Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management B.S.

• Combined B.S./M.S. degree option, allowing students to fast-track an advanced degree, reducing overall cost and time
• Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management degrees awarded have surged nearly 50% in the past 5 years, reflecting strong and growing demand for graduates
• Undergraduate students join the workforce with over 600 hours of industry experience to help propel their careers forward
• 170+ paid internship opportunities for Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management students, with $1.4 million paid in intern salaries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects steady to strong growth across many careers connected to tourism, hospitality, travel, events, and experience-driven industries. As destinations, attractions, hotels, and event organizations continue expanding services and experiences, demand is growing for professionals who can design, manage, and deliver memorable guest experiences.

Students with a B.S. in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management can pursue opportunities across travel, hospitality operations, nonprofits, destination marketing, attractions, events, and experience-based organizations. The percentages below reflect projected national growth rates from 2024 to 2034 according to the BLS.

• Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers: plan programs to generate interest in products or services
  • 6% growth (faster than average)
• Entertainment and recreation managers: plan, direct, and coordinate activities and operations related to fitness and leisure
  • 8% growth (much faster than average)
• Event and facility managers: plan, coordinate, and oversee conventions, festivals, events, and venue operations
  4% growth (as fast as average)
• Food service managers: responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages
  • 6% growth (faster than average)
• Lodging managers: ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at an accommodations facility. They also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable.
  • 3% growth (as fast as average)
• Meeting, convention, and event planners: arrange all aspects of events and professional gatherings
  • 5% growth (faster than average)
• Tour and travel guides: lead individuals or groups on excursion to various points of interest, including historical locations, museums, and monuments.
  • 8% growth (much faster than average)
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As tourism and experience-driven industries continue to expand, organizations are looking for professionals who understand how to create meaningful experiences while managing complex operations. From destinations and attractions to hotels and large-scale events, success requires leaders with specialized knowledge of how these industries function.

As a Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management student, you will learn to:

• Manage hospitality operations, tourism experiences, and events that deliver exceptional guest experiences

• Apply marketing and communication strategies to promote destinations, attractions, and events

• Use data and industry insights to support decision making and organizational strategy

• Navigate operational, legal, and ethical considerations across hospitality and tourism environments

• Understand the economic, cultural, and social impact of tourism and events on communities and destinations

The 12-credit hour internship is the capstone course of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management.

The internship is based on the philosophy that course work and theory, when supplemented with a variety of observations and hands-on work experiences, will provide the student with professional development as well as increase the student’s understanding and appreciation of the profession. Examples of past internship sites include:

• Florida Festival and Events Association
• Four Seasons
• Hyatt Centric Times Square New York
• Island Queen Cruises
• John F. Kennedy Space Center
• The Lodge at Blue Sky
• Orange County Convention Center
• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
• UF University Athletic Association
• Universal Studios Resort
• Walt Disney World

Graduates of the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management (THEM) program are making an impact across the travel, hospitality, and experience industries. They contribute to organizations connected to destinations, hotels and resorts, attractions, events, and tourism marketing, helping shape how people travel, gather, and celebrate around the world.

The organizations below reflect the reach and variety of the THEM alumni network. They represent just a sample of the many places where our graduates are helping design and deliver memorable experiences.

• Amazon
• American Airlines
• American Red Cross
• Atlantis Paradise Island | Bahamas Oceanside Resort
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Park Service
• HubSpot, Inc.
• International Spy Museum
• LEGOLAND® New York
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
• PGA Tour, Inc.
• Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
• South by Southwest (SXSW) 
• SunFest
• Universal Music Group
• The Walt Disney Company

What is a Certificate?

A certificate is a shorter, more specialized program that focuses on a specific industry or skill set, typically 9-12 credit hours. Certificates often provide hands-on, career-focused knowledge and can be a great way to gain expertise in a targeted area without committing to a full minor or major. It can be combined with a major/degree program or pursued as a stand-alone option. A certificate is noted on your official UF transcript.

Why add a Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Certificate?

Undergraduate certificates are a smart way for students to deepen their expertise, stand out in a competitive job market, and tailor their education to their career goals. Certificates allow you to build focused, industry‑relevant skills without committing to a second major—making them an efficient, high‑impact addition to your degree. They’re designed to complement any major and help you graduate with a clearer professional direction and a more versatile skill set.

• Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Undergraduate Certificate: gain specialized knowledge and practice in areas such as artificial intelligence trends, analytic skills, machine learning concepts, technology applications, opportunities and challenges in industries
• Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Undergraduate Certificate: gain specialized knowledge and practice in areas such as starting a new business, joining franchises, working in social enterprises, and working in corporate settings