School of Resort & Hospitality Management

Build Your Hospitality Career

The Bachelor of Science degree in Resort & Hospitality Administration prepares students for careers in all areas of the industry.

Southwest Florida is known around the world for its exceptional resort facilities, upscale hotels, restaurants, private clubs, year-round recreational offerings and fun-in-the-sun lifestyle. With more than 40 top-rated resorts and 160 private clubs in the region, it is also an ideal location for a degree program that focuses on the dynamic needs of hospitality management.

Through our coursework, internships and unparalleled facilities, Florida Gulf Coast University offers the nation's most distinctive resort management program. The curriculum, developed by academic and industry leaders, is uniquely focused on the essential knowledge needed to manage the complex operations of multi-million-dollar resorts, private clubs, events, catering, transportation and businesses around the world.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Resort and Hospitality Administration program is to provide students with core competencies and experiential learning opportunities in preparation for successful management careers and leadership roles in the resort and hospitality industry.

Concentrations

Club Management Concentration
Event Management Concentration
Food and Beverage Management Concentration
Resort and Lodging Management Concentration

Accreditation
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Lutgert College of Business:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

As the world's largest business education alliance, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Synonymous with the highest standards of excellence since 1916, AACSB provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and professional development services to over 1,500 member organizations and more than 785 accredited business schools worldwide.

With its global headquarters in Tampa, Florida, USA; Europe, Middle East, and Africa headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore, AACSB’s mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education.

For more information, visit aacsb.edu.

School of Resort & Hospitality Management:

Accreditation Commission for Programs In Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)

ACPHA is a private, nonprofit body that is comprised of hospitality, tourism and business professionals from across the country. Its composition ensures that the Commission is completely independent and impartial. The main responsibility of the Commission is to conduct the accreditation hearings to verify that those agencies applying for accreditation comply with the applicable standards.

ACPHA standards set a national benchmark for the effective instruction of programs throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that these programs are professionally administered. They address curriculum, resources and staffing essential to good program, including administrative and fiscal controls, staff development, facilities, library, and other areas of concern. Standards reflect practical, up-to-date policies and practices that ensure the strength of the program.

For more information, visit acpha-cahm.org.
Admissions Information
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Admissions Information for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
If you are not yet an FGCU student, visit the Admissions Office Website
If you are a newly-admitted FGCU student please be sure to sign up for an Eagle View Orientation session. As part of this session you will be meeting with an academic advisor who will assist you in registering for classes for your major.
Admission Deadlines
Visit the Admissions Office Web site for information on admission deadlines of the university.
Program Requirements
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Program Requirements for the 2025-2026 Catalog Year
The General Education Program Website is located at https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/
Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements
Degree-seeking students are classified as pre-majors prior to formal transition into a Lutgert College of Business (LCOB) major. As pre-majors, students may enroll in lower division (1000-2999 level) courses to satisfy general education and common prerequisite requirements; lower level electives; and business common core courses, except GEB 4890, if course prerequisites are met. Pre-majors may not enroll in upper division (3000-4999 level) courses for the major.

Transition from a LCOB pre-major to a major happens following (a) completion of all common prerequisites with a minimum grade of C or higher in each course; and (b) completion of 50 earned credits with a minimum FGCU GPA of 2.0.

