The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Events and Entertainment degree prepares students for dynamic careers in the abundant events and entertainment sectors of the Hospitality industry. With focused instruction tailored to specific niches such as concert production, venue management, tour coordination, catering, social event planning, festivals, conventions, and more, students can discover the career path that aligns perfectly with their passions.

Upon successful completion of the degree, graduates will be proficient in the latest industry standards for hospitality entertainment and event management. They will benefit from extensive content knowledge and guidance from well-known industry leaders and opportunities to gain real-world experience at events such as SOBEWFF®, Ultra Music Festival, and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. Students will enter the field with applicable experience and a global perspective, uniquely qualified to excel in their careers and set new benchmarks of excellence in the industry.

Quick Program Stats

Hospitality Course Requirements

To qualify for admission to the hospitality program, FIU transfer students with 60 credits program. All University Core Curriculum requirements must be completed prior to graduation from the university. Students with less than 60 transfer credits may need to meet the freshman criteria established by the university.

See the Events & Entertainment Management Track Sheet.

  • Core Courses (45)

    Pre-core:  

    Common Prerequisite Courses: 6 credits (Complete all)

    • HFT1000 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management - 3 credits
    • ECO2013 Principles of Macroeconomics - 3 credits OR
      ECO2023 Principles of Microeconomics - 3 credits

    Lower Division Courses: 9 credits (Complete all)

    •  HFT2401 Accounting for the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits
    • HFT2441 Hospitality Information Technology - 3 credits
    • HFT2220 Human Resources Management for Hospitality Industry - 3 credits

    Courses listed can be met by approved courses taken from a transfer institution. If these courses are not taken prior to transferring into program, they may be completed as elective credits as part of the degree program.

    Hospitality Core Requirements: 30 credits (Complete all)

    • HFT3453 Lodging Operations Control - 3 credits OR
      HFT3754 Introduction to Events Management - 3 credits
    • FSS4234C Advanced Food and Beverage Operations - 3 credits
    • HFT3503 Hospitality Marketing Strategy - 3 credits OR
      HFT4509 Tourism Destination Marketing - 3 credits
    • HFT3603 Hospitality Industry Law and Ethics - 3 credits
    • HFT4413 Hospitality Analytics - 3 credits
    • HFT4464 Financial Analysis in the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits
    • HFT4474 Management Accounting for the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits
    • HFT3292C Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry - 3 credits
    • HFT1070 Pathway to Success I - 0 credits
    • HFT3072 Pathway to Success II - 0 credits
    • HFT4295 Leadership in the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits OR
      HFT3006 Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills for the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits OR
      HFT3073 Social Responsibility in the Hospitality Industry - 3 credits OR
      HFT4545 Managing High-Functioning Teams - 3 credits
    • HFT4945 Advanced Internship in Hospitality/Tourism Management - 0 credits OR
      HFT3941  Internship in Hospitality Management - 0 credits
    • HFT4296 Project Management in Hospitality and Tourism - 3 credits

    Courses waived in the hospitality/tourism core may be replaced with another course from the hospitality or tourism management program or be used to fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements.

  • Required Major Courses
    To pursue this major, HFT 3754 must have been completed as part of the core; if not completed, it will be an additional requirement

    Choose 4 of the following courses:

    • HFT 4376 Intro to Entertainment Management 
    • HFT 3741 Planning Meetings 
    • HFT 3518 Experiential Marketing 
    • HFT 3651 Entertainment Law 
    • HFT 3393 Entertainment Tour Managment 
    • HFT 3373 Event Technology 
    • HFT 3392 Entertainment for Venues 
    • HFT 4757 Advanced Events Management
  • Industry Experience Requirement

    All students are required to get relevant hospitality work experience through the following requirements:

    • 500-2000 hours of industry experience completed while in the program
    • 300 hours in HFT4945 or 500 hours of hospitality/tourism related practical training work experience in HFT3941
    • For additional information please see the Industry Experience section
  • Electives

    Electives can be chosen from any 3000/4000 level HFT or FSS course.

Hospitality student studying

Industry Experience

Chaplin School students learn in the classroom and in the field. By prioritizing experiential learning as a necessary part of our student’s coursework, our program uniquely prepares students to enter the hospitality and tourism industry. At the Chaplin School you will gain experience, make connections, and build your resume, all while earning credits towards your degree. A minimum of 500 hours of hospitality/tourism-related practical training work experience is required. In addition, the student is required to complete one of the two internship options available:

300 hours in HFT4945 or 500 hours of hospitality/tourism related practical training work experience in HFT3941.

The work experience and internship hours must be major related and approved by an advisor. Work experience documentation is required. Students with extensive industry management experience may apply for a waiver of the 1,000-hour work experience and Advanced Internship.

For more information, please visit our career services page or book an appointment with our dedicated career development counselor.

FIU campus with welcome sign

Careers in Events & Entertainment Management

Explore various career opportunities in the field of Events & Entertainment Management:

  • Special Event Manager
  • Catering & Conference Manager
  • Tradeshow & Exhibit Manager
  • Hotel Convention Sales Manager
  • Catering & Conference Sales Manager
  • Director of Banquets
  • Banquet Manager
  • Audio/Visual- Manager
  • Corporate Events Management
  • Entertainment Manager
  • Wedding Planner
  • Production Manager
  • Concert producer
  • Venue manager
  • Tour coordinator
My time at FIU Hospitality has been transformative, with travel opportunities and industry connections that foster professional growth. The classes I have taken that connect students with industry leaders have enhanced my learning experience. With incredible faculty, hands-on training, and invaluable exposure, I’m grateful for these experiences and excited for future opportunities!

Sanai Soloman '26

Minors

A minor is not required to complete the BS in Hospitality & Tourism Management degree. Interested students may elect a minor in an outside program if they choose to with guidance from an academic advisor.

Students from outside the hospitality major may choose to minor in hospitality in the following areas:

  • Beverage Management
  • Events & Entertainment
  • Hotel/Lodging Management
  • Restaurant/Foodservice Management
  • Travel & Tourism Management
  • Hospitality Studies
  • International Hospitality Studies
  • Hospitality Leadership

For more information on coursework or applying for a minor please see the minors page.

Tuition

One of Florida International University’s main objectives is to provide you with an affordable, high-quality undergraduate education.

Our tuition ranks among the lowest in the nation and the lowest among our competitors. In fact, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine consistently ranks FIU among the top “100 Best Values in Public Colleges”—and U.S. News & World Report also recognizes FIU as a “best buy” in higher education, ranking our students among the least indebted college students in the nation.

For more information about tuition, please visit the Admissions Office Cost & Aid page.