Tourism and Hospitality Management
Join a thriving industry and turn your passion into a rewarding profession.
Tourism and Hospitality Management, Hospitality Management 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 gateway to a world of endless career possibilities in hospitality management! At MTSU, our specialized concentration in hospitality management within the Tourism and Hospitality Management degree program prepares you for leadership roles in this dynamic field.
Hospitality management is more than just a job—it's a calling to create unforgettable experiences for guests and ensure seamless operations in hotels, resorts, restaurants, theme parks, and beyond. With our program, you'll delve deep into the intricacies of managing hospitality establishments, from front-of-house operations to back-end logistics.
Through a combination of hands-on experience, industry insights, and specialized coursework, you'll develop the skills needed to excel in hospitality management. Whether you dream of orchestrating seamless operations in a luxury resort, curating exceptional dining experiences in a world-class restaurant, leading teams in international hotel chains, or managing guest services on a cruise ship, our program equips you with the expertise to succeed.
Join us at MTSU and embark on a rewarding career path where you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on guests' experiences and shape the future of the hospitality industry. Your journey to becoming a hospitality management leader starts here.
Here’s what to expect:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Dive into a robust curriculum that covers all aspects of hospitality management, including guest services, operations management, revenue management, food and beverage management, and strategic planning.
- Hands-on Experience: Gain practical, real-world experience through internships, practicums, and industry partnerships, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.
- Industry Insights: Benefit from guest lectures, industry seminars, and networking opportunities with hospitality professionals, providing valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and best practices.
- Leadership Development: Develop essential leadership and management skills, including communication, problem-solving, decision-making, team building, and conflict resolution, preparing you to lead teams and drive success in hospitality organizations.
Career Opportunities:
With experiential learning opportunities and strong corporate connections in Nashville and surrounding communities, our Tourism and Hospitality Management program equips students specifically for careers in hospitality management. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles such as:
- Lodging and Resort Management
- 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.
Other Concentrations:
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!
Welcome to MTSU’s Tourism and Hospitality Management Program, Hospitality Management Concentration
Career Opportunities:
Through hands-on experiences and industry partnerships, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in these hospitality management roles. Whether overseeing operations at luxury resorts, managing food and beverage establishments, or strategizing marketing campaigns for tourism services, our program prepares graduates for success in the dynamic hospitality industry.
- Hotel Manager
- Resort Manager
- Restaurant Manager
- Food and Beverage Director
- Front Office Manager
- Guest Services Manager
- Revenue Manager
- Director of Sales and Marketing
- Spa Manager
- Club Manager (Golf, Country, Social)
- Operations Manager
- Lodging Operations Manager
- Housekeeping Manager
- Corporate Hospitality Manager
- Regional Operations Manager
- Corporate Training Manager
- Brand Manager
- Franchise Operations Manager
- Regional Revenue Manager
- Regional Guest Services Manager
- Corporate Director of Operations
Embark on limitless opportunities with our Hospitality Management concentration within the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at MTSU. Join our journey in shaping the industry's future and unlocking exhilarating career paths.
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.
Hospitality Concentration PLOs:
- Understand the complexity of hospitality organizations and the many areas that help organizations function efficiently and strategically.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic management within the hospitality industry.
- Analyze philosophies, principles, concepts, processes, tools, and techniques of various strategic management theories and application within the hospitality operations.
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)
-
THM 3200 – Principles of Lodging 3 credit hours OR
-
THM 3250 – Destination Management 3 credit hours OR
-
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 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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