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B.A. International Hospitality & Tourism Management

The School of Business' online B.A. in international hospitality and tourism management prepares you for an exciting and dynamic career in the tourism industry, regionally, and internationally.

Graduates find jobs in tourism's many sectors, including accommodations, food service, attractions, and transportation.

Students receive a broad foundation of liberal arts and business skills, and a strong theoretical and experiential background in hospitality and tourism.

Hospitality and tourism courses explore:

• Restaurant management
• Hotel management
• Tourism management
• Convention management
• Event tourism
• Resort management
• International tourism

Our online program receives strong support from the International Tourism Club, an official organization of the Student Government Union, and the Industry Liaison Council, an advisory board of prominent senior executives representing all sectors of the tourism industry and many geographic regions.

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Degree Requirements

An internship of 6-12 credit hours is required.

General Education Core (45 credits)

• MAT 141 Finite Mathematics 3

  Topics in mathematics that are especially applicable to business such as linear models, mathematics of finance, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: MAT 003 or a satisfactory grade on the mathematics placement test.

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Business Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Human Behavior Perspective Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ANT 101 Introduction to Anthropology

    An examination of human, physical, and cultural development using evidence from archaeology, paleontology, genetics, ecology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics with emphasis on the historical, structural, and symbolic aspects of human culture.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

  • PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

  • SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    A survey of the major issues and ideas in sociology, including basic concepts and theories, as well as an examination of major social institutions, the dynamics and processes of social interaction, and the structure and organization of social groups.

    Prerequisites: SSC 101

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

Business Core (27 credits)

• ACC 201 Principles of Accounting I 3

  An introduction to the preparation and use of accounting information found in financial statements. Topics include the analysis of transactions, and accounting for assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Interpretations of financial statements for measuring performance and making business decisions are emphasized.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: MAT 141 and COM 140

• ACC 202 Principles of Accounting II 3

  An introduction to cost accounting concepts, budgeting, cost-volume-profit analysis, and managerial decisions.

  Prerequisites: ACC 201

• ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics 3

  An introduction to the economic analysis of the market mechanism. Emphasis on supply and demand, elasticity, cost analysis, market structures, externalities, and contemporary microeconomic issues.

• GBA 231 Business Law I 3

  The U.S. legal system (constitutional framework), the judicial system, the administrative agency system, the legal theory of the organization (agency law, forms of organization), an organization's legal obligations (torts, contracts, common law, and the Uniform Commercial Code), and public law (employment, securities, antitrust, consumer and environmental protection) are reviewed.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122

• GBA 334 Applied Decision Methods for Business 3

  This course explores the use of applied quantitative techniques to aid in business-oriented decision making. Emphasis is on problem identification and formulation with application of appropriate solution techniques and the interpretation of results. Included are probability theory, decision-making under certainty, risk, and uncertainty; utility theory; forecasting; inventory control; PERT/CPM; queuing theory; and linear programming.

  Prerequisites: MAT 201

• MAT 201 Introduction to Statistics 3

  Development of the fundamental statistical methods, including graphs, measures of central tendency, and variation. Inferential statistics includes the basic concepts of probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, sampling techniques, regression analysis and correlation, and other analyses of data. Use of statistical software packages. Applications to business, social science, education, and environmental science.

  Prerequisites: MAT 141 or a higher-level mathematics course

• MGT 301 Principles of Management 3

  An introductory course in management as a discipline and a process. Major topics include the evolution and scope of management, decision-making, planning and strategy, organizing and staffing, leading and control, and change. The importance of management in the global environment and ethical considerations of management decisions also are included.

  Prerequisites: ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

• MGT 325 Finance for Managers 3

  An introduction to the principles of corporate financial management. The principles apply also to other forms of business, governments, and non-profit organizations. The time value of money is emphasized in investments of real or financial assets. Planning for current assets and liabilities and long-range capital is covered. Risk and expected values (statistics) are used in the planning and assessments of investments. Also, the knowledge of different kinds of markets is described along with some financial theories.

  Prerequisites: ACC 202

• MKT 301 Principles of Marketing 3

  A basic course in the marketing of goods, services, and ideas including planning, pricing, promotion and distribution. Attention is directed to international marketing, marketing ethics, and managing the marketing function.

