Message from the Dean
As Dean of Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, it is my honor to share with you this past year’s accomplishments and the bold, transformative vision that is leading the way in hospitality today and guiding us into the next decade. In 2025, we achieved a major milestone: FIU’s Chaplin School is now ranked #4 among U.S. hospitality and tourism management programs, reaffirming our position in the Top 1% of global hospitality programs.
FIU is blazing a trail between industry and academia. This year, we focused on two innovative degrees in Cruise Line Management—a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science—to meet the growing demand for expertise in this dynamic sector and Miami’s role as Cruise Capital of the World. To strengthen this initiative, we welcomed a Distinguished Cruise Executive-in-Residence, Larry Pimentel, who brings his C-suite experience and invaluable industry insight and mentorship to our students. In 2026, we will also be the title sponsors of Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s leading forum taking place on Miami Beach.
Our students continue to shine on the global stage. From managing operations at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival®, to curating experiences in luxury hospitality through a partnership with Haute Living Magazine and working behind the scenes at The Super Bowl and Ultra Music Festival, FIU students are gaining hands-on experience that sets them apart. This year, our students also headed to Bordeaux, France for a rich learning experience centered on French wine culture as part of the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies program. This partnership with BGPL USA gave our students immersive experiences in sales, marketing and operations at Chateâu Magnol and its B&G Food & Wine Academy.
These achievements reflect our commitment to preparing future leaders through cutting-edge programs and transformative opportunities. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey as we continue to chart new horizons in hospitality and shape the future of hospitality education.
Michael Cheng, PhD, CHE
Dean & Professor,
FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
Ranked among the top hospitality schools in the world
- #4U.S. public hospitality school (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 U.S. Public Rankings)
- Top 1%Global Hospitality Program (QS World University Rankings)
- #1in Florida (The Wall Street Journal, 2025, 2026)
2025 Enrollment
Hospitality Degrees Awarded in 2025
Undergrad Degrees: 253
Graduate Degrees: 163
Total: 416
Graduation Rate AY21-22: 75.4%
Alumni, Faculty, and Staff Stats
20,000 + Alumni
47 Staff Members
28 Full Time Faculty Members
Unique Programs Offered
9
Undergraduate specializations
8
Graduate Programs
1
Doctorate Degree
The Best in Value
Academic Year 2025
Undergraduate In-State Tuition
$24,668 total
Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition
$79,223 total
Graduate In-State Tuition
$15,036 total
Graduate Out-of-State Tuition
$35,448 total
Fully Online
$27,000 total
Student Successes
Carlos E. Zurek MS ‘24
CRE & Hotel Financing Analyst
Banco Sabadell Miami Branch
"My experience in FIU Chaplin School's Hospitality Management (Real Estate Development Specialization) Master’s program was very enriching as it provided me with the skills and industry knowledge needed to confidently enter the job market. Beyond our lectures, the program’s strong network connected me with key employers, and Professor Clay Dickinson’s introduction and recommendation played a crucial role in securing my current position at Banco Sabadell. My experience emphasizes the value of education, mentorship, and strategic networking in building a successful career in hospitality real estate finance."
Sanai Soloman
"My time at FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has been transformative, with travel opportunities and industry connections that foster professional growth. The classes I have taken that connect students with industry leaders have enhanced my learning experience. With incredible faculty, hands-on training, and invaluable exposure, I’m grateful for these experiences and excited for future opportunities!"
Sophia Crassas
"I had the privilege of joining Royal Caribbean’s 2024 summer intern cohort after discovering the opportunity at the FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management career fair. I am so excited to share that I received an offer to return to Royal Caribbean in their Food & Beverage department as an analyst after I graduate with a full time position."
Faculty Research
From campus dining to navigating the waves of cruise line sustainability to luxury hotels, our FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management researchers are searching the world for real solutions to industry issues.
Our drive to make our world a better place has earned us a distinction few other universities can match: R1 Carnegie Very High Research Designation, the top-tier category for doctoral research universities. In fact, FIU is the only public university in South Florida to achieve this distinction.
At FIU's Chaplin School, our faculty teach and conduct research that influences business practices and sets new industry standards in hospitality and tourism. Here's a look at some of the work our faculty accomplished in 2025.
Articles in Top Publications
Featured News
Hospitality Shaping the Future of Business
Larry Pimentel Spearheading Cruise Programming
FIU Chaplin School Ranks Among World’s Best in QS World University Rankings
Rachel Ray SOBEWFF® Editorial
How FIU is Transforming Hospitality
Food Comes Full Circle at FIU’s New Sustainable Garden
FIU’s Top-Ranked Hospitality School Launches New Executive Education Program Designed to Elevate Working Professionals
Shaken not stirred: Cocktail competition offers lessons for an aspiring beverage management professional
Community Connections
FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is a pillar in the hospitality community. Our faculty, staff and students are continuously engaging in events and creating connections between the industry and academia. Here are some of the ways we made a mark in 2025.
FIU Partners with Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani to Launch Luxury Beverage Entrepreneurship Course
FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management partnered with Haute Living to launch Luxury Entrepreneurship, a first-of-its-kind course that gave students insider access to the world of premium spirits and luxury branding. Led by industry experts Professors Gabriel Urrutia and Haute Living CEO Kamal Hotchandani, the program prepared future leaders to thrive in the competitive luxury beverage market.
Programming on Demand: FIU Chaplin Students Experience Vida & Estilo Hospitality
Students from FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management recently took part in a Programming on Demand experience with Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group, spending a full day exploring several of their Miami Beach restaurants. The program allowed students to move from one concept to another, immersing themselves in diverse culinary environments, team dynamics, and operational realities.
Hospitality Alumni Reunion 2025
This year, FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management rebranded the Rising Star Awards to include the entire Alumni Community, while also honoring the 2020 Rising Star Awards recipients whose ceremony was affected by Covid. Launched in 2019, this event recognizes alumni who are top in their field in every aspect of the hospitality and tourism industry.
Community Support
In 2025, the generosity of our donors helped shape the future of hospitality. Every gift to the Chaplin School supports scholarships, empowers students, and fuels programs that transform our industry. Together, we enrich lives, strengthen our community, and advance innovation, today and for years to come.
Consider giving now to make an impact on the future through our online giving form.