University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme blends core business disciplines with hospitality- and tourism-focused courses. You will take foundational courses in accounting, finance, marketing and organisational behaviour together with specialised modules such as lodging operations, food and beverage management, event and meeting management, revenue management, and tourism planning. Coursework typically covers hospitality law and ethics, human resource management for service organisations, hospitality information systems and sustainability in tourism.

Practical learning is emphasised: students normally complete an industry practicum or internship, participate in site visits to hotels and resorts, and undertake a capstone or senior project that integrates management theory with operational challenges. Elective options allow deeper study in areas such as resort management, culinary operations, hospitality marketing, and international tourism. Cross-disciplinary electives from the wider College of Business and humanities/social sciences are often available to broaden skills in communication, data analysis and cultural understanding.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical entry asks for strong performance in core subjects, especially English and mathematics, and demonstration of interest in business or service industries. For applicants from different education systems, equivalent qualifications and grades are considered; transfer students may apply with relevant community college credits.

Selection may take into account a personal statement or evidence of relevant work or volunteer experience in customer service or hospitality. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Specific entry GPA thresholds, prerequisite subjects and credit-transfer policies are set by the university and should be checked on the programme pages or with admissions staff.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of operational and managerial roles across the hospitality, tourism and events sectors. Common entry and mid-level roles include front office and rooms division management, food and beverage supervision, event coordinator, sales and marketing representative, and revenue-management analyst. With experience, alumni progress to positions such as hotel or resort general manager, director of operations, regional manager, convention and visitors bureau director, and hospitality consultant.

Because of the programme’s industry placement emphasis and UH Manoa’s location, graduates often find opportunities with island and resort properties, cruise lines, tour operators and government tourism agencies across the Pacific, Asia–Pacific and mainland markets. The degree also provides a pathway to postgraduate study in business, hospitality management or related fields.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers this programme in the heart of a major Pacific tourism economy, giving students direct access to a wide range of employers and practical training sites, from urban hotels to oceanfront resorts. The campus combines business-focused teaching through the College of Business with strong regional expertise in island tourism, sustainability and Pacific cultures.

Students benefit from established industry relationships that support internships and mentorships, a multicultural learning environment that reflects the global nature of hospitality, and opportunities for applied research or community-facing projects. The programme’s emphasis on experiential learning prepares graduates for the operational realities and leadership demands of the hospitality sector while positioning them for careers across the region and beyond.