Hospitality and Tourism Management

Program Description:

The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the global hospitality and tourism industries. This comprehensive program combines foundational business principles with specialized knowledge in hospitality operations, tourism development, and customer service excellence. Students gain a thorough understanding of the critical aspects of managing hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments, as well as the planning and marketing of tourism experiences.

Through a rigorous curriculum, students explore areas such as hospitality law, finance, human resource management, and sustainable tourism practices. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage in internships, industry projects, and hands-on activities that reflect real-world challenges and opportunities. Faculty members bring extensive industry experience and academic expertise, providing mentorship and insights into current trends and innovations shaping the industry.

The program also offers specialized tracks in hotel and resort management, event planning, and tourism marketing, enabling students to tailor their education to specific career interests. Students develop essential skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and intercultural competence—skills imperative for success in diverse and rapidly changing environments.

Graduates of the Hospitality and Tourism Management program are well-equipped to pursue careers in hotel management, event planning, tourism development agencies, and related fields worldwide. They benefit from the university’s strong industry connections, career services, and alumni network, which open pathways to internships and employment opportunities. With a curriculum grounded in practical experience and academic rigor, the program aims to develop innovative, ethically responsible leaders committed to fostering growth and sustainability in hospitality and tourism industries globally.

A. Math/Statistics Requirement

1. The department requires only MATH 121 Linear Methods and Probability but encourages students to take MATH 127 and 128 if they expect to go to graduate school.
2. Statistics Requirement: OIM 240 Business Data Analysis, STATISTC 240 Introduction to Statistics, STATISTC 111 Elementary Statistics, or RES-ECON 211, 212 Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences.

B. HTM Courses for All Emphasis Areas

• 100 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism
• 240 Hotel Operations
• 250 Food Service Management
• 260 Human Resources Management in the Hospitality Industry
• 298W Work Experience
• 320 Hospitality and Tourism Law
• 355 Restaurant Operations Management (w/lab)
• 370 Hospitality Managerial Accounting
• 397M Service Experience Management
• 444 Strategic Planning in the Hotel Industry

C. Outside Courses

• ACCOUNTG 221 Introduction to Accounting
• ECON 103 Microeconomics or RES-ECON 102 Introduction to Resource Economics
• ECON 104 Macroeconomics
• FIN 301 Corporation Finance
• MARKETNG 301 Introduction to Marketing
• OIM 210 Introduction to Business Information Systems or COMP SCI 105 Computer Literacy
• SCH-MGMT 310 Management Communication or
• SCH-MGMT 314 Hospitality Management Communication

D. Program Required Electives
HTM/Business Electives (15 credits):  There are a number of options to satisfy this requirement as follows:

1.  Complete 9 credits of a foreign language (all in the same foreign language)

• Students selecting this option must, in addition, complete 6 credits from items 2 and/or 3 below.

2.  HTM junior or senior level courses not taken to fulfill a requirement.

3.  Any of the following courses:

• Sch-Mgmt 350 Professional Ethics in Contemporary Society
• Sch-Mgmt 397R Principles of Real Estate
• Sch-Mgmt 497R Real Estate Finance
• Sch-Mgmt 498R Real Estate Practicum

For the Department Honors Program a student must, in addition to meeting these major requirements, maintain a high grade point average and complete specific Department Honors Courses.

• Application Fee
• Official High School Transcript or Secondary School Exams
• Secondary School Exams
• Official SAT or ACT score report
• Academic Letter of Recommendation
• TOEFL: A minimum composite TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL with minimum of 17 on each subscore (code #3917)
• IELTS: A minimum composite IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test with minimum of 6.0 on each subscore
• A note on financial and visa information: Applicants needing an F-1 student visa will receive email instructions on how to submit their financial documents after an offer of admission has been made.  For more about finances and visa processing for international students please see this page.  If you are currently living in the United States and believe your visa status will qualify you as a domestic student, please be sure to include your U.S. visa information in the "Geography and Citizenship" section of the Common Application.
• Transfer applicants must have a 2.7 or higher cumulative college GPA and some related math and/or business coursework.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers various financial aid options to support students enrolled in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program. Undergraduate students can apply for federal and state grants such as the Pell Grant and the Massachusetts Grant, which help cover tuition and related expenses. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore institutional scholarships provided directly by the university, based on academic merit, leadership qualities, or financial need. Work-study programs are also available, allowing students to work part-time on or off-campus to earn money while gaining relevant experience in the hospitality industry.

Students can also consider private scholarships, many of which recognize achievements in hospitality, business, or related fields. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is essential for determining eligibility for most federal and state aid programs. For international students or those seeking loan options, private lenders and alternative financing methods may be available, though these options tend to have specific eligibility criteria.

The university offers tuition payment plans that allow students to divide their payments into manageable installments rather than paying in one lump sum. Additionally, many students take advantage of scholarship opportunities tied to academic performance or specific interests, which can significantly reduce their financial burden. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, and personal expenses, with costs varying depending on residency status and choice of living arrangements.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with the university’s financial aid advisors to explore all available resources and develop a personalized financial plan. The university emphasizes financial literacy as part of its support system, providing resources and workshops to help students manage their educational expenses efficiently. Overall, the combination of federal financial aid, scholarships, work opportunities, and manageable payment plans creates a comprehensive financial support system tailored to reduce barriers for students pursuing their education in Hospitality and Tourism Management at UMass Amherst.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the global hospitality and tourism industries. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of hospitality management, including hotel and lodging operations, food service management, event planning, tourism development, and sustainable practices. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through coursework, internships, and industry projects, enabling them to meet the demands of a competitive market. The program emphasizes leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential for success in hospitality industries worldwide. Additionally, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, industry partnerships, and networking opportunities that enhance their educational experience. The university's location in Massachusetts provides proximity to major tourism hubs and hospitality markets, offering valuable experiential learning opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in hotel management, event coordination, tourism development, and related fields. The program also encourages international perspectives and encourages students to understand and adapt to diverse cultural contexts, fostering global competency. Overall, the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at UMass Amherst combines academic rigor with real-world experience, culminating in a versatile education aligned with industry standards and employment needs within the hospitality sector.