Tourism and Events Management

Create Experiences that Inspire, Lead, and Connect

Hospitality, tourism, and events are among the world’s largest and most dynamic industries, and employers are seeking skilled, forward-thinking leaders. At George Mason’s Tourism and Events Management program, you won’t just learn about these industries. You will be prepared to shape them. 

Located in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, George Mason’s Tourism and Event Management program connects you directly to one of the nation’s strongest hospitality, tourism, and events markets. Through applied learning, industry-driven coursework, and hands-on field experiences, you’ll develop the management, leadership, and customer-experience skills employers demand.

We offer clear pathways for every stage of your professional journey, from our Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Events to a customizable Master of Science and specialized minors and certificate. With dedicated faculty, career-embedded internships, and partnerships across the region’s hotels, destination management organizations, event venues, sports facilities, restaurants, and cultural attractions, our program provides the experience, network, and confidence you need to launch a successful and meaningful career.

Why Choose George Mason CEHD

Strategically located. George Mason is located in one of the most vibrant hospitality, tourism, and events hubs in the world. The Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is home to the headquarters of global hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels, as well as numerous tourism and event organizations. Students benefit from access to major tourist destinations, world-class museums and cultural institutions, national and international associations, and large-scale conventions and events hosted throughout the region. Our location provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and hands-on learning.
Faculty Who Invest in You. You’ll learn from and be mentored by faculty with deep expertise in both research and industry practice. Our faculty work closely with students through applied research, internships, field experiences, and professional networking, helping you design an educational path tailored to your interests and future goals.
Flexible & Interdisciplinary Pathways. From undergraduate majors and minors to accelerated master’s programs, George Mason offers flexible degree pathways. Students can customize their academic experience to align with specific career interests across hospitality, tourism, and events.
Clear Career Outcomes. Our students graduate with real-world experience, professional connections, and strong portfolios. In fact, about 70% of our students receive job offers through their internship placements including opportunities directly from the internship site or through the site’s clients, partners, or affiliated organizations. Others benefit from the extensive professional network they build through class projects, site visits, industry events, and partnerships across the DC–Northern Virginia region.

What Sets Us Apart?

Experience-Driven Curriculum. Our program is built on applied fieldwork and practical learning. Every student completes two fieldwork courses, graduating with strong professional competencies and real-world industry experience. 
Hands-On Specialization. Students can pursue distinctive pathways such as the Event Technical Production minor (developed with George Mason’s School of Theater), the Food and Beverage Management certificate, or the Wine and Craft Beverage Management minor, which offers immersive exposure to Virginia’s rapidly expanding beverage industry.
Robust Internship Pipeline. All students complete two internships before graduation. These applied experiences create invaluable networking opportunities and help students translate classroom learning into professional practice.
Lead in Dynamic Environments. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles across hospitality, tourism, and events from hotel operations and restaurant management to event planning, destination marketing, and resort services. Our alumni manage teams, coordinate major events, and shape guest and visitor experiences in organizations throughout the region and around the world.