Tourism and Hospitality Management

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Tourism and Hospitality Management, B.S.

Discover Your Path in the Thriving World of Tourism and Hospitality

The Tourism and Hospitality Management, B.S. degree is proudly offered through the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences at MTSU.

Program Overview:

Do you have a passion for travel, event planning, or hospitality? The tourism and hospitality industry is projected to support up to 11.6% of global employment by 2028, including the bustling $6 billion Nashville market. At MTSU, our Tourism and Hospitality Management program provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing industries worldwide.

Program Highlights:

  • Ranked Among the Best: MTSU's Tourism and Hospitality Management program is recognized for its excellence, recently ranked No. 19 for the Best Affordable Hospitality Management Degree by University HQ.
  • Flexible Specializations: Students can tailor their education by selecting one of three specializations—Tourism, Hospitality Management, or Event Planning—or combine courses from all three areas to create a comprehensive skill set.
  • Business Integration: To enhance their understanding of industry principles, Tourism and Hospitality Management students are required to complete a minor in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship from the esteemed Jones College of Business.
  • Real-World Experience: Our program includes a practicum component, offering students invaluable hands-on experience in the field and preparing them for the challenges of the industry.

Career Opportunities:

With experiential learning opportunities and strong corporate connections in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding communities, our Tourism and Hospitality Management program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a diverse range of career paths, including:

  • Event Planning
  • Tourism Planning and Development
  • Lodging and Resort Operations
  • Travel and Tourism Services
  • Food and Beverage Management
  • Tourism and Hospitality Marketing
  • Revenue Management
  • Operational Design
  • Strategic Decision Making

Empower Your Future:

Join us at MTSU and embark on a journey towards a rewarding career in tourism and hospitality. Explore the endless opportunities available in this dynamic industry and prepare to make your mark.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Meet Sosina Bekele: A Standout in MTSU's Tourism and Hospitality Program

Sosina Bekele, a shining example of excellence within MTSU's Tourism and Hospitality Program, is making waves with her passion and dedication to the industry. Starting with a Bartender license and working at esteemed country clubs and wedding venues, Sosina's journey has led her to her current role as assistant staff coordinator for a staffing company, where she credits her THM education for her success.

As a student representative for the THM program, Sosina showcases her leadership and commitment. Dr. Tan's Destination Management course sparked her interest in Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), marking a pivotal moment in her academic career. Despite being a recent addition to the THM program, Sosina has already seized numerous opportunities, including assisting Dr. Liu with the annual career fair and embarking on a research project with Dr. Whalen.

Beyond her major, Sosina's leadership extends to her role as treasurer of ESO and her efforts to establish connections with industry organizations like the Southeast Tourism Society and NACE. Her aspirations lie in working for a DMO, focusing on community building and empowerment—a testament to her passion for the industry.

For prospective THM students, Sosina offers clear advice: "If you're interested in the industry, the THM program at MTSU is your ticket to success. You'll gain invaluable connections, comprehensive knowledge, and mentorship from dedicated faculty." Join Sosina in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality at MTSU!

Meet Emily Groves: A THM Success Story at MTSU

Formerly an Interior Design major, Emily Groves switched to Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) during her sophomore year—a move that sparked her passion and led to remarkable growth. As the Development and Retention Chair for the Blue Elite Tour Guide, Emily guides prospective students and promotes diversity.

Emily's role as Student Event Specialist Coordinator showcases her versatility in event planning, while her research on virtual reality in travel earned her a grant from MTSU's Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA).

Guided by Dr. Yi Liu, Emily's academic journey flourished through research projects and mentorship, leading to internships and industry connections. Actively engaging in student organizations like the Southeastern Tourism Society, she stays informed about industry trends.

MTSU's THM program significantly contributed to Emily's personal and professional growth, offering a dynamic curriculum, supportive faculty, and hands-on experiences. She aspires to work at a Convention and Visitors Bureau and become an event planner, equipped with practical insights gained from her MTSU journey.

To future THM students, Emily advises embracing diverse opportunities, engaging in coursework, and connecting with professors for guidance and networking. MTSU's THM program stands out for its versatility, academic excellence, and emphasis on sustainability, offering a unique learning environment tailored to each student's needs. Join Emily in the THM journey at MTSU!

News Briefs

Meet Sosina Bekele: A Standout in MTSU's Tourism and Hospitality Program

Sosina Bekele, a shining example of excellence within MTSU's Tourism and Hospitality Program, is making waves with her passion and dedication to the industry. Starting with a Bartender license and working at esteemed country clubs and wedding venues, Sosina's journey has led her to her current role as assistant staff coordinator for a staffing company, where she credits her THM education for her success.

As a student representative for the THM program, Sosina showcases her leadership and commitment. Dr. Tan's Destination Management course sparked her interest in Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), marking a pivotal moment in her academic career. Despite being a recent addition to the THM program, Sosina has already seized numerous opportunities, including assisting Dr. Liu with the annual career fair and embarking on a research project with Dr. Whalen.

Beyond her major, Sosina's leadership extends to her role as treasurer of ESO and her efforts to establish connections with industry organizations like the Southeast Tourism Society and NACE. Her aspirations lie in working for a DMO, focusing on community building and empowerment—a testament to her passion for the industry.