For timely degree completion, FTIC (First Time in College) students are expected to complete the following:
- MAC 1105 with a minimum grade of B (or relevant accelerated credit or placement exam), ECO 2023 or ECO 2013 with minimum grade of C, one additional common prerequisite, and an overall 2.4 FGCU GPA within one calendar year from admission.
- Four common prerequisites by the end of the third semester (excluding summer) from admission
- Seven common prerequisites and an overall 2.7 FGCU GPA by the end of the fourth semester (excluding summer) from admission
- FIN 3403 with minimum grade of C by the end of the sixth semester (excluding summer) from admission
For timely degree completion, transfer students are expected to complete the following:
- Seven common prerequisites and an overall 2.7 FGCU GPA by the end of the third semester (excluding summer) from admission
- FIN 3403 with minimum grade of C by the end of the fifth semester (excluding summer) from admission
- Students should refer to the Degree Map for milestone information. Degree maps for each major can be found at https://www.fgcu.edu/cob/.
In addition to the program requirements, students must:
- Attempt ACG 2021 no more than two times.
- Complete HFT 1000 Intro to Hospitality/Tourism, 30 credits, and 500 hours of hospitality industry experience prior to enrolling in HFT 4945 Internship Experience. Experiences must be approved by the internship coordinator and documented. Students selecting a concentration must focus the internship within the concentration area.
- Successfully complete HFT 4945 Internship Experience, which requires a minimum of 500 hours of work with an employer (pre-approval by internship coordinator required).
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits.
- Complete a minimum of 48 of the 120 credits at the upper division (3000-4999 level).
- Complete the last 30 credits of business courses at FGCU.
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all coursework attempted at FGCU.
- Satisfy the College-Level Skills and foreign language entrance requirements.
- Satisfy the Service-Learning requirement.
- Satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement.
- Complete the standardized business knowledge assessment exam administered during the last semester in GEB 4890 Business Strategy.
- Complete the summer course enrollment requirement.
- Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadline listed in the FGCU Academic Calendar.
Program Requirements
1. FGCU General Education Program(https://www.fgcu.edu/academics/undergraduatestudies/generaleducation/)
  To prevent or minimize excess hours, select general education courses that satisfy common prerequisite requirements for your intended major.
2. Common Prerequisites
  For this major, common prerequisite courses with an asterisk (*) require prior knowledge and skills demonstrated through degree acceleration programs (e.g., the College Board's Advanced Placement Program [AP], International Baccalaureate Program [IB], College-Level Examination Program [CLEP], Advanced International Certificate of Education Program [AICE]); dual enrollment; placement exam; or college coursework.
  
  FGCU Course: ACG 2021 Intro. to Financial Acctg. (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: ACGX021 or ACGX022 or (ACGX001 and ACGX011)
  
  FGCU Course: ACG 2071 Intro. to Managerial Acctg. (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: ACGX071
  
  FGCU Course: CGS 1100 Computer Software & Technology (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: CGSX100 or CGSX100C or CGSX570 or CGSX060 or CGSX531 or CGSX000 or CGSX518
  
  FGCU Course: ECO 2013 Principles of Macroeconomics (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: ECOX013
  
  FGCU Course: ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: ECOX023
  
  FGCU Course: HFT 1000 Intro to Hospitality/Tourism (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: HFTX000
  
  FGCU Course: *MAC 1105 College Algebra (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: MACX105 or MACX233
  [Please see the Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements section for additional information on minimum grade requirements]
  
  FGCU Course: *STA 2023 Statistical Methods (3) Minimum grade of C
  Acceptable Substitute: STAX023 or STAX122 or QMBX100
3. Business Common Core (27 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  FIN 3403 Business Finance (3)
  GEB 4890 Business Strategy (capstone) (3)
  HFT 3670 R&H Law,Legal Issues&Risk Mgmt (3)
  ISM 3011 Information Systems (3)
  MAN 3025 Principles of Management (3)
  MAR 3023 Introduction to Marketing (3)
  SCM 3005 Supply Chain Management (3)
  
  Select one of the following:
  ENC 3250 Professional Writing (3) or
  GEB 3523 Critical Think&Writing for Bus (3)
  
  Select one of the following:
  GEB 3085 Professional Development (3)
  SPC 1608 Effective Speaking (3)
  SPC 2023 Public Speaking (3)
4. Required Courses in the Major (18 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  FSS 3338C Introduction to F&B Management (3)
  HFT 3253 Resort & Lodging Oper Mgt (3)
  HFT 3757 Principles of Event Management (3)
  HFT 4240 Guest Services Management (3)
  HFT 4462 Revenue Management (3)
  HFT 4945 Internship Experience (3)
5. Restricted Electives in the Major/Concentration (9 credits)
  A minimum grade of C is required in each course
  
  Select only one of the following groupings:
  
