JWU Charlotte Launches Three-Year Hospitality Management Degree

Beginning in fall 2026, Johnson & Wales University will offer the new Three-Year Career-Focused bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management at its Charlotte Campus. A first of its kind in the Southeast, this innovative, 90-credit program provides a more affordable path to a successful career without compromising the quality and depth of a traditional JWU education.

For students with clear career goals, this program offers a direct path to leadership positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues and tourism sites — all while enjoying the full college experience of living on campus, joining clubs and participating in sports.

Meeting the Demand for Skilled Leaders

The hospitality sector is booming, creating a high demand for well-trained, passionate professionals ready to lead. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues and tourism sites are all looking for individuals with the right mix of practical skills and strategic knowledge. Recognizing this industry need, JWU Charlotte is pleased to offer an innovative educational model to get skilled graduates into the workforce faster.

“Our Three-Year Degree isn’t just about finishing faster — it’s about immersing students in the industry from day one,” explains Sunil Atreya, chair of the College of Hospitality & Business. “With work-integrated learning, they’ll be out in Charlotte’s hotels, restaurants and private clubs gaining experience and building connections that last a lifetime. Charlotte has become a world-class destination, and we’re proud that JWU is part of that growth. This program allows us to continue preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders who will shape the region’s future.” 

Charlotte: A Destination on the Rise 

Charlotte is more than just a place to study — students are proud to call this city home. Known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., Charlotte has become a hub for foodies, sports fans, art lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Queen City welcomes millions of visitors each year who come to explore its award-winning restaurants, thriving craft brewery scene, vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals and world-class attractions like the U.S. National Whitewater Center, NASCAR Hall of Fame and professional sports teams.

“As the organization charged with growing Charlotte’s visitor economy, we know how essential a strong talent pipeline is to the future of our industry,” said Gina Sheridan, chief communications & advocacy officer at Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. “Johnson & Wales’s new Three-Year Hospitality Management degree is a game changer for Charlotte’s hospitality workforce. We’re excited about the impact this program will have in preparing the next generation of leaders to help drive our city’s growth and success.” 

This booming visitor economy means endless opportunities for hospitality students. Some potential career paths include: Hotel General Manager, Corporate Food & Beverage Manager, Destination Marketing Manager, Tour Operations Manager and more.

“I appreciate the preparedness of JWU students for the hospitality world,” shared Louis Yuhasz ’96, CEO of Introductions Agency. “Their enthusiasm for working in top-notch kitchens, resorts and hotels as well as their readiness to succeed, makes collaborating with them wonderful. As a proud alum, I take great pride in guiding students through their career journeys alongside our partners with Explore Charleston, one of the nation’s leading destination marketing organizations.” 

The Benefits of a Three-Year Path 

Choosing the Three-Year Degree at JWU Charlotte offers several distinct advantages for students ready to jump-start their professional lives.

Save on Tuition Costs 

Education is an investment, and we are committed to making it more affordable and accessible. By finishing your degree in three years instead of four, you can save up to 25% on tuition costs. This significant cost savings means you can enter your career with less student debt and greater financial freedom. All standard financial aid options are available to students in this program, ensuring you have the support you need.

Get Your Career Started Faster

By graduating a full year earlier — without extra courses or summer classes — you gain a significant head start. You can begin climbing the career ladder, earning a salary or even pursuing graduate studies sooner. This early entry into the workforce is a major advantage in a fast-paced industry like hospitality.

Hands-On Experience from Day One

The biggest innovation of our three-year program is our approach to hands-on learning. You’ll complete 600 hours of Work-Integrated Learning throughout your studies. This could be through internships, relevant part-time jobs, volunteering, industry conferences or a combination of activities. These skill-building experiences will help you develop a professional portfolio.

What to Expect in the Program 

The Three-Year Hospitality Management degree delivers the same rigorous, high-quality program as our traditional four-year degree. You’ll take the standard four courses per semester, so you won’t face an increased workload or need to take summer classes. This shorter timeframe is possible because you'll focus on courses related to your career goals, skipping exploratory electives.

You’ll still take our general education core courses that will help you develop the strategic thinking, communication and problem-solving skills employers are looking for. Your major courses will cover the essential pillars of the hospitality industry. You'll dive into subjects like Hotel and Resort Management, Dynamics of Tourism and Sustainability, The Business of Event Management, Hospitality Strategic Marketing and more.

Hospitality is a hands-on industry, and your education at JWU will be, too. From your very first year, you’ll be out in Charlotte’s hotels, resorts, restaurants, event venues and tourism sites applying what you learn in class. As part of the program’s 600 hours of Work-Integrated Learning, you’ll build skills, a résumé and professional network.

You’ll also be immersed in campus life. Join a club — or start your own. Play a competitive sport or join a recreational group. Give back to the community by volunteering through Greek life. Explore our world through a summer study abroad program. Take part in campus traditions and annual events. You’ll create lasting friendships and have freedom to explore interests outside of academics.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the skills employers value most: the ability to manage teams, enhance the guest experience, analyze financial performance and communicate effectively.

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