Hospitality and Tourism Management

Hospitality and Tourism Management at Purdue University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the global hospitality and tourism industries. The curriculum combines foundational business principles with specialized coursework tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within hospitality, including hotel management, event planning, tourism development, and service excellence. Students have the opportunity to develop strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning experiences, internships, and industry partnerships. The program emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and technology integration to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of travel and hospitality services. Dedicated faculty members bring real-world industry expertise, guiding students through coursework in hospitality operations, marketing, finance, and strategic management. State-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and industry-sponsored projects, enable practical application of classroom knowledge. Purdue’s extensive network of industry contacts provides valuable internship and employment opportunities worldwide. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as hotel managers, event coordinators, tourism development specialists, and other roles within the broader hospitality sector. The program also offers pathways toward advanced studies and certifications, supporting lifelong career growth. By fostering a multicultural understanding and ethical leadership, Purdue's Hospitality and Tourism Management program aims to develop innovative professionals ready to meet the demands of a diverse and evolving industry, making a positive impact on global hospitality and tourism experiences.

Major Requirements (57-58 credits)

Students must earn a “C-“or better in all HTM courses

• HTM 10010 - Introduction To The Hospitality And Tourism Industry
• HTM 14100 - Financial Accounting For The Service Industries
• HTM 17300 - Introduction To Tourism Management
• HTM 18100 - Lodging Management
• HTM 19100 - Sanitation And Health In Foodservice, Lodging, And Tourism
• HTM 20200 - Hospitality And Tourism Work Experience
• HTM 21200 - Organization And Management In The Hospitality And Tourism Industry
• HTM 23100 - Hospitality And Tourism Marketing
• HTM 24100 - Managerial Accounting And Financial Management In Hospitality Operations
• HTM 29101 - Quantity Food Production And Service Laboratory
• HTM 29102 - Introduction To Foodservice Management
• HTM 30200 - Hospitality And Tourism Industry Internship (Single semester required: min 320 work hours for 1 credit or 640 for 2 credits)
• HTM 31200 - Human Resources Management For The Service Industries
• HTM 32200 - Hospitality Facilities Management
• HTM 34100 - Cost Controls In Foodservice And Lodging
• HTM 38110 - Revenue Management In The Lodging Industry
• HTM 41100 - Hospitality And Tourism Law
• HTM 49111 - Beverage Operation Management
• HTM 49200 - Advanced Foodservice Management
• HTM 49900 - Feasibility Studies And Business Development In Hospitality And Tourism
• HTM Select Courses - select from HTM Select Course List - Credit Hours: 3.00
• HTM Select Courses - select from HTM Select Course List - Credit Hours: 3.00

Required Courses in Other Departments (36-38 credits)

• COM 11400 - Fundamentals Of Speech Communication [Fulfills Oral Communication Core]
• CS 23500 - Introduction To Organizational Computing or
• CNIT 13600 - Personal Computing Technology And Applications
• ECON 21000 - Principles Of Economics [Fulfills Behavior/Social Science Core] or
• AGEC 21700 - Economics [Fulfills Behavior/Social Science Core] or
• ECON 25100 - Microeconomics [Fulfills Behavior/Social Science Core] or
• ECON 25200 - Macroeconomics [Fulfills Behavior/Social Science Core]
• ENGL 10600 - First-Year Composition [Fulfills Written Communication Core] and [Fulfills Information Literacy Core] or
• ENGL 10800 - Accelerated First-Year Composition [Fulfills Written Communication Core] and [Fulfills Information Literacy Core]
• MA 15300 - Algebra And Trigonometry I [Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Core] or
• MA 16010 - Applied Calculus I [Fulfills Quantitative Reasoning Core]
• NUTR 20200 - Principles Of Food Preparation And Nutrition [Fulfills 1 Science Core] or
• NUTR 30300 - Essentials Of Nutrition [Fulfills 1 Science Core]
• PSY 12000 - Elementary Psychology
• SOC 10000 - Introductory Sociology or
• ANTH 10000 - Introduction To Anthropology
• STAT 30100 - Elementary Statistical Methods
• [Science Core] - select from University list - Credit Hours: 3.00
• [Humanities Core] - select from University list - Credit Hours: 3.00
• [Science, Technology & Society Core] - select from University list - Credit Hours: 3.00

Electives (24-27 credits)

• All applicants must graduate from high school or have successfully completed their state’s high school equivalency requirements and Indiana residents are given preference.
• $60 Application Fee
• Original or attested copies of all transcripts, diplomas, mark sheets and certificates from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended. 
• SAT or ACT scores with writing is strongly encouraged for international citizens. International citizens who submit an exceptional SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing(new), SAT Critical Reading(old), or ACT English score may be exempt from submitting additional scores. Generally, an exceptional score is within the top 15 percentile
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Though not required, a letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged, especially for students eligible to be considered for scholarships, for the Honors College or for those who are applying to highly competitive programs.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Purdue University offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition and fees for undergraduate students vary depending on residency status. In-state students benefit from lower tuition rates, while out-of-state students pay a higher fee, reflective of Purdue's commitment to providing accessible education across different demographics. The university's Office of Financial Aid provides comprehensive information on scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities specifically tailored for students enrolled in hospitality programs. Purdue also offers a range of merit-based scholarships for incoming and current students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement, leadership qualities, or specific extracurricular involvement aligned with the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid programs, including Pell Grants and Perkins Loans, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. Additionally, Purdue University provides payment plans that allow students to spread tuition payments throughout the semester, making finances more manageable. Many students in hospitality and tourism management utilize external scholarships from industry organizations, corporate sponsorships, and private foundations that support career development in the hospitality sector. Part-time employment opportunities on campus and internships compatible with academic schedules also help students earn income during their studies. Purdue's strong industry connections facilitate internship placements that frequently come with stipends or stipends, contributing to students' financial stability.

International students have access to specialized scholarships and must fulfill additional requirements such as demonstrating English language proficiency and providing proof of financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses. The university's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on the application process, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Overall, Purdue University is committed to making hospitality and tourism management education financially accessible through a combination of institutional aid, external funding, employment opportunities, and proactive financial planning resources. These multifaceted financing strategies aim to support students financially while they acquire the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive hospitality and tourism industry.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Purdue University - West Lafayette is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers within the global hospitality and tourism industry. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for success in various sectors such as hotel and resort management, event planning, food and beverage service, tourism development, and leisure management. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities that foster real-world experience, including internships and cooperative education programs. The program emphasizes leadership development, strategic management, marketing, and sustainable practices to equip graduates with the competencies to innovate and excel in a competitive environment. Purdue’s strong focus on research, technological integration, and industry engagement ensures that students are well-prepared to meet current industry demands and trends. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and global outlook, making its graduates versatile and adaptable professionals. Alumni of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program have gone on to hold leadership roles in major hotel chains, tourism boards, event companies, and consultancy firms worldwide. The university's dedicated faculty brings years of industry experience and academic expertise, fostering an educational environment that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Through a combination of coursework, practical training, and professional development, Purdue’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program aims to cultivate industry-ready graduates capable of leading change and driving growth in the hospitality sector globally.