Virginia Tech Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management

Virginia Tech Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management is located on the university campus in the rural community of Blacksburg, population 44,563, in the western hill country of Virginia. Well respected in the industry, the department is ranked among the top hospitality and leisure management programs worldwide in the latest QS World University Rankings.

Department head Nancy Gard McGehee is understandably proud of what she is working with. “In our internationally-ranked undergraduate program, our students are immersed in the business of hospitality and tourism, gaining core skills in finance, accounting, marketing, business information technology, and digital media.” Ms. McGehee makes the point that, “All HTM students are required to engage in intensive field study and internship activities. As a result, we enjoy one of the top graduate placement rates.” 94% to be precise.

TJ Perry is a hospitality industry veteran who has worked his way up via progressive roles in luxury resorts, urban boutique hotels, and large city tourism centers across the U.S. He recently joined Lansdowne Resort and Spa as Resort Manager, which brings him back to the Virginia hill country, land of his alma mater.“A degree from Virginia Tech,” Mr. Perry says, “is a passport to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Why work in a gray cubicle when you can work in a gorgeous resort, or elegant restaurant, or retro hotel, making guests’ dreams come true every day.”

Virginia Tech Hospitality & Tourism career options include:

  • Hotel Operations Manager
  • High-end Restaurant Owner/Manager
  • Casino Gaming Manager
  • Cruise Industry Executive
  • Meeting and Convention Sales Manager
  • Tourism Attraction Entrepreneur
  • Hospitality Data Analytics Specialist
  • Hospitality and Tourism Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Hotel Real Estate and Financial Analyst
  • Event and Special Experience Designer & Producer

On the way to a Hospitality & Tourism Degree, there is much else to enjoy at Virginia Tech, cultural and sportive. Students have a multitude of teams they can pick from to join, from intramural to the highest varsity level (think VT football). There are sky diving and snow skiing clubs for men and women, along with lacrosse, rugby, ultimate Frisbee, and a long list of other sports groups to be part of. Students with stage or musical abilities have the School of Performing Arts available for taking an elective course or two, perhaps getting themselves cast in a production. The Moss Arts Center, near where Virginia Tech intersects with downtown Blacksburg, is an impressive community of venues for the performing arts, presenting plays, symphonies, opera and dance. The Virginia Tech School of Visual Arts has studios and galleries in the complex as well, making for an overall locale where creative friendships and collaborations come naturally.

Blacksburg itself, situated on a plateau between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, is continually ranked as one of the best places to live in America. And at a reasonable cost, especially considering the academic amenities. Zillow lists the median price of a home in Blacksburg at $289,600.

In-state tuition at Virginia Tech is $13,620. Out-of-state is $31,908. Room and board averages $8,934 for both. “The demand for a Virginia Tech degree is greater than it has ever been,” said university president Tim Sands. “But we are committed to keeping costs down and providing an affordable, high-quality education for Virginia residents.” Future residents, of course, included.

For qualified EB-5 investors whose plans include a move to the United States, and to whom the western countryside of Virginia sounds appealing, The LCP Group would be pleased to work with them and their family to explore educational and business opportunities there. An introductory email to info@LiveInAmerica.us will receive a prompt response.