Hospitality and Tourism Management Major

Consistently ranked as one of the leading hospitality and tourism management programs, both globally and nationally, Purdue’s hospitality and tourism management program will immerse you in the fast-paced hospitality industry and prepare you to work in a variety of management positions. Hospitality is internationally relevant and a powerful economic driver, and Purdue’s hospitality and tourism management major equips you with valuable skills to create memorable experiences for consumers.

Coursework is challenging and relevant to today’s workforce needs, and you’ll learn from faculty who bring years of industry experience into the classroom. To prepare you to be a well-rounded hospitality business professional, courses explore accounting, marketing, lodging, food service, tourism, human resource management, law and more. The major also offers a strong foundation of management classes. Additionally, the program’s hands-on learning experiences will prepare you to work in any facet of the industry, from food service to lodging to tourism and beyond. You’ll also participate in a 320-hour hospitality and tourism management paid internship that aligns with your professional career goals. 

Career Opportunities

Students who majored in hospitality and tourism management have a 98% job placement rate, finding successful careers at Amazon, Disney, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, White Lodging Services, and more. The following are notable career paths for hospitality and tourism management majors:

• Account executive
• Airline operations manager
• Catering director
• Convention/event planner
• Corporate recruiter
• Corporate travel manager
• Country club manager
• Director, convention and visitors bureaus
• Entrepreneur
• Events services manager
• Event planner
• Facilities manager (casino, healthcare, resort, sports venue, etc.)
• Food and beverage director
• Food service manager
• Hotel general manager
• Hotel operations director
• Human resources recruiter
• Marketing associate
• Product/equipment supplier
• Property manager
• Reservations coordinator
• Restaurant designer
• Restaurant owner/manager
• Revenue manager
• Sales representative
• Travel agency manager

Career Resources

• The HTM Career Center provides career planning services and coordinates more than 700 interviews each year.
• HTM Career Day brings representatives from the industry to campus each fall for a career fair, keynote address and reception for employers and students.
• The Center for Career Opportunities offers additional career fairs and assistance.
• The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation can complement your hospitality and tourism management degree without the need to take additional credits.

Learning Experiences

• Connect all your hospitality and tourism management knowledge in the capstone course as you build your own hospitality business with a team of classmates.
• Complete two mandatory paid internships.
• Immerse yourself in a world-class hotel learning experience right on campus at the Union Club Hotel when participating in White Lodging’s LAUNCH Hospitality Immersion Program. 
• Train in the school’s two restaurants: the John Purdue Room (fine dining) and the Boiler Bistro (quick service).
• Complete an optional six-month paid internship at a Shangri-La Hotel in China, or study abroad at various destinations around the world.
• Join HTM student organizations that are mentored by our award-winning faculty, including the HTM Society, which organizes the annual Black Tie Dinner fundraising event.
• Enhance your plan of study by completing the event and meeting management minor or a certificate in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
• Participate in research activities to explore of a variety of topics within hospitality and tourism management.

View Complete List of Courses Degree Requirements

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“Growing up as a part of a military family, I have moved many times. When it came time to select a university, I was living in Germany and had no idea where I wanted to go, but I knew I wanted to become an event management professional. After doing my research, I chose Purdue because of its highly esteemed HTM program!”

— Claire

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