Tourism, Leisure and Event Planning

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management

Do you want a career where no two days are alike? Where you travel to new places and meet new people? BGSU offers the country's premier programs in tourism, hospitality and event management.

Our Bachelor of Science in Education degree program prepares you for a career in one of the biggest industries in the world. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on the leisure and hospitality sectors. 

At BGSU, you'll gain invaluable, real-world skills through internships and field experiences – the kind of experience that stands out to employers. Our graduates find jobs in a wide variety of settings all over the world.

Why study tourism, hospitality and event management at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Expert faculty. Our faculty members have extensive professional experience and are dedicated mentors.
  • Internships. Gain valuable work experience through internships that will make your resume stand out to future employers. Your faculty advisor can help you find an internship in the U.S. or abroad where you can learn from experienced tourism professionals and event planners.
  • Immersive global education. Expand your global perspective through field trips to Europe, Africa, Canada and other parts of the world.
  • Academic options. Choose from a variety of academic options to focus on a specific area of interest or gain a broad understanding of the tourism, hospitality and event management industry.

Ranked 4th best school for parks, recreation and leisure studies in the Great Lakes region

(collegefactual.com)

Career - what can you do with a tourism, hospitality and event management degree?

The practical experience built into the bachelor’s degree curriculum gives our graduates a leg up when they look for jobs. 

  • Our alumni work in the U.S., Europe, Australia and the Middle East.
  • Their starting annual salaries range from $57,000 to $76,000.
  • Employment of tourism, hospitality, convention and event planners is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). About 16,500 openings in the industry are projected each year. 
  • 22% of our graduates are in management positions one year after graduation.

The tourism, hospitality and event management industry is constantly changing, and our graduates are prepared to adapt. They find work in a wide variety of settings:

  • Hotels and convention centers
  • Destination management and marketing organizations
  • Integrated resorts and theme parks 
  • Cultural attractions (e.g., museums, historic areas)
  • Cruise lines
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Lodging and food industry

Career paths

  • Events specialists
  • Wedding planners
  • Corporate planners
  • Charity events managers
  • Cruise line managers
  • Festival organizers
  • Exhibition managers
  • Sports event managers
  • Hotel operations supervisors
  • Lodging and resort management
  • Park management

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View average salaries

Curriculum

All students receive a solid foundation in the principles, theory and practice of tourism, hospitality and event management. 

Your personal and professional goals will guide your curriculum design. Choose a variety of classes within your content area of interest. Faculty with real-world experience will guide you along the way.

Required field experiences

  • You’ll have three mandatory field experiences – in the U.S. or abroad – that build your skills and resume.
  • A faculty adviser will help you choose an internship site for your senior-year capstone experience. Gain real-world experience while being supervised by tourism professionals and faculty.

Required courses

Criminal Justice
tourism photo

Sample courses

  • Global Tourism and Hospitality
  • Convention, Meeting and Resort Administration
  • Planning Strategies for Destination, Travel and Tourism Services
  • Revenue Management in Tourism and Hospitality
  • Capstone Internship in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
  • Experiential Learning in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management

BGSU College of Education and Human Development

The tourism, hospitality and event management program is part of the School of Applied Human Development in the BGSU College of Education and Human Development 

Updated: 10/23/2024 10:54AM