Laura Nix Bishop
Recruitment Coordinator
College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
One of the top 12 programs in the United States, the University of South Carolina's Bachelor of Science in hospitality management combines business management, hospitality operations and real-world experience to prepare students for success in a wide range of career opportunities. Specialized knowledge in hotel, restaurant, club and theme park management are supported by a strong business foundation with classes such as accounting, economics, business law, communications and computer applications. The degree also includes dynamic electives so students can customize their education experience to match their personal and professional goals.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Management. The curriculum includes a strong business focus, diverse electives, professional development training and career-related work experience.
Students can choose a specialization in club management, which is endorsed by the Club Management Association of America.
Sample Course Overview
English
Foreign language
Foundations of tourism
Natural science
History
Hotel management
Introduction to hospitality
Mathematics / statistics
University 101
Accounting
Business communications
Business law
Club management
Conference and meeting planning
Economics
Food and beverage production
International hotel management
Purchasing and controls
Festival planning and management
Hospitality / tourism electives
Hospitality / tourism internship
Literature / fine arts
Personnel organization and supervision
Principles of management
Principles of marketing
Professional development seminar
Resort development and management
Sustainable tourism planning
Hospitality finance
Hospitality / tourism analytics
Hospitality / tourism marketing
Hospitality management strategies
Revenue management
Tourism information technology
Wine and spirits in food service establishments
For more details about the degree requirements and curriculum for the B.S. in hospitality management, please visit the academic bulletin.
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Atop the SEC
The University of South Carolina ranks among the top 12 schools in the U.S. and is atop the SEC for hospitality and tourism management according to the ShanghaiRanking's 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
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Unparalleled Opportunities
Our students work some of the most distinguished tournaments in golf each year, like the Masters Tournament, the Wells Fargo Championship, the RBC Heritage, the Palmetto Championship, the PGA Championship, and the Presidents Cup.
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Career Success
Hospitality management alumna Brittany Martin came to the University of South Carolina looking for the perfect career. Today, she manages conventions and events for some of the country's biggest companies.
Career Success
Every hospitality management major graduates with career-related work experiences, or internships, on their resume. This experience can be any job in the industry and can include responsibility in a managerial or supervisory position where students gain leadership experience. The college provides dedicated internship directors, experienced faculty and corporate engagement resources to help students get the most out of opportunities to work with companies like Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Disney, and the PGA. To learn more, visit our internships page.
Check out the photo gallery below to see where some of our alumni are finding their career success following graduation.
Hands-On Experience
Experiential learning enriches education and creates valuable opportunities to discover new passions and build relationships. Students gain hands-on experience working PGA Tournaments, planning and implementing real weddings and going behind the scenes at some of the world’s best hotels, restaurants and amusement parks.
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McCutchen House
McCutchen House, the school’s student-run restaurant, serves the campus community and functions as a hospitality management laboratory where students learn to manage a full-service restaurant.
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Marriott Culinary Lab
The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation Culinary Laboratory, located in the Close-Hipp building, is a 2,000-square foot state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and technology-enhanced classroom providing students with dynamic hands-on experience to prepare for careers in event planning, restaurant management, hotel operations and more.
Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to apply strategic management principles to identify hospitality industry problems and utilize analytical reasoning to formulate solutions.
- Students should be able to interpret, evaluate and explain general and industry-specific financial documents and trends.
- Students should be able to examine and apply current marketing techniques and principles related to the uniqueness of our industry.
- Students should be able to demonstrate effective management practices in an operational food and beverage environment.
- Students should be able to apply effective human resource strategies, inclusive of hiring, training and performance evaluations to service organizations’ cultures.
- Students should be able to evaluate service management strategies used to differentiate hospitality organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
These FAQs provide an overview of the program and how it aligns with industry needs, helping students understand the many career paths and skills they can develop with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from the University of South Carolina.
With a degree in hospitality management, graduates can pursue careers across a variety of settings, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning companies, tourism agencies, and more. Common job titles include hotel manager, event coordinator, restaurant manager, and tourism director.
The Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management combines foundational business courses with specialized classes in hospitality. Students learn management techniques, financial analysis, and customer service skills, equipping them to take on leadership roles.
The curriculum is designed to stay current with industry trends, including sustainable tourism, technology integration, and customer experience innovation. Faculty members with industry experience bring real-world insights into the classroom, helping students understand and adapt to these evolving trends.
Absolutely. In addition to learning about management and operations, students also take courses in entrepreneurship and strategic planning, providing a strong foundation for launching and managing a hospitality-related business.
Customer service is at the core of hospitality. This program offers courses specifically focused on enhancing customer experience, conflict resolution, and communication skills, which are all essential for success in hospitality roles.
USC’s program stands out due to its strong industry connections, experienced faculty, and emphasis on experiential learning. Students have access to a network of hospitality professionals, innovative resources, and internship opportunities that provide a comprehensive educational experience.
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