The Hospitality Leadership major compliments the hospitality core curriculum with a focus on developing people-centered leaders. This includes competencies in areas such as diversity, inclusion, collaboration, service, emotional intelligence and creating a positive organization.

Quick Program Stats

Hospitality Course Requirements

To qualify for admission to the hospitality program, FIU transfer students with 60 credits must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and must be otherwise acceptable into the 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 Hospitality Leadership Track Sheet.

  • Core Courses (35)
    • Accounting & Financial Management: 3
    • Global Issues in Hospitality & Tourism: 3
    • Research and Statistical Methods: 3
    • Hospitality and Tourism Industry Research Analysis: 3
    • Marketing & Sales in Hospitality & Tourism: 3
    • Hospitality Law Seminar: 3
    • Revenue Management OR Feasibility Studies OR Restaurant Development: 3
    • Organizational Behavior in the Hospitality Industry: 3
    • Hospitality Elective: 3
    • Graduate Internship: 3
    • Strategic Management for Hospitality and Tourism: 3
  • Required Major Courses

    Choose 4 of the following courses:

    • HFT 3073 Social Responsibility—GL
    • HFT 3074 Personal Empowerment
    • HFT 3202 Fund. of Managment
    • HFT 4224 Human Relations
    • HFT 4545 Managing Teams
    • HFT 3006 Emotional Intelligence
    • HFT 4246 Positive Organizations
    • HFT 4240 Managing Service Orgs.
  • Electives or Concentrations

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

  • 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
    • Minimum 300 additional hours while enrolled in HFT 4945- Advanced Internship
    • For additional information please see the Industry Experience section
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 a minimum of 300 hours in HFT 4945 Advanced Internship.

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 Hospitality Leadership

Explore various career opportunities in the field of Hospitality Leadership:

  • Special Event Manager
  • Catering & Conference Manager
  • Tradeshow & Exhibit Manager
  • Hotel Convention Sales Manager
  • Catering & Conference Sales Manager
  • Director of Banquets
  • Audio/Visual - Manager
  • Corporate Events Management
I was looking for a school that had a lot of different opportunities. So when I came to FIU, I loved the campus; It was so beautiful. I got to meet a lot of the professors; they were super inviting. Plus, there are so many different opportunities in Miami. This is a great place to study.

Samantha Wagner, Rochester, NY

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
  • Hotel/Lodging Management
  • Restaurant/Foodservice Management
  • Travel & Tourism Management
  • Hospitality Studies
  • International Hospitality Studies

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.

In-state: $6,566 per year ($205.58 per credit)
Out-of-state: $18,964 per year ($617.87 per credit)

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