Program Overview
Become One of THEM
Explore Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management at the University of Florida and see where a THEM education can take you.
Choose Your THEM Degree
Join one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industries in the world.
Reach your career goals through industry-applicable classroom learning, hands-on experience and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Students graduate with the resources they need to make an immediate impact in their industry. Our coursework empowers our students to become leaders, decision-makers and entrepreneurs who create change in an ever-evolving industry.
THEM faculty are known for their groundbreaking research and innovative approaches to teaching and guiding the students who will be the future guiding forces in our industry.
Choose from THEM certificates/minors and degree options, including bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. programs:
- Bachelor in Science (B.S.) in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
- B.S./M.S. Combination Degree in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
- Online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
- Online Master of Science (M.S.) in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
- Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Ph.D. (a concentration area of the Health & Human Performance Ph.D.)
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics in THEM Undergraduate Certificate
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics in THEM Graduate Certificate
- Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Certificate
- Event Management Undergraduate Minor
Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute
EFTI is one of the leading tourism research institutes in the world. The institute is involved in both applied and theoretic research, and hosts workshops and training which support decision making in key areas of tourism management.
Explore the InstituteExperiential Learning
Go beyond the classroom. From in-class event planning, to hotel management simulation labs, and 600 hours of industry exposure, our students have the experiences they need to go amazing places with their career.
View OpportunitiesCareer Outcomes & Industry Connections
THEM students turn classroom learning and industry experience into professional opportunities across tourism, hospitality, events, sports and entertainment.
600
Hours
of industry experience completed by our undergraduates
1st
University
to offer an AI & Data Analytics in THEM certificate
175+
Paid Internships
available through THEM’s extensive industry network
From Experience to Career
THEM students build the experience, professional connections and industry knowledge needed to launch careers across tourism, hospitality, events, sports and entertainment.
$63,276
Average five-year salary
$77,877
Average current salary
Graduate career outcome data provided by Steppingblocks.
Opportunities Across the Industry
Paid internship opportunities connect students with organizations across the tourism, hospitality, recreation, sports and entertainment industries.
60%
Hospitality
Lodging, hotels, resorts, restaurants and food & beverage
20%
Festivals/Events, Travel, & Tourism
15%
Sports, Entertainment & Theme Parks
5%
Parks, Recreation & Leisure
Connected to Industry
A Network of 200+ Companies
THEM and the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute connect students, faculty and industry leaders through an extensive professional network, including organizations represented on the THEM/EFTI Industry Advisory Board.
- The Walt Disney Company
- Universal Destinations & Experiences
- Marriott Vacations Worldwide
- Seminole Hard Rock
- Brightline
- First Watch Restaurants
- R&R Brands
- IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Princess Cruises
- Enterprise Holdings
- Dreamscape Hospitality
- American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Marriott International
- QSR & FSR Magazines
- Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Foley & Lardner LLP
- Peterbrooke Chocolatier
- Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB
- St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & the Beaches CVB
- Align Public Strategies
- Diversified Restaurant Group
- Aqua Marketing & Communications
- AG Hospitality Group
- Naylor, LLC
Where THEM Can Take You
THEM graduates have launched careers with organizations including Google, Miami HEAT, Hard Rock, Marriott, Hilton, Disney and Universal, as well as golf and country clubs, university athletic departments and organizations throughout the tourism, hospitality, events, sports and entertainment industries.
600
Hours
of industry experience completed by our undergrads
1st
University
to offer AI & Data Analytics in THEM certificate
275+
Paid & Unpaid Internship Opportunities
partners ready to help you gain experience
Meet Our Faculty
THEM News
From UF to the NBA: How Online M.S. in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Student Mya Green Scored a Job With the Miami Heat
University of Florida alumna Mya Green is turning her passion for sports and live events into a career with the Miami Heat while pursuing her online master’s degree in tourism, hospitality and event management. As an event services coordinator, Green helps execute game-day experiences, concerts and special events for thousands of guests. She credits UF’s flexible graduate program with helping her balance full-time work and academic growth while gaining skills directly applicable to the industry. Her journey highlights how hands-on experience and advanced education can open doors in the competitive world of sports and event management.
A Call to Visionary Leadership in an Age of Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, and Accelerating Change
In a new perspective on the future of higher education, Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu argues that universities must evolve from centers of knowledge delivery into engines of innovation and entrepreneurship. As artificial intelligence accelerates change across industries, institutions have an opportunity to transform classrooms into launchpads for new ideas, startups and real-world solutions. Fu emphasizes the importance of connecting students, researchers, investors, legal experts and industry leaders to accelerate innovation. The future, she suggests, belongs to universities that empower students not only to learn about tomorrow, but to help create it.
As tourism surges in Florida, a CEO spotlights career pathways for students — starting at UF
During National Travel and Tourism Week, University of Florida students are connecting with industry leaders to explore careers in Florida’s booming tourism economy. Through the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, alumni like CEO Scott Taylor mentor students, offering real-world insights into hospitality leadership and career growth. With more than 150 internship opportunities at major organizations, the program prepares students for a rapidly evolving, experience-driven industry. As tourism continues to expand, UF’s hands-on approach — combining mentorship, coursework and industry access — helps students build the skills and connections needed for long-term success.
Celebrating World Tourism Day: A Call for Sustainable Travel and Cultural Harmony
Every year, World Tourism Day reminds us that travel is far more than leisure. It is a bridge between nations, a driver of economies, a preserver of cultures, and a responsibility to the planet we all share. The industries that live under the umbrella of travel and tourism including hospitality, events, transportation, and tourism services, are not isolated.
Watch Featured Videos
Discover THEM
Hear from the people who know the program best and discover how Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management can turn interests, experiences and ambitions into opportunities.
THEM Voices
Why THEM?
Hear perspectives from members of the THEM community about the program, the experience and the opportunities it can create.
Student Stories
Different Paths. One THEM.
From discovering a career direction to continuing through graduate study and teaching, every THEM journey can lead somewhere different.
Jonah Wuerffel
Finding a career path through THEMJonah Wuerffel discovered in THEM a field where his interests, talents and career ambitions could translate into meaningful professional opportunities. His journey reflects the breadth of careers available across hospitality, tourism, events, sports, entertainment and related industries.
Brianna M. Blassneck
Ph.D. Candidate & InstructorBrianna’s journey through THEM has taken her from the B.S. to the M.S. and ultimately the Ph.D., while also developing as a scholar and instructor. Her path demonstrates how a THEM education can open doors across industry, research, education, consulting and leadership.
Contact THEM
Do you have questions about our program or about your academic career? Send us an email!
Undergraduate Programs- THEMundergrad@hhp.ufl.edu
Graduate Programs - THEMgrad@hhp.ufl.edu
To contact your advisor or schedule an appointment with them visit our Academic Advising page!
Mailing Address
University of Florida
Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
PO Box 118209
Gainesville, FL 32611
Call us: (352) 294–1661