Lauren Brown

Deciding where I would earn my master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management was an important career decision for me. Now, as a new UF alumni, I am so very glad to have earned my degree as a Gator. The flexibility of earning my master’s online allowed me the time to continue building my work experience while still receiving a top-notch education from professors who are leaders in the industry. From gaining invaluable connections through networking with my professors to having the power of the UF brand on my resume, I have had so many doors and experiences open to me. This online master’s program at UF has set me up for success in the tourism industry and I look forward to representing the Gator Nation for the rest of my career. Go Gators!

Daniel Bautista

One of the things I love about working in this industry is the ability to make a real impact. As the Head of Quality at IHG Hotels & Resorts, I am in a position to influence the performance of over 4,200 hotels in the America's region. This kind of responsibility is both challenging and rewarding, and it requires a strong foundation in the fundamentals of hospitality and event management.

The Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program at the University of Florida provides exactly that foundation. With a focus on practical, hands-on learning, students in this program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in a variety of hospitality-related fields. Whether you're interested in hotel management, event planning, or any other aspect of the industry, this program will give you the tools you need to succeed.

What sets the Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program apart from others is its emphasis on practical learning. The program has partnerships with some of the top hospitality companies in the world, which gives students the opportunity to work on real-life projects and gain valuable experience even before they graduate.

If you're passionate about the hospitality industry and want to make a difference in people's lives, the Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program at the University of Florida is the perfect place to start. Join a community of passionate professionals and gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in this exciting and rewarding field.

Tim Williams

Realizing that they offered this program, I knew that I had to take advantage. I started in 2020, right when the COVID pandemic hit, and worried that Disney would stop paying for my education but it was quite the opposite. They continued to pay, allowing me to fully engage in every class I took. What I learned and the knowledge I gained was so instrumental in what was about to happen next. Once we came back from the pandemic and Disneyland opened once again, an opportunity came where I could become a Project Manager for Disney Vacation Club out here on the West Coast. Still needing a few more classes to finish, my leadership team loved what I was doing in this program and it was key in my promotion into my new career path. Now that I finished, I look back at all the resources I learned, and the knowledge that I gained directly from this program is a direct result of the position I am in now and the trajectory of where my career is going. I cannot thank Disney and the University of Florida enough, especially all the Hospitality & Tourism Department professors.

Tiffany Webster

Virginia Brubaker

Clifford Bussard

President and Business Development Director for the Rabun County Chamber of Commerce!

“I had a simple, singular goal for enrolling in the online program at UF: obtain a degree and achieve a life-long goal of being an official Florida Gator. I was retired and had no significant plans. Once I was in the program, however, my objectives gradually evolved. I found the coursework immensely challenging and the complexities of Tourism and Hospitality Management intriguing. By the time I completed my practicum at the local visitor's bureau, I was hooked. The opportunity to make a real difference in my local community persuaded me to reconsider my professional future. When I was asked to be a candidate for President of the Rabun County (GA) Chamber of Commerce, I couldn't say no. And it was my combination of professional experience and my newly minted UF degree that got me the job. I am so grateful to the online program. It not only allowed me to realize a long-time dream, but also reignited my interest in being a difference-maker in my community. All from the comforts of my basement office in the North Georgia Mountains. Go Gators!”