Program Overview

Tourism Management, B.S.

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Prepare for a global career that blends business management and a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.

The University of South Carolina is ranked among the Top 10 in the nation and is No. 20 in the world for hospitality and tourism management. The Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management empowers students to thrive in a global industry that connects cultures, inspires adventure and drives economies.

Program Highlights

• Regional and National Leader: Join the program ranked No. 9 in the United States (and No. 1 in the SEC) for tourism management.
• Academic Rigor: Learn in a program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Management.
• Immersive Learning: Study tourism management abroad in countries such as Aruba, Iceland and the Galapagos Islands.
• Career-Related Experience: Complete internships or tourism work experience as a student to build your professional resume.

What You’ll Study

Studies begin with a strong business foundation, with courses in accounting, economics, business law, communications and computer applications. The program builds on foundational learning with an industry-specific curriculum, such as destination marketing, festival planning, sustainable tourism and tourism management. You can also add an event management minor.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Tourism Management: Overseeing travel services, coordinating visitor experiences and implementing strategies to promote destination attractiveness and satisfaction
• Event Planning: Coordinating and managing all aspects of an event, including logistics, vendors and timelines
• International and Domestic Business: Building relationships and conducting transactions across borders
• Management: Directing and overseeing the activities and resources to achieve specific goals
• Event Promotion: Marketing and advertising an event to attract attendees and generate publicity
• Customer Service: Providing assistance and support to customers to ensure satisfaction with a product or service

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Destination Marketing Expert
  • Resort Manager
  • Convention and Visitors Bureau Salesperson
  • Parks and Recreation Manager
  • Cruise Operations Manager
  • City, State or Regional Economic Development Expert
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Sales and Marketing Recruiter
  • Event Planning Specialist
  • Head of Member Experience
  • Director of Membership and Marketing
  • Front Office Team Lead
  • Travel Consultant
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $65,547
• Workplace Settings:
  • Tourism
  • Resort
  • Cruise
  • Theme Park
  • Travel
  • Sales
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Marriott International
  • Hilton
  • University of South Carolina
  • Augusta National Golf Club
  • Aramark
  • Walt Disney World

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's:
  • International Hospitality and Tourism Management, M.I.H.T.M. College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
• Doctorate:
  • Hospitality Management, Ph.D. College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

"My favorite things about my major have been learning about what the tourism sector is truly about and what students can do and learn from the professors' experiences, knowledge and research. Every day there is a new topic about tourism that can be learned about."

Carla Vaca Pinacho