Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Students at South can earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and become dynamic leaders in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. The department received ACHE approval in the spring of 2024 to offer two new concentrations, including a focus on events marketing and management and global leadership.

Global Leadership Concentration

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the U.S. economy to add 8.3 million jobs from 2021 to 2031. Of those, 1.9 million jobs—23.1 percent of all new jobs projected—are expected to be in leisure and hospitality. The Global Leadership concentration equips students with the skills needed to meet the employment outlook in the hospitality and tourism industry. Potential employment opportunities include: operations and service management, leadership and strategic management, financial and human resource management, global leadership, and personal and professional career development.  Students also build problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.

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Events Marketing and Management Concentration

The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events (MICE) industry is a crucial segment in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this market segment adds about 15,200 jobs annually. The degree will prepare students to become event planning professionals. The Events Marketing and Management concentration provides the coursework in essential topics such as the day-to-day operations of an event planner, coordinating with clients and vendors, marketing basics, creating event styles and themes, business fundamentals, and nurturing students’ skills to meet the employment outlook in the MICE industry. 

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▼   HTM Student Awards

Dustin SimsDestin Sims was named the 2020 Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management Outstanding Undergraduate Student. Sims recently earned a bachelor's in hospitality and tourism management from the University of South Alabama. During his time at South, Sims was a member of the USA HTM Club, HTM Ambassador Program, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Golden Key International Honor Society, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Sims is a recipient of the prestigious Alabama Travel Council Scholarship, which is awarded at the Governor's conference on tourism each summer. Sims plans to continue working at Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, and was offered a job in the human resources department after graduation.

I decided to study at South because not only is it close to home, but it felt like home. It’s been an honor to have the ability to graduate from USA. Apart from classwork, Professor Donaldson pushed me past my limits in my work ethic and has always been able to give me advice through her experiences that have made a remarkable change in my life. She also inspired me through my class work as she is working towards her Ph.D. while still teaching."


Harrison SantiniHarrison Santini
was named the 2020 Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management Outstanding Intern of the Year. Santini earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Alabama this May. During his time at South, Santini was involved in UKirk South Alabama, the National Residence Hall Honorary, Alabama United Residence Halls Conference Committee, and served as a Resident Assistant. He received the Herald Bickle Scholarship and the prestigious Alabama Travel Council Scholarship, which is awarded at the Governor's conference on tourism each summer. Santini also worked at the Hampton Inn and Suites at Downtown Mobile for his program internship. He was recently accepted into Marriott International's Elite Voyage Program and will be moving to Houston, Texas, to work at the Marriott Marquis property.

I decided to attend South due to its versatile degree programs, close proximity to home, but also far enough away to where I was still getting out of the house, and for the value of education I knew I would be receiving. I plan to finish my academic journey with a Master of Science in Hospitality Management from the Hilton University of Houston, while gaining valuable career development through the Marriott Voyager Professional Development Program with the Marriott Marquis Houston. Then, eventually, further along I plan to open up my very own resort in Orlando, Fla.