Global Hospitality and Tourism
Embrace leadership in hospitality and tourism roles.
Ready to Get Started?
Request InfoGlobal Hospitality and Tourism, B.S. Overview
Julian and Kim MacQueen Guest Experience Management Program Overview
Gain exceptional skills and work experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Earn the AACSB-accredited B.S. in Global Hospitality and Tourism degree online at the University of West Florida to create, manage and market exceptional guest experiences.
The program develops students to become innovative hospitality leaders by providing industry-focused education, hands on experiences and career pathways to success. The program is endowed by Julian and Kim MacQueen, founders of Innisfree Hotels and active partners in the program. They impart their knowledge of current industry trends to UWF for the benefit of our global hospitality and tourism students.
Throughout the program, you’ll build and refine the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this competitive field. You’ll receive personalized attention from experienced practitioners and you’ll graduate prepared for Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA). Additional electives focus strictly on the global hospitality and tourism industry, ensuring you gain deep knowledge and experience to take on leadership roles after graduation.
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Experienced professionals in the hospitality or tourism sector who need their degree to advance their career
- Individuals who’d like to get their career started in hospitality or tourism management
- Those who want to take on leadership roles in hospitality or tourism management
Complete the Degree So You Can:
- Gain a comprehensive education in all aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry
- Develop the technical and analytical skills required to succeed in management roles
- Build your critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Apply your knowledge and skills to real-world situations
- Use the communication and leadership skills necessary to succeed in a variety of management-level positions
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online B.S. in Global Hospitality and Tourism program requires the completion of 120 credit hours. The curriculum includes a total of 45 credit hours dedicated solely to Global Hospitality and Tourism Management and 15 major-related credit hours.
- HFT 3053 - Travel and Tourism Management
3 Credit Hours
Travel and Tourism Management
Future innovative hospitality leaders will explore the critical connections between destinations, communities, and the hospitality and tourism industry. Economic, environmental, and socio-cultural impacts of the hospitality and tourism industry are differentiated, assessed, and analyzed through real-world.
- HFT 3221 - Human Resources in the Hospitality Industry
3 Credit Hours
Human Resources in the Hospitality Industry
Introduction to human resource management in the hospitality industries with emphasis placed upon motivation and training. Guest satisfaction is dependent upon employee satisfaction; therefore, strategies are explored to combat the high turnover which characterizes hospitality fields.
- HFT 3414 - Managing Front Office Operations
3 Credit Hours
Managing Front Office Operations
Provide a systematic approach to front office procedures by detailing the flow of business through a hotel, from the reservations process to check-out and account settlement. Various elements of effective front office management will be examined, paying particular attention to the planning and evaluation of front office operations and to human resources management. Front office procedures and management are discussed within the context of the overall operation of a hotel.
- HFT 3814C - Management of Food and Beverage Operations
3 Credit Hours
Management of Food and Beverage Operations
Provides the foundation for understanding the various challenges and responsibilities involved in food and beverage management. Students will examine the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of food and beverage organizations and apply the conceptual frameworks to specific situations. Many aspects of food and beverage operations are introduced, including organization, marketing, menus, costs and pricing, production, service, safety, and finances.
- HFT 4426 - Hospitality Financial Analysis & Revenue Optimization
3 Credit Hours
Hospitality Financial Analysis & Revenue Optimization
Students will gain analytical and technical proficiency of financial analysis within the hospitality industry. Using financial data, students will study hotel performance reports to determine critical elements to maximize revenue and develop strategies to improve profitability. Upper level status is required. Offered concurrently with HMG 5466; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- HFT 4503 - Service Experience Marketing for Hospitality Management
3 Credit Hours
Service Experience Marketing for Hospitality Management
Provides students with management skills related to marketing and sales for hotels. The best practices that have proven successful in marketing and sales in the hospitality industry are also discussed. Offered concurrently with HMG 5506; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- HFT 4945 - Internship and Career Development Preparation
1 Credit Hours
Internship and Career Development Preparation
Students are required to work a total of 500 hours in a hospitality industry position to complete their degree. This is the first of 3 internship classes. This is an online class that students must take before they sign up for the internship experiences. This class explains the internship process and helps students select appropriate experiences.
- HFT 4946 - Global Leadership Development II: Cross-Functional Training
1 Credit Hours
Global Leadership Development II: Cross-Functional Training
Students are required to work a total of 500 hours in hospitality industry positions to complete their degrees. This is the second of three internship classes. Students must work in the hospitality or tourism industry and have the opportunity to put theory into practice through active participation. Students are supervised by a management-level agency employee. Permission is required to enroll. Students should work a minimum of 200 hours and a maximum of 300 hours in this experience.
- HFT 4947 - Global Leadership Development III: Insights into Management
1 Credit Hours
Global Leadership Development III: Insights into Management
Students are required to work a total of 500 hours in hospitality industry positions to complete their degrees. This is the third of three internship classes. Students must work in the hospitality or tourism industry and have the opportunity to put theory into practice through active participation. Students are supervised by a management-level agency employee. Permission is required to enroll. Students should work a minimum of 200 hours and a maximum of 300 hours in this experience.
- HFT 3053 - Travel and Tourism Management
- HFT 4277 - Resort Operations and Management
3 Credit Hours
Resort Operations and Management
This course is taught as an overview - covering resort history, resort operations, and trends for the future. It is taught from a Department Manager perspective. Emphasis will be placed upon the functions of each department and the interrelationships between departments.
- HFT 4343 - Planning and Design for the Hospitality Industry
3 Credit Hours
Planning and Design for the Hospitality Industry
Provides information needed to manage the physical plant of a hotel or restaurant and work effectively with the engineering and maintenance department.
- HFT 4799 - Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management
3 Credit Hours
Hospitality and Tourism Experience Management
This is the capstone course for the Global Hospitality and Tourism BS degree. The course experience allows students to utilize what they have learned in their previous course work by applying it to a real life project that is specific to the hospitality and tourism industry. The course focus, for example, is on the guest experience, interactions between guests and service providers, guest perceptions of service, quality assurance, and best practices in the creation of engaging hospitality and tourism guest experiences.
- HFT 3745 - Innovative Technologies for Hospitality & Tourism
3 Credit Hours
Innovative Technologies for Hospitality & Tourism
Provides future innovative hospitality leaders with information regarding technology applications, trends and issues specific to the hospitality and tourism industry. The role of technology to gain competitive advantage in the hospitality and tourism industry will be the main focus. Examples of technologies that students will explore include technology to help manage guest rooms, e-commerce, social media, distribution, self-service engagement, cybersecurity and others designed for the hospitality and tourism industry.
- HFT 4753 - Special Event Management
3 Credit Hours
Special Event Management
Convention facilities, convention and visitors bureaus, sponsors, host venues, stakeholders, tradeshow and meeting management are examined. Analysis of the methods and techniques of event design, organization, implementation, and evaluation. Legal issues and trends are studied. The economic impact of the special events business upon destinations is studied.
- HFT 4277 - Resort Operations and Management
Choose three of the following:
- HFT 3214 - Hospitality Safety, Sanitation and Risk Management
3 Credit Hours
Hospitality Safety, Sanitation and Risk Management
Study of safety and sanitation management principles in the hospitality industry related to safe food handling practices and responsible alcohol service. Students may obtain National Restaurant Association ServSafe Food Safety and ServSafe Alcohol certifications.
- HFT 3271 - Spa Management
3 Credit Hours
Spa Management
An examination of today's spa industry, spa careers, spa director's perspective, quality of spa experience, industry trends and future directions. Students will learn best practices that have proven successful in the spa industry. Major treatments/services are reviewed: facial therapies, massage therapies, water therapies, face and body services, salon services, exercise, personal training, etc. In addition to operations, the functional areas of marketing, human resources, and financial management are discussed within the context of spas.
- HFT 3333 - Contemporary Club Management
3 Credit Hours
Contemporary Club Management
Introduction to the world of private club management, including club governance, service excellence, organizational structure, human resources, quality management systems for clubs, government regulations, club marketing, food and beverage operations, computer technology for clubs, golf operations in clubs, club fitness operations, and club facilities management. Students learn how to incorporate sustainability practices in club management.
- HFT 3444 - Global Citizenship in Hospitality and Tourism
3 Credit Hours
Global Citizenship in Hospitality and Tourism
This course will serve as an exploration for students who are interested in global travel, global careers, and overall understanding of global citizenship while traveling. Students will research and become aware of how to contribute in global culture, communities, education, and within hospitality organizations. This course will foster an understanding of hospitality and tourism from the global lens which will promote cross-cultural communications.
- HFT 4274 - Condominium and Vacation Interval Ownership
3 Credit Hours
Condominium and Vacation Interval Ownership
A comprehensive study of timeshare and vacation ownership of condominium properties. Legal structures, projects budgeting, marketing, sales and property management. Students are introduced to the fastest growing segment of the lodging industry. Differences between traditional and non-traditional lodging operations are examined.
- LEI 4332 - Community Tourism Development
3 Credit Hours
Community Tourism Development
Examines the relationship between tourism development and host communities. Students study the positive and negative economic, social, environmental and political implications of tourism development. The role of natural and man-made attractions, theme parks, convention and sports facilities as catalysts to tourism development. Issues of community participation in tourism planning and managing the tourism/ community relationships. Junior or Senior classification is required.
- HFT 4252 - Hotel and Resort Management
3 Credit Hours
Hotel and Resort Management
This course defines the principles, practices, and procedures of managerial functions, operating procedures, and competencies hotel and resorts. Students gain knowledge on management, ownership, franchising, and other current topics in the hotel and resort industry with a focus on the analysis of data as they apply it to operational and fiscal decision making. Stemming from the operational manager's perspective, industry-specific tools are used to discuss performance analysis, including but not limited to, service measurement, financial performance measurement, turnover and human resources information, competitor performance data, and other measures of operational performance.
