Indiana University Southeast announces two new bachelor degree programs
Indiana University Southeast has announced two new bachelor degree programs in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning, and a Sports Leadership track as part of the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. Both programs are set to begin in the Fall 2025 semester.
Recently, Indiana University Southeast announced that it was set to start two new bachelor degree programs starting in the Fall 2025 semester. The programs are a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning, and the addition of a Sports Leadership Track as part of the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies program. These two new programs are designed to address the increasing need for skilled workers in the sports leadership, event planning, hospitality, and tourism industries.
The school hopes the programs will work to influence major economic frameworks in the Kentuckiana region, where sporting events, hospitality, and tourism create over $3 billion in revenue every year in the greater Louisville area alone.
In Kentucky overall, tourism is the third largest industry, and is the thirteenth largest industry in Indiana. Combined, tourism adds over $29 billion to both states every year. The New York Times has even recently recognized Louisville as one of the Top 50 Tourist Destinations in 2024 among other major U.S. cities.
The Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning degree program has been created with the goal of preparing students to receive upwardly mobile careers in these three highly in demand industries. The coursework will largely cover important areas like destination planning, sustainable travel practices, and marketing, while also instructing on necessary topics such as risk management, contract negotiation, logistics, event design, and hotel and restaurant management. Enrolled students will also finish the program with the ability to plan and manage large scale gatherings such as conferences, corporate events, weddings, and more.
The program has been designed around the idea that networking in these fields is vital to success, and as such will provide students the many chances to connect with other alumni as well as current industry professionals. The university intends that these new connections, in addition to opportunities to find internships, attend industry events, and see guest speakers, will allow for a successful transition from schooling to careers in restaurants, convention centers, regional tourism bureaus, and hotels.
In an article published on Indiana University Southeast’s website, Program Coordinator Greg Robers was quoted saying the school is actively reaching out to regionally based professionals and businesses with the invitation to have them involved in the degree program as well as the students attending.
“By fostering strong partnerships with industry professionals, we create opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world projects that not only enhance students’ education but also provide direct benefits to local businesses,” he said.
Matt Gibson, who serves as President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival was also quoted, speaking highly on the importance of this new program, saying, “Now in its 70th year, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown from a single event into a monthlong celebration and tourism driver in Kentuckiana. Programs and partnerships like this generate a skilled talent pool that is key to the future success of both the events and tourism industries in our area. With more than 70 events on the Festival’s schedule every spring we can help provide students with hands-on experience and insights into event production to prepare them for careers in an emerging field.”
Jim Epperson, who serves as the Executive Director of SoIN Tourism noted that his organization is “thrilled to have IU Southeast as a partner for us and for the tourism and hospitality businesses we serve. Our sector is hungry for that skilled workforce and I anticipate there will be eager partners willing to provide workplace learning opportunities and to assist where appropriate in the classroom to foster the next wave of welcoming faces backed up by knowledge and skills.”
Vice President of Finance at Caesars Southern Indiana, Ryan Sienkowski, talked about how the demand for skilled workers with degrees in the hospitality and tourism fields is becoming more and more in demand, saying, “As an employer, we seek individuals who not only have hands-on experience but also a strong foundation in the principles of hospitality management, operations, and the overall guest experience. A well-rounded education in tourism and hospitality ensures that future leaders are equipped to meet the challenges of this growing industry, drive innovation, and provide exceptional guest experiences.”
The Indiana University Southeast Sports Leadership Track has been created with the goal of equipping students with the expertise and skills necessary for many different types of careers in the sports industry.
Classes in the Sports Leadership Track will come from a range of subjects such as business, media, journalism, and communication, in order for the program to be a comprehensive learning experience. Students who graduate from this track will come out with a degree in Communication Studies with a specialized focus on the sports sector which will prepare them for careers in fields such as event planning, public relations, sports promotion and branding, sports journalism and broadcasting, facility management, and coaching and athletic directing.
The Sports Leadership Track will also allow for students to take part in personalized learning opportunities as well as access to connections with industry professionals, internships, and career placement resources. The goal of the program is to provide students with practical experience so that graduates will be prepared to face any challenges that they come across as they enter an extremely competitive field.
Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Indiana University Southeast, Dr. Alexandra Sousa, noted that athletics are “central to the lives of our students, many of whom know they want athletics/sports to be part of their careers. This degree is unlike any comparative programs because of its customizability, interdisciplinary nature, and prioritization on career-readiness that prepares students for a breadth of careers in athletics.”
Dr. Michelle Williams, who serves as the executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Indiana University Southeast, spoke on the school’s commitment to providing the region with skilled workers in growing fields, saying, “IU Southeast is committed to aligning our academic offerings with the demonstrated need for quality professionals in our region. These programs are not only educational investments in our students but also economic investments in the Kentuckiana region.”
The school is currently accepting students into these new programs, with classes beginning in the Fall 2025 semester.
More information about these new programs, admissions, or general information about Indiana University Southeast can be found on the school's website, or by contacting Chris Crews at the Office of Admission via email at ius.admissions@iu.edu.