Students at South can earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and become dynamic leaders in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. The department received ACHE approval in the spring of 2024 to offer two new concentrations, including a focus on events marketing and management and global leadership.
Global Leadership Concentration
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. The Global Leadership concentration equips students with the skills needed to meet the employment outlook in the hospitality and tourism industry. Potential employment opportunities include: operations and service management, leadership and strategic management, financial and human resource management, global leadership, and personal and professional career development. Students also build problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.
Events Marketing and Management Concentration
The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events (MICE) industry is a crucial segment in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this market segment adds about 15,200 jobs annually. The degree will prepare students to become event planning professionals. The Events Marketing and Management concentration provides the coursework in essential topics such as the day-to-day operations of an event planner, coordinating with clients and vendors, marketing basics, creating event styles and themes, business fundamentals, and nurturing students’ skills to meet the employment outlook in the MICE industry.
