Tourism and Hospitality Management
Join a thriving industry and turn your passion into a rewarding profession.
Tourism and Hospitality Management, Event Planning Concentration, B.S.
Escape the Ordinary
The Tourism and Hospitality Management, B.S. degree is proudly offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at MTSU.
Accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). 
Program Overview:
Welcome to the premier destination for aspiring event managers within the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). Our specialized concentration in Event Planning equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-paced and dynamic world of event planning.
Here's what you can expect:
- Tailored Curriculum: Our program features a carefully crafted curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience. From event design and marketing to logistics and risk management, students gain a deep understanding of every aspect of event planning.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from industry professionals and experienced academics who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Our faculty members are dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance, ensuring that students are prepared to excel in the competitive field of event management.
- Hands-on Learning: We believe in learning by doing. Through internships, practicums, and experiential learning opportunities, students have the chance to apply their skills in real-world settings. Whether it's coordinating campus events or assisting with large-scale productions, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in the job market.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals and alumni in the event management industry through networking events, guest lectures, and industry partnerships. Our extensive network opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and career advancement.
Whether you dream of organizing music festivals, corporate conferences, or luxury weddings, our Event Planning concentration prepares you to turn your passion for events into a fulfilling career. Explore our website to learn more about how MTSU can help you achieve your goals in the exciting world of event management.
Career Opportunities:
Our Event Planning concentration within the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at MTSU offers a gateway to an array of exciting career paths in the dynamic world of events. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and robust corporate connections in Nashville and neighboring communities, our program prepares students for success in roles such as:
- Event Planning: Conceptualize and execute diverse events, from corporate gatherings to cultural festivals.
- Event Coordination: Manage logistics and resources to ensure smooth event operations.
- Wedding Planning: Assist couples in planning their special day, from venue selection to vendor coordination.
- Meeting and Convention Management: Organize and oversee conferences and trade shows.
- Festival Management: Plan and execute large-scale festivals, handling programming and budgeting.
- Corporate Event Management: Coordinate corporate events like product launches and team-building retreats.
- Venue Management: Oversee operations of event spaces such as hotels and convention centers.
- Destination Management: Promote events to attract visitors and boost local economies.
- Event Marketing: Develop strategies to drive attendance and ticket sales.
Empower Your Future:
Join us at MTSU and embark on a journey towards a rewarding career in event management. Explore the endless opportunities available in this dynamic industry and prepare to make your mark.
Other Concentrations:
News Briefs
New MTSU tourism/hospitality degree to prep grads for dynamic careers in booming industry [+VIDEO]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — MTSU is poised to become one of the premier institutions for furnishing personnel to a burgeoning industry that is critical to the Midstate economy and in need of skilled professionals. The university announced the creation of a Tourism and Hospitality Management degree Thursday, March 21, in the Grandview Terrace area of one [ Read More ]
News Briefs
New MTSU tourism/hospitality degree to prep grads for dynamic careers in booming industry [+VIDEO]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — MTSU is poised to become one of the premier institutions for furnishing personnel to a burgeoning industry that is critical to the Midstate economy and in need of skilled professionals. The university announced the creation of a Tourism and Hospitality Management degree Thursday, March 21, in the Grandview Terrace area of one [ Read More ]
Tourism and Hospitality Management, Event Planning Concentration, B.S.
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Alumni Success
- Allison Hotard, Assistant Event Operations Manager, Gaylord Opryland
- Sloane Brewer, Event Manager, Gaylord Opryland
- Danielle Annunziato, Associate Planner, Weddings & Events by Raina
- Kelsey Ladd, Corporate Event Manager, Compass Rose Events
- Kayla Graves, Event & Tradeshow Coordinator, Gathr Outdoors
Internship Opportunities
The Work Experience Program aims to foster an active learning experience wherein students actively seek and secure gainful employment within the fields of tourism, hospitality, or events industries. Students will complete 600 total work hours in the industry over the course of two semesters.
Example Work Experience and Internship Sites:
- Disney College Program
- Gaylord Opryland
- Embassy Suites Nashville SE Murfreesboro/Atrium Hospitality
- Chartwell Hospitality
- Chick fil A
- MTSU Events
- Belle Meade Country Club
- Southern Hospitality Internship Program (SHIP)
- Omni Hotels
For more information, please reach out to Dr. Elizabeth Whalen at [email protected].
Career Fairs
The Annual Tourism, Hospitality, Events, Sports, and Leisure Career Fair is held every spring semester. For more information, please reach out to Dr. Vanessa Liu at [email protected].
