campus and with industry partners, from small- scale VIP events to large events.

Gain practical business knowledge in courses blending theory and hands-on learning in the core areas of business including economics, communication and organizational behaviour. Build a career in one of six majors - accounting, financial services, human resource management, management, marketing or supply chain management.

Engage in small classes with active, collaborative coursework, learning from faculty with real business experience. You work in teams to deliver projects, present strategies and meet business goals. You start with a common first year to build core business skills. In year two, you become proficient in your choice of major: Accounting, Financial Services, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.

You begin the program with a small business simulation. Then you progress to your final capstone course - a global simulation of an international enterprise where you make all decisions from manufacturing and production to hiring your workforce, determining pricing and promotional strategy and more.

Marketing
Explore marketing fundamentals and apply the latest trends in brand management, strategic marketing, research and planning. You graduate ready for a career in public relations, media, advertising, sales, promotions, events and more. You can pursue a Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) designation

Learn the scientific principles imperative to ensuring optimal eye care as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and medical technologists.

The Ophthalmic and Optometric Assisting certificate program is two semesters long (including a four-week practicum) and prepares students to operate as medical office professionals with specialized knowledge in ophthalmic (eye health) and optometric (vision care) terminology and clinical procedures.

This program is unique in that it includes a combination of ophthalmic and optometric competencies, providing graduates with skillsets for two professions in one program.

Industry relies on database technology to store, retrieve and present information in a customized and user-friendly format. The Database Administrator (DBA) program develops your knowledge of relational database design, system performance, backup & recovery, and database security. The program builds on your existing relevant skills of reliability, logical thinking and good attention to detail.

This intensive 40 week program, designed for learners with previous IT experience, prepares you for challenging and exciting opportunities in database administration.

You will master the technical aspects of database administration, using Oracle tools within Windows and Linux platforms. You will also learn to use and manage existing relational databases, then apply these skills in the design and implementation of new databases in accordance with user requirements.

This program is offered in conjunction with the Oracle Workforce Development Program. With additional relevant work experience and exam preparation study, you will be prepared to successfully challenge and complete the Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) DBA designation. Discount vouchers are available to qualified students.

Start your career in computer programming with hands-on, applied education in full-stack software development. Computer software engineering and development is an in-demand and growing field where you will play a vital role.

Learn from experienced instructors about leading-edge technology and processes to develop computer software, databases and applications in various computer languages. You’ll gain skills and knowledge in software analysis and design, object-oriented programming, web development, database design and programming, software testing, security and deployment, so you drive business value. You will also learn how to support an organization’s applications, websites and data platforms.

Demand for a range of IT professionals will continue as the growth of the IT sector creates more opportunities. Position yourself for a rewarding career supporting critical business operations in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech sector.

Learn to educate dental patients and assist dentists and hygienists in chair-side procedures by becoming a dental assistant for private dental clinics, specialists’ offices or health centres.  

The Dental Assisting program focuses on patient-centred care in support of improving oral health as a key to personal health and well-being. 
As vital members of the dental health team, dental assistants work in private dental clinics, specialists’ offices and community health centres. Skills and content covered include clinic operations, chair-side procedures, intra-oral procedures, patient education and interpersonal skills.

The program is divided into two 15-week semesters and one eight-week semester. Students are required to attend classes on SAIT campus for this program. Classroom learning is integrated into a dental clinic setting. The clinical components include patient education, radiographs, selective rubber cup polishing and fluoride application. 

This program includes one unpaid four-week practicum in the third semester at a dental office which may be outside of Calgary. Students in this program require access to a personal computer and the Internet to facilitate the completion of required online courses.

Accreditation

• The Dental Assisting program delivered by SAIT is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.