Hospitality and Tourism Management Major

Study hospitality in Charleston, one of the top tourist destinations in the world.

Today's economy is increasingly service-based. Review sites, apps and rewards programs influence most travel, dining and lodging decisions. If you want to make your mark in this fast-paced industry, you need to be tech-savvy and competent in business management. A changing industry demands a new approach to hospitality and tourism management.

Why study hospitality and tourism management at the College of Charleston?

The historic city of Charleston is your living laboratory. You'll learn about tourism in a culture that represents the best of southern hospitality. At the College, support your studies with applied and experiential learning opportunities. Discover more when you combine classroom work with internships. Study abroad opportunities offer a chance to see how these lessons have global applications.

What will I learn?

You will learn to be guest-focused, ethical, innovative, globally aware and tech fluent. Study to be effective communicators to excel in the many facets of the industry. You'll collaborate comfortably in an environment characterized by diversity, uncertainty and rapid change.

View Curriculum: Hospitality and Tourism Management

Program Highlights

We ensure that you gain an AACSB-accredited business education. You'll also learn how to lead in the service industry. Customize your coursework for hotel and resort management, food service management or events management. You can also choose an emphasis on sales and marketing, human resource management or general management.
  • Hands-On Learning

    You will have plenty of opportunities to get involved, from the conceptualization, planning to execution of a variety of events. Join the Club for Hospitality and Tourism. Publish research with award-winning faculty.

    Internship Opportunities
    Our internship coordinator is available to help you throughout the internship process. Many of our students find internships with local and world-renowned organizations. You will gain real-world experience and expand your network for career growth. Our students regularly intern with organizations such as:
    • A Charleston Bride.
    • Charleston Wine + Food.
    • The Charleston Place.
    • Le Creuset.
    Study Abroad
    We sponsor a number of study abroad programs that provide unique global experiences. You can expect a variety of available programs each year. Recent programs have traveled to locations like:
    • Canada.
    • Iceland.
    • Italy.
    • Ireland.
    • Dubai.
  • Senior Project

    Put your skills to the test in a capstone class that encourages you to develop a hospitality and/or tourism business plan and pitch deck. You'll develop the necessary skills to be a leader in the business. This is an excellent way to show employers your full potential.

  • Location

    Where better to study hospitality and tourism management than in the city that Travel + Leisure Magazine has ranked the world’s No. 1 tourist destination? We work with industry partners in the Lowcountry and beyond to enhance the learning experience for you. With strong connections and plentiful resources, you are set for success.

Careers & Outcomes

We prepare you to provide an exceptional customer experience and rise to the top in your field. You can expect careers such as client success manager, events and marketing manager and more. Go into fields such as digital technology, healthcare patient relations and nonprofit management. Our recent graduates work with companies such as:
  • Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
  • Marriot International.
  • TikTok.

About the Minor

With the minor, you will study industry-specific knowledge and experience. You will gain insight and possible career opportunities in the $4.5 trillion worldwide industry. This minor pairs well with economics, accounting or another program outside of the School of Business.

View Curriculum: Hospitality and Tourism Management Minor