  Event Management Concentration
  
  Complete the following:
  HFT 3754 Conventions and Meetings Mgt (3)
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following:
  HFT 3221 Mgt Resort Hosp Human Resourc (3)
  HFT 3802 Catering & Special Events (3)
  HFT 3930 Spec Top: Resort & Hospitality (3)
  HFT 4866 Wine Merchandis,Taste & Tech (3)
  
  Club Management Concentration
  
  Complete the following:
  HFT 3271 Club Management (3)
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following:
  HFT 3221 Mgt Resort Hosp Human Resourc (3)
  HFT 3802 Catering & Special Events (3)
  HFT 3806 Mgt Food & Beverage Operations (3)
  HFT 4457 F&B Cost Control (3)
  HFT 4866 Wine Merchandis, Taste & Tech (3)
  
  Food and Beverage Management Concentration
  
  Complete the following:
  HFT 3806 Mgt Food & Beverage Operations (3)
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following:
  HFT 3221 Mgt Resort Hosp Human Resourc (3)
  HFT 3802 Catering & Special Events (3)
  HFT 3854 Wellness & Healthy Cuisines (3)
  HFT 4457 F&B Cost Control (3)
  HFT 4866 Wine Merchandis, Taste & Tech (3)
  HFT 4894C Culture, Food and Spirits (3)
  
  Resort and Lodging Management Concentration
  
  Complete the following:
  HFT 4256 Advanced Lodging Management (3)
  
  Complete 6 credits from the following:
  HFT 3204 Spa Operations & Management (3)
  HFT 3221 Mgt Resort Hosp Human Resourc (3)
  HFT 3802 Catering & Special Events (3)
  HFT 4481 Lodging Data Analytics (3)
  HFT 4866 Wine Merchandis, Taste & Tech (3)
  
  No concentration noted on transcript
  
  Complete 9 credits from courses within any of the concentrations (above) and/or the following:
  HFT 3447 Database Systems and Tech (3)
  HFT 3770 Cruiseline Operations and Mgmt (3)
  HFT 3930 Spec Top: Resort & Hospitality (3)
  HFT 4755 Theme Park & Attractions Mgmt. (3)
  HFT 4955 Resort& Hosp Mgmt Study Abroad (3)
6. Sustainability Course Graduation Requirement (3 credits)
  Select at least 3 credits in sustainability coursework (SCGR Attribute)
7. Additional Electives - as needed to reach total credits required for the degree
Total Credits Required: 120
Degree Map
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Resort & Hospitality Administration (B.S.)
Course Description
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Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search
Course Schedule
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Getting started with the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:
1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSEATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.
*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)
Learning Outcomes
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Academic Learning Compact

Consistent with its mission and guiding principles, Florida Gulf Coast University is committed to academic excellence and continuous quality improvement, as supported by a sound teaching-learning process. Within this process, students and instructors share responsibility for learning that is a movement from the simple to the complex, the concrete to the abstract, and the dependent to the independent. The Academic Learning Compact (ALC) initiative supports the teaching-learning process by clearly identifying expected core student learning outcomes in the areas of content/discipline knowledge and skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills; aligning curricula with expectations; and using assessment to guide continuous improvement.

Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Identify and apply the knowledge and skills necessary for hospitality and tourism operations.
Resort and Hospitality Administration content/discipline knowledge and skills are assessed at the college and departmental levels through assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as HFT 3253.

Additionally, all LCOB students must complete the business core with the following learning outcomes:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical frameworks in business.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of global factors influencing business.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of corporate social responsibility, including environmental responsibility, frameworks.
4. Understand main concepts & definitions in accounting, economics, finance, information systems, management, marketing, & operations management.
5. Demonstrate the integration of knowledge across disciplines.
These are assessed using assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as BUL 3130 (or BUL 3320 or HFT 3670), GEB 4890, FIN 3403, MAR 3023, and other undergraduate business courses.

Communication Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Demonstrate competence in the communication skills necessary for hospitality and tourism management.
Communication skills are assessed at the college and departmental levels through assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as GEB 4890, HFT 4240, and HFT 4295.

Additionally, all LCOB students must complete the business core with the following learning outcomes:
1. Prepare effective written reports.
2. Deliver effective oral presentations.
These are assessed using assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as FIN 3403, GEB 4890, MAR 3023 and other undergraduate business courses.

