• The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management was ranked the top U.S. hospitality program by ShanghaiRanking for the fourth year and is among the top five globally.
• The college is recognized for its strong ties to major entertainment and hospitality companies and its mandate of three internships per student.
• Rosen College plans to launch two new bachelor’s programs in Fall 2023: theme park management and lifestyle community management.

The University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Rosen College of Hospitality Management has been ranked the top hospitality program in the U.S. by ShanghaiRanking for the fourth consecutive year while placing top five globally.

The Rosen College holds renowned distinctions for serving as a pipeline for hospitality talent, with many graduates going on to serve in administrative or corporate roles in some of the world’s biggest entertainment and hospitality companies, like Disney and Universal. An oft-lauded feature of the college’s program is its requirement for each student to complete three internships before graduation, ensuring practical industry experience.

“Securing the top spot for the fourth year in a row is a momentous accomplishment, and I couldn’t be prouder of our college,” said Interim Dean Cynthia Mejia. “This recognition reaffirms our unwavering dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and a resolute commitment to shaping the global future of hospitality and tourism education.

Looking forward, Rosen College is introducing two new bachelor’s programs in Fall 2023: theme park management and lifestyle community management.

“His achievement solidifies our position as a trailblazer in hospitality education and fuels our passion to continue shaping the future of the global hospitality landscape,” continued Mejia.

Given Orlando’s status as a global tourist hub, Marriott and various hotel entities have invested resources into the department in an attempt to prolong its status as an industry pipeline.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide created a $250,000 endowed scholarship this week to be awarded to hospitality students at the University of Central Florida (UCF). The university contributed a further $50,000 to the fund for a combined investment of $300,000.

The fund will be managed by the UCF Foundation and will provide a minimum of two annual scholarships for students at the university’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

UCF’s funding for the partial match came from the Philanthropy for Lasting Change program, which was created to leverage funds from the  $40 million gift given by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2021.