Hospitality and Tourism Management, a Gateway to Careers Delivering World-Class Experiences

The hospitality and tourism management undergraduate degree from Saunders College of Business prepares innovative professionals with a deep understanding of hospitality, business, technology, and service to deliver world-class experiences. 

Students gain a solid foundation in core principles of hospitality, service management, and tourism operations through the curriculum. Students are prepared to enter any segment of this broad industry that spans hotel/resort management, sports management, beverage management, events and entertainment, food marketing and distribution, hospitality real estate, cruise line operations, and much more. 

Classroom resources are available for teachers and advisors!

Why Study Hospitality at RIT?

• Industry Exposure and Connections: Travel to national hospitality conferences, trade shows, and events. Network with top executives and stay abreast of industry trends.
• Global Hospitality Experience: Study for a semester or more at RIT Croatia, one of RIT’s global campuses, or one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Mediterranean Sea.
• Engage with Faculty: Learn in small class sizes from our faculty experts who publish their research in elite academic journals and infuse their industry experience and the latest research into their courses.
• Make Alumni Connections: Access our vast network of successful alums working in various exciting hospitality careers.
• Career Experience: Gain hands-on career experience through cooperative education and internships.

The hospitality program stands out as it offers students opportunities for exposure to the industry while students put theory into practice through paid cooperative (co-op) education and internships. RIT is known for its co-op program as the university has built relationships with thousands of companies and organizations across industries. Last year, more than 4,500 students participated in co-op and internship positions with more than 3,400 hiring organizations, from large Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders to small start-ups and world-class not-for-profits.

Attend an open house and learn more about Saunders College of Business at RIT!

In conjunction with classes, student clubs offer professional and educational opportunities alongside the chance to develop lifelong connections with peers and faculty. RIT’s student-run chapter of the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) is for anyone interested in the hospitality industry. Additionally, they organize fundraising events to provide students with opportunities to enhance their event management skills. The Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) offers professional and educational opportunities through collaboration.

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With a 100% outcomes rate, Saunders is ranked #27 at the Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools in the World by CEOWORLD Magazine, 2023 and ranked top five for Best Undergraduate Business Programs in New York State by Poets & Quants, 2023. Typical job titles include:

• Hotel and Restaurant General Manager
• Event Coordinator
• Customer Service Specialist
• Front Desk Manager
• Catering Manager
• Hotel Sales and Marketing
• Hotel Real Estate Professional
• Wine/Spirits Business Manager

Hear what graduates have to say about the program:

The hospitality and tourism department faculty encourages you to be involved and pick up a job while learning. I worked part-time as a front desk agent at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa while in college, with the support of my school. This real-life working experience combined with working at Henry’s Campus restaurant, taking hospitality courses abroad, interning in Disney World and Plaza Athenee, being the president of the Honors Society, and joining other hospitality related clubs made transitioning into a full-time career a smooth transition. The faculty and curriculum create “wows” for your resume. - Christine Basha ’20 (hospitality and tourism management), Apple, Cupertino, CA

"RIT and Saunders College of Business have given me the confidence to be successful. All of my professors have been extremely dedicated to educating me and helping me outside of the classroom." - Lauren Ehinger '20 (hospitality and tourism management), Parties A' La Carte, Largo, FL

Discover more featured profiles and hospitality videos. 

Saunders College of Business

With a 95% career outcomes rate, Saunders provides students with a comprehensive understanding of business while utilizing RIT’s vast resources in technology. The core curriculum provides business students with the knowledge they need to succeed in their field, and courses reflect the latest trends and business needs. Electives and minors can additionally be chosen from any of RIT’s nine colleges to tailor degrees toward career goals.

With a growing global network of more than 25,000 Saunders College alumni and 136,000 RIT alumni, students can make connections almost anywhere and are encouraged to meet with devoted alumni, dedicated professors, and driven peers. Students can study abroad at any of RIT’s four Global Campuses, additional global student exchange partnerships are available, and there are over 100 study abroad locations on every continent. 

RIT is also the home to one of the world’s first and largest cooperative education programs, allowing students to do paid work and gain hands-on experience before graduation. More than 4,500 students complete over 6,200 co-op assignments each year and more than 3,400 employers employ them throughout the U.S. and abroad. 

Saunders College of Business is ranked in the top five Best Undergraduate Business Programs in New York State by Poets&Quants, 2023. Additionally, ranking #53 nationally and #31 for career outcomes. 

Apply today to become eligible for scholarships and join the Saunders community.