Learn from passionate and well-connected faculty, and get hands-on experience to prepare you for success after graduation!
Our department has two focus areas: Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Retail and Merchandising Management. Find the right concentration for you!
Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM)
The HTM program prepares you for diverse careers in the hospitality and tourism industry, including corporate event planning, hotel and resort management, travel and tourism, and food and beverage management.
With an integrated Business minor and the option to pursue additional minors such as Entrepreneurship or Corporate Event Planning Strategy, HTM equips future leaders with the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field.
Retail and Merchandising Management (RMM)
The RMM degree equips you for a range of careers, from product development and merchandise buying to multichannel retailing, whether you aim to work with the world’s largest retailers or become a small business owner making an impact in your community.
Featuring an integrated Business minor with two concentrations — Fashion Retail and Merchandising Analytics — our students are poised to lead the retail and merchandising industry.
Doctoral Program in Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management
The Department of RHTM offers a doctoral degree program with two concentrations: Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) and Retail and Consumer Sciences (RCS).
Guided by world-renowned researchers, doctoral students are prepared to lead in academia within the RHTM field. Our flexible curriculum provides a personalized educational experience designed to ensure your success.
Ready to apply?
Make Rocky Top and Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management your home-sweet-home! Complete an application today!
We are committed to experiential learning opportunities and industry engagement
Blissful Wish Wedding
Our students planned a REAL wedding from start to finish! A lucky couple received a sponsored wedding package prepared by our students!
STR Competition
Our HTM students competed in a national STR Market Competition, where they presented a market feasibility study in front of industry leaders. They prepared a report for the lodging industry that supports Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the U.S.
NRF Conference
Our RMM students will attend and compete at the biggest retail conference in the U.S., the National Retail Federation Conference! Students will receive financial support to travel to New York City for competition, networking, and job search opportunities.
Hospitality and Tourism Management
HTM Career Paths
- Hotel and Lodging operation
- Restaurant Management
- Leadership in Large Hotel and Restaurant Corporate Offices
- Cruises
- Corporate and Large Event Management
- Wedding Planner
- Event and Entertainment Management
- Destination Marketing Organization
- Convention and Visitors Bureau
Industry Partners and Employers
- Blackberry Farm
- San Francisco Giants Baseball Team
- Nashville Predators Hockey Team
- Whitney Bowman Weddings
- Walt Disney World
- Omni Hotels and Resorts
- LEO Events
- Marriott Manor Club
- Graduate Hotels
- Cherokee Country Club
- UT Athletics Hospitality
- Omni Luxury Hotels
- McKibbon Hospitality
- Hunter Valley Farm
- Connor Concepts
- Visit Knoxville
Retail and Merchandising Management
RMM Career Paths
- Retail Buyer/Merchandiser
- Fashion Marketing
- Brand Management
- Product Development
- Visual Merchandising
- Global Sourcing
- Omnichannel Retail Strategist
- Consumer, Product and Retail Analytics
- Social Media/Content Manager
- Digital Retailing
- Customer Relationship/ Experience Management
- Retail Entrepreneur
Industry Partners and Employers
- Altar’d State Corporate
- Belk Corporate
- Kohl’s Corporate
- Home Depot
- Bacon & Company
- Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
- American Apparel & Accessories
- Mast General Store
- PepsiCo
- Pilot/Flying J Corporate
- Randa Apparel & Accessories
- Tom James Company
- Tractor Supply Company
- Wal-Mart Corporate
- Target
- VolShop