Spa Management

3 semester credits. This course is intended as a starting point for those who wish to explore the spa industry for the first time with the purpose of gaining a basic understanding of the considerations involved in spa management from a beginner level. In the first part of the course students will be provided with a basic understanding of the philosophy of the spa and wellness concept. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of the contemporary spa industry and will become aware of the global spa industry elements. A strong emphasis will be placed on diversity in the spa business. As the course presents a variety of past and present spa, healing, and beauty therapy models, students will discover former and current therapy cultures and become aware of their heritage and their links with the main elements of the modern spa industry. In order to ensure students an understanding of the considerations involved in spa management, during the course they will gain first-hand experience by analytic observation of day-to-day operations of the on-campus spa, a high-end full-service spa wellness facility. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

3 semester credits. This course provides a strong foundation of knowledge for anyone interested in learning about the spa community. Students taking this course will develop an understanding of the main skills required to manage and operate a profitable spa in the multifaceted spa industry. They will explore industry evolution from ancient civilizations to new frontiers of convergence that integrates spas, medicine, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality. A comprehensive overview of spa operations will be provided with an emphasis on current business models and perspectives on maximizing business success. Students will learn all aspects of the successful day-to-day operation of a spa as well as business strategies to employ for sustained growth and profitability in this constantly evolving industry. In-class discussion will focus on definition and market segmentation of spa categories including day, resort, medical, destination, hospital, and lifestyle management programs. Topics include: conceptual skills in management, operations, finance, human resources, marketing, products, treatments, and equipment from initial design and business planning process to opening a spa and managing operations and positioning for managed future growth. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.

6 semester credits. This course provides a strong foundation of knowledge for anyone interested in learning about the spa community. Students taking this course will develop an understanding of the main skills required to manage and operate a profitable spa in the multifaceted spa industry. They will explore industry evolution from ancient civilizations to new frontiers of convergence that integrates spas, medicine, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality. A comprehensive overview of spa operations will be provided with an emphasis on current business models and perspectives on maximizing business success. Students will learn all aspects of the successful day-to-day operation of a spa as well as business strategies to employ for sustained growth and profitability in this constantly evolving industry. In-class discussion will focus on definition and market segmentation of spa categories including day, resort, medical, destination, hospital, and lifestyle management programs. Topics include: conceptual skills in management, operations, finance, human resources, marketing, products, treatments, and equipment from initial design and business planning process to opening a spa and managing operations and positioning for managed future growth. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI).