Hospitality and Tourism Management

Since 1937, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management has been educating students that have become successful leaders, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs to lead at the forefront of this fast-growing and rapidly changing national and global industry. The mission of the School is to be a world leader in hospitality and tourism education through purposeful research, superior teaching and innovative experiential learning to enhance the lives of those we serve. 

Our focus:

  • High-quality academic foundation centered on relevant curriculum focused on the business of global hospitality and tourism with the integration of research and engagement
  • Diverse experiential learning labs that are operated professionally and ethically using sound business principles
  • Student organizations which actively partner with national and international hospitality professional associations
  • Signature events that provide experiential learning for students and bring together individuals and communities while supporting the land grant university mission.

Career opportunities are available in multiple sectors in the U.S. and globally that include Hotels & Hospitality Services; Food & Beverage; Travel & Tourism; Events & Entertainment; Resorts, Theme Parks & Attractions; and Cruises, Clubs & Casino. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience volunteering with student-led and other events such as: Wine Forum of Oklahoma, Craft Beer Forum of Oklahoma; Distinguished Chef Scholarship Benefit Series, and Hospitality Days Career Fair. A new educational facility opened fall 2016 which unites technology with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, exhibit areas and faculty offices. Specific accommodations include quantity food preparation areas with commercial equipment, dining room management and table service laboratory, quick service restaurant, basic food preparation laboratory, demonstration classroom and the Hirst Center for Beverage Education. The Center promotes a curriculum at the forefront of beverage education featuring a variety of formats including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

To meet the needs of the industry and provide sound academic preparation at the undergraduate level, the curriculum emphasizes general education, business fundamentals, and hospitality and tourism education. The professional related courses include lodging management, sales and marketing, revenue management, service management, food and beverage production, purchasing and cost control, facility management and design, tourism business and development. In addition, advanced hospitality and tourism management are also included in the specialized areas of Event Management and Beverage Management. The BS degree with a major in hospitality and tourism management may be earned by completing a minimum of 120 semester hours and achieving a "C" grade in courses required in the major area and professional electives.

Successful completion of 480 hours of industry work experience and a management internship of 320 hours are required. Internship placement in hotels, restaurants, event venues, and other hospitality and tourism-related establishments is arranged in the U.S. and globally in cooperation with industry executives and faculty. Study abroad programs and international internships are also available.

Please visit our College catalog for more information: https://business.okstate.edu/htm.