Salve Regina University is launching a new bachelor’s degree program in tourism, hospitality and event management this fall, designed to prepare students for roles in the travel and tourism industry.
The university also announced two new minors, in wealth management and public policy, and two new post-master certificate programs in behavior analysis and creative writing. All five programs are enrolling now for the fall 2026 semester.
A 2025 economic impact study cited by the university showed that the travel and tourism industry is outpacing global economic growth by nearly 50 percent and is responsible for one in three new jobs created globally. In Rhode Island, the industry supports nearly 90,000 jobs.
Rooted in the Jean and David W. Wallace Department of Business and Economics, the new bachelor’s program combines a business foundation with specialized courses in hospitality, tourism and event management. Students will 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 location in the heart of Newport, providing students with opportunities for real-world experience in the city’s hospitality industry.
“Being based right on Cliff Walk is a privilege all of our students enjoy, but for those looking to explore the hospitality field, our location puts them right into the center of it, and our community partnerships present extraordinary opportunities for hands-on learning, internships and exposure,” said Dr. Nancy Schreiber, Salve provost and vice president of academic affairs.
The new wealth management minor covers concepts central to professional credentials such as the Certified Financial Planner designation and the Chartered Financial Analyst program in investment management, preparing students for careers in private wealth management, asset management, financial planning, banking and related financial services.
The new public policy minor allows students to focus on democracy, international, environmental or social and 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 offers a slate of speakers, internship opportunities and other resources for students in the program.
The university’s first-of-its-kind post-master’s certificate in clinical leadership in behavior analysis is an online program designed to prepare working professionals for leadership roles within clinical organizations. The new post-MFA certificate program in creative writing is a low-residency program offering project-centered study for writers seeking mentorship beyond the master’s level.
Founded in 1947 by the Sisters of Mercy, Salve Regina is a Catholic, coeducational institution with more than 2,700 students enrolled in 60-plus academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees along with graduate certificates and combined bachelor’s/master’s programs.
More information is available at salve.edu.
