JWU CHARLOTTE
College of Hospitality & Business

At JWU’s College of Hospitality & Business, you’ll prepare to become a leader right in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. The Queen City becomes your extended classroom, with access to major corporations, thriving sports franchises, and a vibrant culinary and entertainment scene.

A Degree That Works in the Real World

In today’s economy, business and hospitality go hand-in-hand — and at JWU Charlotte, you’ll learn to master both. You might explore how branding shapes a guest’s hotel experience, apply financial analysis to event planning, or use entrepreneurial thinking to launch a new hotel concept. Courses are designed to build a versatile skill set — leadership, problem-solving, creative strategy and operational know-how — that can be applied in industries from sports marketing to luxury travel, from nonprofit management to global finance. No matter your path, you’ll graduate ready to create exceptional experiences and drive results.

Hospitality & Business Programs

Business administration students working together on computer

Undergraduate Majors

Get started with our bachelor’s programs spanning Business Administration and Marketing & Advertising to Food & Beverage Industry Management and Hospitality Management and Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management (SEEM).

Minors

Deepen your knowledge in a related field to broaden what you can do with your degree. Complement your major with a minor in Beverage Service Management or Entrepreneurship.

Hands-on Learning in Every Program

From day one, you’ll learn by doing. In our fully operational Hospitality Dining Room, students design and execute themed dining experiences — from the menu to the décor — for guests right on campus. Marketing and Advertising students collaborate with local businesses to create campaigns that make an impact. Finance and accounting majors tap into Charlotte’s status as a national banking hub for internships that provide real client experience. Every project builds your skills and your confidence, preparing you to walk into your first job ready to succeed.

Learn About Experiential Education



ABOVE: HOSPITALITY DINING ROOM

 

Alijha Jamison at White House podium

From the Classroom to the White House

Business Administration major Alijah Jamison ’25 took his JWU education all the way to Washington, D.C., earning a competitive spot in the White House Internship Program. His work in public service sharpened his leadership, problem-solving and networking skills — qualities that will serve him well in any career he pursues.

Read Alijah's Story

Sija Headrick '25

Turning a Passion for Hospitality into a Career

Food & Beverage Industry Management major Sija Headrick ’25 has embraced every opportunity JWU offers — from student government to sorority life to professional wine certifications through her Sommelier Management minor. With the support of faculty mentors, she’s building the technical expertise and industry connections to turn her passion for hospitality into a global career.

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Campus Life Meets Career Ambition

Outside the classroom, student clubs and organizations help you build leadership skills while connecting with peers who share your drive. From professional associations like the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild to entrepreneurship pitch competitions like JWU Sharkfest, you’ll find ways to apply your classroom learning and stand out to future employers.

Explore Student Clubs & Organizations

students holding involvement shirts

Professors with Industry Experience

JWU Charlotte professors know what it takes to succeed because they’ve done it—working as entrepreneurs, event managers, operations directors, corporate consultants and more. They bring insider knowledge and personal guidance to every class, helping you master both the technical skills and the professional mindset that employers want most.

Meet Our Faculty

Wildcats in Action

Discover how our students bring classroom skills to life through competitions, hands-on internships and study abroad — plus news from standout alumni and faculty.

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Memberships

Johnson & Wales University is honored to be a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE), and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA).

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About the AACSB

College of Business AACSB Membership Logo (Vertical Orientation)

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International is the largest business education network and global standard-setting body for business education. We connect educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

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About the ICHRIE

Founded in 1946, the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education is a collegial association that advances and improves global hospitality and tourism education and research. Members within regional federations can take advantage of conference and networking opportunities.

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About the AHLA

AHLA is the largest hotel association in the United States, supporting and advocating for the hospitality industry including major chains, independent hotels, management companies, RITS, bed & breakfasts and industry partners. The association’s more than 1,000 corporate members include the top 10 hotel companies and more than 32,000 member properties.