Oct 30, 2014 01:38 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Hastings College in Nebraska will offer two new majors that aim to help students prepare for and excel in the areas of culinary arts and hospitality management, school officials announced. 

The majors,  Business Administration and Culinary Arts Management and Business Administration and Hospitality Management,  include a partnership with Central Community College-Hastings (CCC-Hastings)  and combine a base of business administration and liberal arts program courses at Hastings College with culinary arts and hospitality management courses at Central Community College.

"Hospitality management and culinary arts offer dynamic career options, but for career growth and opportunities, it's important students have a sound understanding of business administration, plus a broad understanding of communication, creative thinking, customer service and problem solving," Dr. Amy Black, professor of economics at Hastings College, said in a statement.

The two majors were approved by the Hastings College Board of Trustees earlier this month and are available for students enrolling in classes beginning in January 2015.

The partnership with CC-Hastings is similar to the agribusiness major offered by Hastings College, where students take classes beginning in January 2015. The partnership with CCC-Hastings is similar to the Agribusiness major offered by Hastings College, where students take classes at both institutions to graduate with a sought-after four-year degree.

"We have seen a lot of success with the Agribusiness major, so it made sense for us to collaborate in new ways," Black said. "The culinary arts and hospitality areas are ideal choices because the outstanding facilities and instruction at CCC-Hastings fit well with the business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit at Hastings College. We're excited for the opportunity the combination offers students."

The Business and Economics Department at Hastings College also puts on internships and experiential learning opportunities, which helps students gain valuable experience and build a career network as they approach graduation. 

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