We’ve consistently been Top 5, but the #2 ranking is a wonderful recognition. – Nancy McGehee, Department Head, Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department in Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business recently earned top national and international recognition. HTM was ranked as the #2 program in the United States and the #6 program in the world by QS World University Rankings.

Grounded in “The Business of Hospitality and Tourism,”  HTM offers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. levels. With a field study requirement and a strong sense of community, HTM students are equipped with the skills they need for the industry. The program also holds one of the highest  graduate placement rates on campus.

Dr. Nancy McGehee, HTM Department Head, explained that it is unique because of its location in a college of business that focuses on international business, analytics, and entrepreneurship. She stated that the program is small enough to know students by name and offer personalized education options while being prestigious enough to attract  world-renowned experts, lifetime achievement award winners, and trailblazing faculty members. McGehee described how faculty members bring industry experience, research excellence, and tremendous skill in the classroom, ultimately creating meaningful connections with their students.

“We’ve consistently been Top 5, but the #2 ranking is a wonderful recognition. QS Rankings are rigorous, and they evaluate a wide range of  fields and disciplines. They analyze faculty research, undergraduate program graduation rates, and Ph.D and Masters programs,” McGehee stated.

McGehee is excited for the future of the program as it continues to grow and evolve within Pamplin.  Beginning in 2018, HTM will be offering a Pamplin core course. Every business major will be required to take International Business. With flexible course options, HTM is an attractive  dual major within the Pamplin College of Business. To learn more about HTM and its recent rankings, visit the website and check out the Hokie Hospitality blog.