Helpful Links
- Hospitality Internships
- Southern Hospitality Internship Program
- For students and alumni, private Facebook group: “MTSU THM Students & Alumni”
- Southeast Tourism Society
- MTSU’s Career Development Center: Job Search Resources
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake .
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
MTSU Tourism and Hospitality Program Overview
Mission Statement
Our mission is to develop leaders who are passionate and well-rounded critical thinkers to contribute to the growth and innovation of the tourism and hospitality industry in the greater Tennessee area.
Vision Statement
We will enhance the image of MTSU by becoming the top tourism and hospitality program in Tennessee in the next five years.
Core Values
- Curiosity & Innovation. Pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and learning; a sense of inquisitiveness and exploration that leads to innovation, idea generation, and positive change.
- Perseverance & Integrity. Persistence in the face of adversity and challenge; a will to overcome difficulties and obstacles while maintaining honesty, morality, and personal principle.
- Relationships & Experience. Creation of an environment of collaboration, communication, and connection; a desire to build a community with peers, colleagues, and mentors through active engagement, working in teams, participating, and being present.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
- Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
- Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
- Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
- Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry.
Event Concentration PLOs:
- Utilize the components of event planning and distinguish the logistics for different types of events (e.g., conferences, weddings, festivals, concerts, and sports events) to create an innovative, efficient, and manageable plan
- Demonstrate business skills related to event planning (e.g., detail-oriented operation, time management, budgeting, communication, critical thinking, and leadership) to put into practice to solve uncertain issues while executing events effectively
- Evaluate the goals and outcomes of an event to measure the event’s performance and produce an improved plan
Transfer Students:
We accept a maximum of 12 credits transferred for core/concentration courses plus up to three approved electives for an additional 9 credits.
Tourism and Hospitality Management Minor
The minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management requires 15 semester hours.
Required (9 hours)
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THM 3200 – Principles of Lodging 3 credit hours OR
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THM 3250 – Destination Management 3 credit hours OR
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THM 3350 – Event Planning 3 credit hours
Electives (6 hours)
- LSTS 4850 – Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Leisure and Tourism 3 to 6 credit hours
- THM 3110 – Tourism Planning and Development 3 credit hours
- THM 3200 – Principles of Lodging 3 credit hours
- THM 3210 – Service Design and Delivery in Tourism and Hospitality Management 3 credit hours
- THM 3250 – Destination Management 3 credit hours
- THM 3350 – Event Planning 3 credit hours
- THM 3360 – Weddings and Special Events 3 credit hours
- THM 4130 – Sport Tourism 3 credit hours
- THM 4140 – Food and Beverage Tourism 3 credit hours
- THM 4160 – Event Risk Management 3 credit hours
- THM 4167 – Hospitality Revenue Management 3 credit hours
- THM 4220 – International Tourism 3 credit hours
- THM 4267 – Hospitality Technology 3 credit hours
Clubs and Organizations:
Southeast Tourism Society (STS) Student Chapter
THM Advisory Board:
| Member | Company/Organization | Position |
| Erica Carvalho | Loews Hotel & Co. | Corporate Director of Meetings & Events |
| Shannon Jones | Destination South Meetings & Events | Senior Manager, Meetings and Events |
| Joe Callison | Belle Meade Country Club | Assistant General Manager |
| Jan Freitag | CoStar Group | National Director, Hospitality Analytics |
| Rosemary Reid | Salsarita's Fresh Mexican Grill | Area Director |
| Jesse Hayes | Gaylord Opryland | Director of Revenue Management |
| Richard Sprecher | Resolute Road Hospitality | CHA-Vice President, Business Development |
| Bill Boothe | The Boothe Group, LLC | President |
| Chelsa Lourie | Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association | Director of Workforce Development |
| Sara Beth Urban | Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association | President & CEO |
| Barbara Wolke | Rutherford County Convention and Visitor Bureau | Sr. Vice President |
| Monica Smith | Southeast Tourism Society | President & CEO |
| Matt Maxey | Visit Franklin | Senior Director of Public Relations |
| Kristin Luna | Odinn Media, Inc.; DMA-events, Inc.; Camels & Chocolate | Journalist, Digital Strategist, & President |
| Larry Beaty | Nashville Experience Tours | Owner |
| Emily Groves | MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management | Student Representative |
| Letre Thompson | MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management | Student Representative |
| Emma Samba | MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management | Student Representative |
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