Salve's new bachelor's degree program prepares students for fast-growing travel and tourism industry

Salve Regina University now offers a bachelor's degree program in tourism, hospitality and event management, preparing students for roles in the fast-growing travel and tourism industry. The University also recently launched two new minor programs in wealth management and public policy and two new post-master's certificate programs in behavior analysis and creative writing. All are enrolling now for the fall 2026 semester.

Immersing students in the travel and tourism field

A 2025 economic impact study showed that the travel and tourism industry is outpacing global economic growth by nearly 50% and is responsible for one in three new jobs created globally. In Rhode Island, the industry supports nearly 90,000 jobs.

Rooted in the strength of the Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics, Salve's new bachelor's degree program combines a rigorous business foundation with specialized courses in hospitality, tourism and event management. Students develop expertise in areas such as global destination management, tourism economics, sustainable and regenerative tourism, food service operations, event production and design, and service quality and customer experience.  

The program leverages Salve's oceanside location in the heart of Newport, a premier tourist destination, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for real-world experience in the city's thriving hospitality industry.  

Kevin Kelly '21, '22 (M), now an account executive at vivenu, said, "My experience at Salve provided a strong foundation in planning and executing live events, with an emphasis on the full guest experience and operational detail. That hands-on, real-world approach translated directly into my career in live entertainment and hospitality."

New public policy and wealth management minors

Salve undergraduate students can now opt to expand their knowledge by pairing their major courses of study with new minors in wealth management and public policy.

The wealth management minor covers concepts central to professional credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program in investment management. The program prepares students for careers in private wealth management, asset management, financial planning, banking and related financial services fields.

The public policy minor is designed for students to turn what they learn into policies that can help solve real problems in their area of study. They can focus on democracy, international, environmental or social/education policy, learn how the policy-making process works and use qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform policy proposals. Salve's Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy is a unique asset, offering a continual slate of speakers, internship opportunities and more.  

A communications and political science double major with a history minor, Leah Spengler '26, said, "Salve offers incredible opportunities for students interested in public policy, from study abroad to Compass Summer, Civic LEAD, faculty-student research, internships, student clubs and the amazing Pell Center. I feel so fortunate to be able to take advantage of these opportunities to intentionally create a life that aligns with my values."  

After her May 2026 graduation, Spengler will stay in Newport, coordinating communications efforts for a state-wide political campaign.

Post-graduate certificate programs

Salve's first-of-its-kind post-master's certificate in clinical leadership in behavior analysis is an online course of study designed to enable working professionals to prepare for leadership roles within clinical organizations. The new post-MFA certificate program in creative writing is a low-residency program offering advanced, project-centered study for writers looking for mentorship beyond the master's level.