Founded in 1972, the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) is a prominent institution located in Miami, Florida. It holds the distinction of being ranked 1st in Florida, 3rd in the U.S., and 23rd in the world among public universities for hospitality and tourism management. As the only dedicated hospitality program situated in Miami, a premier global destination for vacation, resorts, and events, the school offers its students unique access to a vibrant industry landscape. The beautiful Biscayne Bay campus, located directly on the water, provides an inspiring environment for learning.
The Chaplin School's academic model emphasizes a blend of comprehensive core requirements and practical experiences. Students benefit from access to expert faculty, a rich curriculum, and networking opportunities that lead to fast-track career paths. A cornerstone of this experiential learning is the exclusive opportunity for students to help run the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). This premier gourmet gathering provides over 1,500 students with real-world, hands-on experience during the four-day event. The school also maintains strong ties with major global corporations such as Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Bacardi USA, Carnival Cruise Lines, Marriott International, and Burger King, offering students valuable connections and insights into the industry.
Graduates from the Chaplin School are well-prepared for diverse careers in the world's largest industry, hospitality. They pursue opportunities in hotel management, restaurant operations, beverage management, real estate management, event and entertainment management, and tourism, including roles within cruise lines, airlines, resorts, and entertainment venues. The school boasts a high student retention rate of 92% and an enrollment exceeding 1800 students, with over 740 internships available. Notably, Chaplin School graduates earn the highest starting salaries compared to any other Florida State University hospitality program, underscoring the effectiveness of its programs and career development support.
Across all programs, graduates face a hospitality industry mid-way through an AI transition: roughly 32% of entry-level task time is automatable today, while 81% of a graduate's output can be amplified by current AI tools. We break this down per program below.
