Florida State University

What you'll study

The programme combines general business and liberal-arts education with hospitality-focused coursework. In the early years you'll study core subjects such as principles of management, microeconomics, accounting, marketing and business statistics alongside university general-education requirements. Major-specific modules typically include lodging operations, food and beverage management, service operations, hospitality human resource management, revenue and yield management, event and meeting management, hospitality law and ethics, and tourism management.

Applied learning is emphasised: students normally complete internships or practicum placements in commercial hospitality organisations, engage in hands-on lab work and industry projects, and finish with a capstone course that integrates strategy, operations and financial decision-making. Electives and concentration options often allow specialisation in areas such as hotel operations, event management, foodservice leadership or hospitality sales and marketing. Opportunities for study abroad and industry short courses are commonly available to broaden practical and cultural experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised high-school diploma or equivalent. Admissions factors typically include academic record (GPA), completion of college-preparatory subjects—particularly English and mathematics—along with a personal statement and any required standardised test results where applicable. Florida State University considers standardised testing policies that may vary; applicants should check the university’s current guidance.

Transfer applicants should present college transcripts and a record of relevant coursework. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests (for example IELTS or TOEFL) unless exempted by the university’s criteria. Some competitive places may favour applicants with relevant extracurricular experience, hospitality work or volunteer experience and a demonstrated interest in the industry.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across hotels, restaurants, resorts, event and conference centres, tourism organisations, and corporate hospitality divisions. Typical career paths include front-of-house and operations management, revenue and sales management, event and convention management, foodservice management, human resources and training, and hospitality consulting. Many alumni move into regional and corporate leadership roles or start their own hospitality businesses.

The degree’s practical focus and internship components are designed to build employability and industry contacts; graduates often secure entry-level supervisory or management-tracks roles and may pursue professional certifications or postgraduate study (for example in business, hospitality management or tourism) to advance to senior executive positions.

Why study at Florida State University

Florida State University offers a campus-based hospitality programme with access to a broad university community, career services and an alumni network that can support internship and job placement. The programme’s emphasis on applied learning, industry projects and internships helps students gain real-world experience. Students benefit from connections to regional hospitality employers and opportunities for professional development, study abroad and student-run hospitality organisations that mirror commercial operations.

Tallahassee’s location provides a mix of regional hospitality employers and event activity for practical placements, while university resources—career centres, business and management electives, and networking events—help prepare graduates for management and leadership roles in the global hospitality industry.