The University of Texas at Arlington is launching two new degree programs to prepare students for leadership roles in the expanding hospitality industry across North Texas and beyond.
Beginning in fall 2025, students can pursue either a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management through UT Arlington's College of Business. Both programs are designed to meet the region's growing workforce needs and offer a strong foundation in business management and leadership. Courses will cover topics such as hotel and restaurant management, accounting, operations, marketing and sales, event planning, business analytics, information technology and more.
"Hospitality a global industry and is projected to be one of the fastest growing fields over the next 10 years," said Michael Nalley, director of the new program at UTA. "When a student gets a bachelor's degree in hospitality, the world is truly their oyster. From hotels and restaurants to theme parks and entertainment venues, any facet of the industry is available to them."
Hospitality management spans a wide range of industries, including restaurants, hotels and resorts, travel and tourism, transportation, casino gaming, cruise lines, theme parks, event planning, club management and sports entertainment. UTA's curriculum will connect students with hospitality-focused companies and organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, offering valuable hands-on learning experiences.
"We're preparing students not just to navigate customer service, but also to manage and deliver results," Dr. Nalley said. "We're lucky to be in the heart of Dallas-Fort Worth because we have so many partners to offer our students internships and learning opportunities to ensure they meet industry needs and excel upon graduation."
Designed to prepare students for careers with both major hospitality brands and small businesses, the new degrees will offer UTA students a wide range of professional opportunities.
"These programs really speak to students who have a passion for service leadership, for those looking at an entrepreneurial path," Nalley said. "They are for students who want to be a part of something or start something bigger than they are. It's for those who want to make a difference not only regionally, but from a global perspective."
