Program Overview

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Introduction to the Hospitality Leadership Program

The Hospitality Leadership major at Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management focuses on developing people-centered leaders in the hospitality industry. This program emphasizes competencies in areas such as team-building, collaboration, service, emotional intelligence, and creating a positive organization.

Program at a Glance

• Location: In Person, Fully Online
• Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
• Work Experience Requirement: International Students can take advantage of Off-campus Employment

Quick Program Stats

• CareerUndergrad Average Starting Salary: $54,000
• A Dedicated Career development office
• #4 Best U.S. Public Universities (2025 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.

Core Courses (35)

• Pre-core:
  • HFT 1070 Hospitality pathway to success I (Must enroll during your first semester as a Hospitality Student) - 1 credit
  • HFT 1000 Introduction to hospitality & tourism management - 3 credits
  • HFT 2220 Human resources management - 3 credits
  • HFT 2401 Accounting for the hospitality industry - 3 credits
  • HFT 2441 Hospitality information technology - 3 credits
  • HFT 3072 Hospitality pathway to success II (Prereq: HFT 1070 and minimum 60 credits earned) - 1 credit
• Core:
  • Choose 1 of the following:
    • HFT 3453 Lodging operations control - 3 credits
    • HFT 3754 Intro to Events - 3 credits
  • HFT 3503 Hospitality marketing strategies - GL - 3 credits
  • HFT 3603 Law and ethics - GL - 3 credits
  • FSS 4234C Advanced Food & Beverage Operations - 3 credits
  • HFT 4413 Hospitality analytics - 3 credits
  • HFT 4464 Financial Analysis in The Hospitality Industry (Prereq: HFT 2401)
  • HFT 4474 Management Accounting for The Hospitality Industry (Prereq: HFT 2401)
  • HFT 4295 Leadership In Hospitality - 3 credits
  • HFT 4296 Project Management in Hospitality and Tourism (Must be taken last semester)
  • Advanced Internship - 300 Hours to be completed While enrolled (Prereq: HFT 3072)

Required Major Courses

Choose 4 of the following courses:

• HFT 3073 Social Responsibility - GL
• HFT 3074 Personal Empowerment
• HFT 3202 Fundamentals of Management
• HFT 4224 Human Relations
• HFT 4545 Managing Teams
• HFT 3006 Emotional Intelligence
• HFT 4246 Positive Organizations
• HFT 4240 Managing Service Organizations

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:

• Hours of industry experience completed while in the program
• Minimum 300 additional hours while enrolled in HFT 4945 - Advanced Internship

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. 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.

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

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

Tuition

One of Florida International University's main objectives is to provide an affordable, high-quality undergraduate education. The tuition ranks among the lowest in the nation and the lowest among competitors.

• In-state: $6,167 per year ($205.57 per credit)
• Out-of-state: $19,805 per year ($660.19 per credit)