Critical Thinking Skills
Graduates will be able to:
1. Develop and integrate a core set of business skills necessary to successfully operate a hospitality and tourism organization.
2. Formulate business decisions in hospitality and tourism management.
3. Evaluate leadership principles necessary in the diverse and global hospitality industry.
Critical thinking skills are assessed at the college and departmental levels through assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as HFT 3221, HFT 4462.

Additionally, all LCOB students must complete the business core with the following learning outcomes:
1. Solve business problems using analytical tools.
2. Apply critical thinking skills to business problems.
Critical thinking skills are assessed by assignments such as papers, projects, and tests in courses such as FIN 3403, GEB 4890, and other undergraduate business courses.
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Assistance
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Tuition and Fees

Information on Tuition, Fees, and estimated total Cost of Attendance is available on the Student Account Services website.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Visit the Financial Aid website for information about grants, additional scholarships, loans, and student employment.
Required Internships
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Contact an Advisor
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Resort & Hospitality - Academic Advisors

Antonio, Lorie
Assistant Director, Academic Advising
LH 1314
239-590-7827
lantonio@fgcu.edu
Gamble-Francis, Jeannine
Graduate Student Program Advisor and Coordinator II
LH 1304
239-590-7309
jgamble-francis@fgcu.edu

SCHEDULE AN
Advising APPOINTMENT UNDERGRADUATE
ADVISING

Resort & Hospitality - Internship Coordinator

McGurk, Jennifer
Coord, RHM Internship
SRHM 0220
239-590-1460
jenmcgurk@fgcu.edu

SCHEDULE AN INTERNSHIP APPOINTMENT Resort & Hospitality
Internships

Lutgert News | Resort & HospitalitySee All

Lutgert College of Business Seniors Score in 90th Percentiles Nationwide

June 17, 2024 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Analysis, Assesment, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Resort & Hospitality, Testing, Undergraduate

As part of our ongoing efforts toward continuous improvement of student learning, the Lutgert College of Business has long required our graduating seniors to complete the ETS Business Major Field Test (MFT), and our students often score quite highly relative to a large national sample—particularly when it comes to knowledge assessed in their own discipline. Perhaps the most useful measure is not only a direct one (% of answers correct) but also the indirect benchmarking compared to 35,472 U.S. students (at 325 institutions) who completed the ETS Business MFT between Sept. 2021-June 2023. That yields a percentile score for our business majors relative to that national benchmark.

Brave New World? AI Researcher Says Ditch Dystopian Fears

April 13, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: AI, Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales

The warnings are ominous and plentiful. For over half a century, we’ve been hit with a deluge of cautionary tales – from books to the big screen – teaching us to fear the unleashed power of artificial intelligence (or AI). Inevitably, in those stories, technology develops sentiency, plunging the world into a dystopian hellscape, leading to the end of human civilization. So why is Chrissann Ruehle, Lutgert College of Business instructor, eschewing pop culture to embrace the latest AI development? “I see this as a collaboration and connection between humans and machines, humans and technology, as well as being a benefit for our students and also for faculty,” she explained. For the past six years, Ruehle has researched the burgeoning field of AI and is working on publishing articles and papers on the subject. She describes one of the newest creations, ChatGPT, as a “generative artificial intelligence program that uses conversational artificial intelligence.”

Professional Development Skills Course Bridges the Gap Between the Classroom and the Workforce

April 05, 2023 / Lutgert News / Tags: Accounting, Advertising, Agribusiness, Economics, Finance, Information Systems & Operations Management, Management, Marketing, Mentorship, New Course, PGA Golf Management, Real Estate, Resort & Hospitality, Sales, Undergraduate

The Lutgert College of Business remains in constant contact with industry partners to make sure our graduates have the knowledge employers are looking for. This consistent communication has led to new majors in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics, integration of advanced MS Excel skills into the accounting curriculum, and a new concentration in International Business for management majors. Yet the most frequent request across disciplines and majors is the need for “soft skills”: networking with clients, giving effective presentations, writing professional communications. Even a handshake can make the difference between clinching a deal or losing a client.