  Prerequisites: Prerequisites: ECO 201 and ENG 122 and second-semester sophomore standing required

International Hospitality & Tourism Core (33 credits)

• IHT 220 Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management 3

  As the introductory course in International Hospitality and Tourism, this course provides students with an overview of the tourism industry and its four main operational sectors, including their history, primary characteristics, and career opportunities.

• IHT 425 Internship in International Hospitality and Tourism 3

  Internships are the experiential component of the IHT major. They are privileged positions that enable students to build on classroom theory by gaining professional experience under the guidance of an accomplished mentor at a host agency that furthers their career aspirations. Students have the option of fulfilling the internship requirement of 6-12 credit hours in individual 3-credit hour increments or performing them at one time. Internships can also be performed internationally.

  Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director

• IHT 498 Senior Seminar in International Hospitality & Tourism 3

  This is a research-driven, portfolio-building capstone course that requires students to prepare and present a research paper that focuses on the specific career path they intend to take within one of the four main sectors of the tourism industry. It will include the steps they must take to reach their career goals and the issues and challenges they expect to encounter. Discussions, presentations, and progress reports will be guided and supplemented by input from the instructor and guest speakers. Offered fall and spring semesters. Additional fee applies for ETS examination.

  Prerequisites: Senior standing and completion of all other IHT requirements (except IHT 425)

• Five of the Following Major Courses (15 credits)

  • IHT 305 Restaurant Management

    Operational management of a successful food service facility is studied. Restaurant characteristics, menu planning, service techniques, kitchen design, sanitation and safety, and food handling from ordering to preparation are featured.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 310 Hotel Management

    This course examines the structure and staffing of full-service hotels and the activities, duties, functions, and systems required to manage and operate them profitably.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 315 Tourism Management

    This course examines the various fundamental elements of destination management that are used to create a sustainable and competitive tourism industry. Topics include international tourism organizations and tourism policy, planning, development, and regulation. Tourist behavior is also studied, including purpose of travel, the destination selection and buying process, and characteristics of travel flows.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 405 Convention Management & Event Tourism

    This course examines the lucrative MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions, and expositions) that caters to the needs of business travelers and festivals and events (ranging from mega-events to community celebrations) that serve as tourist attractions for pleasure travelers. Offered in the spring semester.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 410 Resort Management

    Seaside and mountainside resorts have attracted visitors for centuries. Today's international resorts offer a vast array of recreational and social activities amid a variety of worldwide climates, physical environments, and exotic cultures. This course examines how these all-inclusive mini-destinations are developed, managed, and operated.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 415 International Tourism

    This course provides a global perspective of the tourism industry by examining the tourism industries of various countries around the world. It features the relative importance of tourism to their national economies, how their tourism industries are organized and governed, and their tourism supply and demand on an inbound, outbound, and domestic tourism basis, as well as their major attractions, facilities, and tourist routes.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

• Select from Any of the Following Major Courses * (6 credits)

  • IHT 329 Directed Study: Readings or Research

    This course examines the lucrative MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conventions, and expositions) that caters to the needs of business travelers and festivals and events (ranging from mega-events to community celebrations) that serve as tourist attractions for pleasure travelers. Offered in the spring semester.

    Prerequisites: IHT 220

  • IHT 425 Internship in IHT (3-6)

    Internships are the experiential component of the IHT major. They are privileged positions that enable students to build on classroom theory by gaining professional experience under the guidance of an accomplished mentor at a host agency that furthers their career aspirations. Students have the option of fulfilling the internship requirement of 6-12 credit hours in individual 3-credit hour increments or performing them at one time. Internships can also be performed internationally. Offered fall, spring, and summer semesters.

    Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director

  • IHT 429 Advanced Directed Study and Research

    This course is an intensive study for individual students interested in a specific hospitality and tourism topic that is not covered in a regular course. It can also be used as an independent study for students who are traveling internationally or studying abroad. Offered as needed.

    Prerequisites: Permission of department chair and dean.

  • IHT 100-400 Special Topics

    This is a variable-content course in hospitality and tourism that is designed for a specific class level: freshman (100) through senior (400). Topic is selected by the instructor prior to registration. Offered as needed.

    Prerequisites: Permission of department chair and dean

• One upper-level (300- or 400-level) business course (3 credits)

Electives (12 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 117

1. * Any of the above IHT courses not already taken, or from the following list.