For prospective THM students, Sosina offers clear advice: "If you're interested in the industry, the THM program at MTSU is your ticket to success. You'll gain invaluable connections, comprehensive knowledge, and mentorship from dedicated faculty." Join Sosina in shaping the future of tourism and hospitality at MTSU!

Meet Emily Groves: A THM Success Story at MTSU

Formerly an Interior Design major, Emily Groves switched to Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) during her sophomore year—a move that sparked her passion and led to remarkable growth. As the Development and Retention Chair for the Blue Elite Tour Guide, Emily guides prospective students and promotes diversity.

Emily's role as Student Event Specialist Coordinator showcases her versatility in event planning, while her research on virtual reality in travel earned her a grant from MTSU's Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA).

Guided by Dr. Yi Liu, Emily's academic journey flourished through research projects and mentorship, leading to internships and industry connections. Actively engaging in student organizations like the Southeastern Tourism Society, she stays informed about industry trends.

MTSU's THM program significantly contributed to Emily's personal and professional growth, offering a dynamic curriculum, supportive faculty, and hands-on experiences. She aspires to work at a Convention and Visitors Bureau and become an event planner, equipped with practical insights gained from her MTSU journey.

To future THM students, Emily advises embracing diverse opportunities, engaging in coursework, and connecting with professors for guidance and networking. MTSU's THM program stands out for its versatility, academic excellence, and emphasis on sustainability, offering a unique learning environment tailored to each student's needs. Join Emily in the THM journey at MTSU!

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CAREERS

Welcome to MTSU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Program

 

At Middle Tennessee State University, our Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) program offers students the opportunity to specialize in one of three dynamic areas: Tourism, Hospitality Management, or Event Planning. Alternatively, students can tailor their coursework to encompass all three specializations, ensuring a comprehensive education in the field.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Hands-on Experience: Our THM program integrates experiential learning and fosters strong connections with industry leaders in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding communities. Students benefit from real-world exposure, preparing them for diverse career paths in the tourism and hospitality industry.
  • Practicum Requirement: The THM major includes a practicum component, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
  • Business Minor: THM students complement their major coursework with a minor in Business Administration or Entrepreneurship from the Jones College of Business, enhancing their understanding of business principles relevant to the industry.

 

Career Opportunities:

With a THM degree from MTSU, students can pursue rewarding careers in event planning, food and beverage management, lodging and resort operations, tourism and hospitality marketing, strategic decision making, and much more. Graduates of the THM program are well-equipped for a wide range of career opportunities, including but not limited to:

  • Convention and Conference Planner
  • Hotel Manager
  • Director of Sales
  • Marketing Manager/Director
  • Restaurant Owner and Operator
  • Event Planner
  • Theme or Amusement Park Manager/Director
  • Tourism Planning and Development Specialist

 

Explore the endless possibilities with a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from MTSU. Join us in shaping the future of the industry and unlocking exciting career opportunities.

 

Accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

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

  1. Curiosity & Innovation. Pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and learning; a sense of inquisitiveness and exploration that leads to innovation, idea generation, and positive change.
  2. Perseverance & Integrity. Persistence in the face of adversity and challenge; a will to overcome difficulties and obstacles while maintaining honesty, morality, and personal principle.
  3. 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

  1. Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
  2. Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
  3. Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
  4. Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
  5. Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality and tourism industry.

 

Specialization PLOs:

Tourism Specialization PLOs:
  1. Utilize tourism concepts and business management knowledge to function effectively as a tourism professional.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of best practices to further responsible tourism.
  3. Analyze information and develop solutions for tourism businesses by using skills associated with critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and creative thinking.
Hospitality Specialization PLOs:
  1. Understand the complexity of hospitality organizations and the many areas that help organizations function efficiently and strategically.
  2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic management within the hospitality industry.
  3. Analyze philosophies, principles, concepts, processes, tools, and techniques of various strategic management theories and application within the hospitality operations.
Event Specialization PLOs:
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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/specialization courses plus up to three approved electives for an additional 9 credits.

 

Tourism and Hospitality Management Minor

Health and Human Performance 

The minor in Tourism and Hospitality Management requires 15 semester hours.

Required (9 hours)

 

Electives (6 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 Catering and Conference Services
Bill Boothe The Boothe Group, LLC President
Shannon Jones Destination South Meetings & Events Senior Manager, Meetings and Events
Michael Seabrook Belle Meade Country Club GM/COO
Jan Freitag CoStar Group National Director, Hospitality Analytics
Barbara Ford Savage LLC Strategic Planning Facilitator
Chelsa Lourie Cambria Downtown Nashville HR Manager
Sara Beth Urban Hospitality TN President & CEO
Barbara Wolke Rutherford County Convention and Visitor Bureau Sr. Vice President
Monica Smith Southeast Tourism Society President & CEO
Matt Maxey Visit Franklin Director of Public Relations
Kristin Luna DMA-Events, Self-employed Journalist, Digital Strategist & President
Jesse Hayes Gaylord Opryland Director of Revenue Management
Richard Sprecher Resolute Road Hospitality Vice President, Business Development
Susan Faro MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Representative
Campbell Bledsoe MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Representative
Riley Moon MTSU Tourism & Hospitality Management Student Representative
     

 

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