Training Georgia’s Next Generation of Hospitality Leaders

The University of Georgia’s Hospitality and Food Industry Management (HFIM) program combines business education with applied hospitality training to prepare students for careers across tourism, food service and event management.

Rapid Growth

358% enrollment growth over five years — one of UGA’s fastest-growing undergraduate programs

National Recognition

Among the nation’s top-ranked public hospitality programs

Hands-On Learning

Students gain practical experience through the Georgia Center, a living laboratory serving 200,000 guests annually

About the Program

UGA’s HFIM program, housed in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, is equipping tomorrow’s hospitality leaders with hands-on experience, industry-focused research and innovative outreach programming. Currently ranked No. 2 nationally for public colleges offering a hospitality major, this program has quickly become one of the fastest growing undergraduate majors at the university.

Hotel front desk interaction between a student in the program wearing a dark suit and the HFIM program coordinator in business attire, with additional staff visible in the modern lobby background. A television screen is mounted on the wood-paneled wall.

Real-World Learning Laboratory

The Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel is the active, real-world learning laboratory for the HFIM program. As the Georgia Center serves more than 200,000 guests annually, including hotel guests, visitors to the bistro and restaurant, and conference attendees, it is the ideal real-life setting with practical hands-on application to prepare HFIM students for positions within the industry.

Meeting Georgia’s Industry Demand

As hospitality and tourism form Georgia’s second-largest industry, the workforce need for this thriving sector is robust. Between 2020 and 2030, job growth in leisure and hospitality is expected to rise 31%, while job growth in accommodation and food services is expected to rise by 30%. Recognizing that this industry is generating more than $64 billion in economic impact, and likely much larger amounts in the future, the university stands ready to prepare the industry’s future leaders.

Looking Ahead

To prepare this needed workforce and accommodate the planned expansion of HFIM enrollment, UGA is seeking private support for a multi-phase effort to invest in facility renovations, program needs for students and faculty, and a future facility expansion.

Two people working together at a desk in an office cubicle, with one person pointing at a computer monitor while the other holds bright green binders. Office supplies and personal items are visible on the desk.

Read more about our amazing HFIM students partnering with the Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel