FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) and Florida International University (FIU) have announced a new articulation agreement that will provide a seamless transfer pathway for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism management. The partnership allows graduates of The River with an Associate in Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management to transfer directly into FIU’s top-ranked Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to complete their bachelor’s degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. Students will complete their BS in Hospitality & Tourism Management one semester faster and will save over $1,250 in tuition costs with this agreement.
The agreement addresses the critical need for qualified hospitality professionals in Florida’s tourism industry, which generated a record $128 billion economic impact in 2023 statewide. The Treasure Coast region, served by The River, plays a vital role in this economic engine, contributing significantly to the state’s position as a premier tourism destination.
“This partnership with FIU represents a tremendous opportunity for our students to advance their education and career prospects in one of Florida’s most important industries,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “By creating this direct pathway to a four-year degree in hospitality and tourism, we’re ensuring our graduates have the credentials and knowledge needed to assume leadership roles in hospitality and tourism management. This agreement reflects our commitment to providing students with affordable, accessible education that leads to meaningful career opportunities in high-demand fields.”
FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is ranked 4th in the U.S. and 31st in the world, making this partnership particularly valuable for Indian River State College students seeking to advance their careers.
“We are excited to welcome Indian River State College graduates into our programs,” said Diann Newman, vice-dean of FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. “This articulation agreement ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that builds upon the strong foundation established at Indian River State College. Our partnership will help meet the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals throughout Florida and beyond, while providing students with enhanced career opportunities in this dynamic industry.”
The significance of this agreement extends beyond individual student benefits. Florida’s tourism industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, with 34.4 million visitors welcomed in just the second quarter of 2025 alone. The Treasure Coast region, encompassing Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties, where The River operates, benefits significantly from tourism spending and requires qualified professionals to manage hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tourism-related businesses.
“The hospitality and tourism industry offers incredible career opportunities for our students, and this partnership with FIU ensures they can pursue those opportunities with the highest level of preparation,” said Deborah Midkiff, Department Chair and Instructor for Hospitality and Tourism Management at Indian River State College. “Our Associate in Science program already prepares students for entry-level management positions in food & beverage, and tourism, but now they have a clear pathway to advance to senior management roles. We’re seeing strong demand from employers for graduates with both practical experience and advanced education, and this agreement delivers exactly that combination.”
The River’s Associate in Science in Hospitality and Tourism degree prepares students for entry-level management positions in the food & beverage and tourism industry. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience to ensure graduates are workforce-ready upon completion.
Students in the program gain expertise in:
- Hotel and lodging operations
- Food and beverage management
- Event planning and management
- Tourism marketing and development
- Customer service excellence
- Financial management in hospitality
- Sustainable tourism practices
For more information about Indian River State College’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program, visit: https://irsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/aas-degrees-certificates/hospitality-and-tourism-management and https://hospitality.fiu.edu/to learn more about FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
