Spa Management

3 semester credits. This course provides students with the skills required to take on the future challenges as professionals in beauty therapy, salon operations, and day spas. As functions of a modern spa are numerous and differ greatly in the global spa industry, this course will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge in classic and contemporary day spa management, with a focus on beauty theories, therapies, and techniques. Students will gain theoretical and practical skills in day spa and beauty operations and treatments such as aromatherapy, body treatments, facial treatment, specialty treatments, and nail and skin care. Topics include: daily spa management functions of a high-end spa, day spa operations, facility management, professionalism in spa customer care, retailing, service marketing, cosmetic product knowledge and use, correctional make-up techniques, theories related to injectables, rejuvenation, cellulite and fat reduction, chemical peels, waxing, and radio frequency. To ensure students' learning progress and the acquisition of skills and competency, during this course they will have the opportunity to gain a first-hand and comprehensive overview of the day spa experience by observing and participating in the management of the on-campus spa operations. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Spa Operations and Management or equivalent.

6 semester credits. This course provides students with the skills required to take on the future challenges as professionals in beauty therapy, salon operations, and day spas. As functions of a modern spa are numerous and differ greatly in the global spa industry, this course will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge in classic and contemporary day spa management, with a focus on beauty theories, therapies, and techniques. Students will gain theoretical and practical skills in day spa and beauty operations and treatments such as aromatherapy, body treatments, facial treatment, specialty treatments, and nail and skin care. Topics include: daily spa management functions of a high-end spa, day spa operations, facility management, professionalism in spa customer care, retailing, service marketing, cosmetic product knowledge and use, correctional make-up techniques, theories related to injectables, rejuvenation, cellulite and fat reduction, chemical peels, waxing, and radio frequency. To ensure students' learning progress and the acquisition of skills and competency, during this course they will have the opportunity to gain a first-hand and comprehensive overview of the day spa experience by observing and participating in the management of the on-campus spa operations. This course includes experiential learning hours with our Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Prerequisites: Spa Operations and Management or equivalent.

3 semester credits. Massage therapy has a long tradition in cultures around the world and it is used in a variety of health-related purposes: to relieve pain, increase relaxation, reduce stress, address anxiety and depression and aid general wellness. This course brings students to a full understanding of the skills and knowledge required by a professional massage therapist. Students will gain an overview of the traditional and modern schools of thought in message therapy. A strong focus will be placed upon principles and theories of hydro therapy, biodynamic therapy, lymphatic drainage and reflexology. Massage techniques examined during the course include but are not limited to: Swedish, Thai, Ayurvedic and shiatsu massage, massage with hot stones and essential oil, deep tissue massage, sport massage. Students will also learn how professional massage therapists comply with the growing health and safety concerns in the spa environment. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Prerequisites: Introduction to Spa Treatments or equivalent.

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). CEMI are dynamic learning environments created to foster learning through a structured interaction with the community. In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.

3 semester credits. Hydrotherapy, spa treatments and body treatments are non-medical procedures fundamental in the core business process of spas: healing therapies and treatments. As this course is designed to serve as an introduction to spa treatments, students will be given a comprehensive overview of treatment philosophy and physiology. Students taking this course will examine the benefits and contraindications of all spa therapies, treatments, and techniques. A strong emphasis will be placed upon hydrotherapy, the physical properties of water, the use of water in spa therapy, balneotherapy, thalassotherapy mineral springs, bathing, soaking, hot tubs, Finnish sauna, hammam, showers, hoses and other water concepts. To ensure students are prepared to properly identify the body-mind connection, they will learn about major human body systems, such as muscles, joints, and bones, the nervous system, the circulatory system, the cardiovascular system, and skin and nail structure. Students will also learn to meet spa industry service standards and will be able to follow sanitation and infection prevention and control guidelines, in order to comply with industry health and safety regulations.

3 semester credits. This course focuses on health and wellness operations and management. Students will gain a solid knowledge of the main management strategies and operations needed in order to run profitable operations in diverse categories of wellness-focused centers. Main topics include an overview of the evolving concept of wellness, the different dimensions of the wellness experience, industry history, and future development. Students acquire an advanced understanding of organizational design, operational processes, and management roles in wellness organizations. Course outcomes are aimed at a multifaceted understanding of wellness culture and the capacity to strategically manage and operate organizations positioned within the health and wellness industry. Prerequisites: Successful completion of an undergraduate degree is required for this course.