College of Business launches 2 new degree programs for fall 2025 | News
Students walk through the Business Building on April 23. The university is launching two new degree programs in fall 2025 under the College of Business, focusing on the hospitality industry and its leadership roles.
UTA is launching two new degree programs in fall 2025 under the College of Business, highlighting the hospitality industry and its leadership roles.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, which will focus on the specifics of the hospitality industry and the different careers it offers, including food and beverage, hotels, theme parks, gaming and casinos.
Michael Nalley, hospitality management director and professor of practice, said while they’re similar degrees, the Bachelor of Business Administration is a “wider dive” into hospitality, requiring more courses.
“From a global perspective, hospitality is the fastest growing industry, they predict, for the next 10 years,” Nalley said. “One out of every five jobs is being hired is in hospitality.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are more inclined to take time off and vacation at different hospitality venues, increasing the demand for management and leadership roles in those institutions globally. He said employers are looking for applicants with a critical understanding of the industry.
The programs will give students the opportunity to receive hands-on experience and earn industry credentials before graduating, with scholarship and internship opportunities also available.
The Bachelor of Business Administration program requires 120 credit hours with five core classes, 36 hours of hospitality electives and 300 working hours. The Bachelor of Science program requires 120 credit hours with nine core classes, 48 hours of hospitality electives and 500 working hours.
There are 15 hospitality courses students can take: restaurant operations; lodging management; casino, gaming and club management; leadership in the hospitality industry; hospitality industry and finance analytics; and more. Nalley said only two classes will be available this fall — introduction to travel and tourism, and an introduction to hospitality management.
Nalley said students can also double major with the Bachelor of Business Administration in hospitality if they’re majoring in real estate, marketing or entrepreneurship.
“What we’re really trying to do is create a culture of hospitality through this program at UTA, so people really understand what all that encompasses and what the opportunities are,” he said.
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