- HFT 3214 - Hospitality Safety, Sanitation and Risk Management
- FIN 3403 - Managerial Finance
3 Credit Hours
Managerial Finance
Analytical concepts available to financial manager in acquisition and effective utilization of funds in relation to other management functions. Prerequisite: ACG 2021 AND ECO 2013 AND STA 2023.
- GEB 3213 - Writing for Business: Theory and Practice
3 Credit Hours
Writing for Business: Theory and Practice
Augments the basics of business writing while reviewing the various kinds of written business correspondence. Students are expected to integrate ethical decision making skills, word processing skills, grammar and writing skills, and analytical thinking skills into the content. Students must be able to determine solutions to problem based exercises. Team assignments and oral presentations may relate to student's discipline. Meets Gordon Rule Writing Requirement. Prerequisite: ENC 1101 AND ENC 1102
- MAN 3025 - Management Fundamentals
3 Credit Hours
Management Fundamentals
Study of principles of management. Process and content of management analyzed. Emphasizes classical, human relations, human resources, behavioral and quantitative management methods. Content includes planning, organizing, leading, control, employment cycle, organization design, and motivation. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours of college course work is required prior to taking this course.
- MAN 3240 - Behavior in Organizations
3 Credit Hours
Behavior in Organizations
A study of human and group behavior in organizations and within society. The focus is on developing student ability to work in group settings and organizations. Topics include personality, motivation, leadership, communication, power, change, and conflict. May not be taken for credit by students having credit INP 3313. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours of college course work is required prior to taking this course.
- MAR 3023 - Marketing Fundamentals
3 Credit Hours
Marketing Fundamentals
Function of marketing in our economic system; role of the consumer in marketing decisions; the decisions marketing managers must make to provide goods and services priced, promoted and distributed to meet organizational objectives in changing environments. Prerequisite: Completion of 45 hours of college coursework is required prior to taking this course.
- FIN 3403 - Managerial Finance
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to UWF’s online bachelor’s in global hospitality and tourism, you must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.25
- Successfully complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
How to Apply
To apply for the bachelor’s in global hospitality and tourism online program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into the University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Submit ACT or SAT scores
- Complete the residency application form for tuition purposes
- Complete the bachelor’s in global hospitality and tourism application form
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Contact our undergraduate admissions team at admissions@uwf.edu.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $26,277.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) | $218.98 per credit hour | $6,569.40 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $77,804.40 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $41,000.40 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 75 percent of the non-resident portion of your tuition. These waivers are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. Depending on course availability, this program takes up to 48 months to complete.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Students who are currently enrolled should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the University. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF is a Military FriendlyⓇ School proudly serving active-duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
By graduation, you’re ready to use the industry experiences you’ve built to step into a fast-paced, well-paying career. Leadership positions are needed across events, convention and visitors’ bureaus, sports facilities, food and beverage companies, travel and tourism agencies, resorts, spas, airlines, hotels, amusement parks, casinos, cruise lines, private clubs and more.
Careers in global hospitality and tourism, such as the ones listed below, boast excellent salaries and growth rates in Florida that may reach triple the national average.*
*Salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Food Service Managers
As a food service manager, you’re directly overseeing guest experiences related to food and beverages. Your responsibilities include hiring and training staff, ensuring supplies, equipment, and work areas are safe and managing budgets, performance and service standards. This role is expected to grow by 10% from 2021–2031, and nationally, has a median annual salary of $59,440.*
In Florida, these professionals earn salaries higher than the national average. The mean annual wage for this position is $73,500, and the state is listed in the top five states with the highest employment level in food service managers.*
Lodging Managers
Lodging managers are responsible for guest experiences at hotels, resorts, motels or any facility with sleeping accommodations. Aside from ensuring rooms and public areas meet standards in appearance, you could also direct activities for guests to ensure your location is profitable and efficient. You’ll hire and train staff, set budgets, allocate funds to different departments and ensure company standards are met throughout the facility. This role is expected to grow by 18% from 2021–2031, and nationally, has a median annual salary of $59,430.*
Florida is in the top five states for the highest employment level of lodging managers*, and the mean annual wage in Florida is $86,350.
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
As an event planner, you’ll be involved in every aspect of a guest’s social or professional event. After meeting with your client to establish the event’s scope, you could manage food, beverages, entertainment, transportation, decor, accommodations, audiovisual equipment and more. This role is expected to grow by 18% from 2021–2031, and nationally, has a median annual salary of $49,470.*
Professionals serving in this role in Florida earn more. The state’s mean annual wage for this position is $55,330, and the state is listed in the top five states with the highest employment level in meeting, convention and event planners.*