The Hospitality Leadership major compliments the hospitality core curriculum with a focus on developing people-centered leaders. This includes competencies in areas such as team-building, collaboration, service, emotional intelligence and creating a positive organization.
Quick Program Stats
Career—Undergrad Average Starting Salary: $54,000 (Steppingblocks.com 2024)
A Dedicated Career development office
#3 Best U.S. Public Universities (2026 QS World University Rankings)
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.
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.
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
- Hospitality Leadership
- Events & Entertainment
- Global Sustainable Tourism
- Hotel & Lodging Management
- Restaurant & Culinary 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.
For more information about tuition, please visit the Admissions Office Cost & Aid page.