FIU's top ranked hospitality school launches new executive education program designed to elevate working professionals

The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU) has launched an innovative, executive education program called FIU Hospitality Executive Education designed to give executives and professionals in the hospitality industry a competitive edge. With a variety of in-person, online, and hybrid learning options, these flexible courses offer the opportunity to earn certifications and micro-credentials while maintaining full-time careers. 

"We are excited to offer a cutting-edge set of courses designed for hospitality professionals seeking to elevate their careers and for executives aiming for the C-Suite,” said Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School. “With Miami as a hub for our in-person programming and our online courses offering global accessibility, we continue to redefine education by providing industry-focused, flexible learning experiences that sharpen the competitive edge of our learners.”

FIU Hospitality Executive Education offerings cover a broad spectrum of industry needs, including hospitality leadership, AI integration, real estate, and beverage management. Select courses include:

• Advanced Hospitality Technology: Integrating AI and Machine Learning – The first fully online course in the U.S. to combine AI and hospitality, designed to help industry professionals understand and apply AI tools in their operations. This pilot course, developed through a grant at FIU, features hands-on case studies with free AI tools. The next cohort begins on June 1, 2025.
• Chief Happiness Officer – A program designed to cultivate workplace trust, well-being, and organizational culture. The next session starts on May 16, 2025.
• Hospitality Leadership Development – Offered in partnership with Vida\Estilo Hospitality Group, this immersive in-person elevates senior executives and empower emerging leaders. 
• The Hotel Real Estate Leadership Certification (HREL) - A program focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean, featuring live virtual sessions with simultaneous translations into Portuguese and Spanish. The next cohort starts Aug. 26, 2025.
• Wine Grapes: An Immersive Wine Tasting Experience - A three-part curated tasting seminar program focused on the world’s most essential grape varieties. Led by Professor Eric Hemer, one of only five individuals worldwide to hold both Master Sommelier and Master of Wine credentials.

These courses are available through open enrollment and are offered in a fully online, self-paced format:

• Coffee Academy – Developed in partnership with LavAzza, this course provides foundational knowledge and techniques to excel as a hospitality professional in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and office coffee service. 
• Future Proof – A bar training program built by renowned bartenders powered by the partnership with the Bacardi Center of Excellence, to provide foundational knowledge and techniques to excel as a hospitality professional.  
• Better Bar Method – A bar management program designed to elevate professionals using the Unfiltered Method’s four key pillars: process, people, product and performance.

“Our executive education programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers – from aspiring industry leaders to seasoned executives.  With a diverse range of courses covering hotel leadership, AI, beverage management and more, we provide the latest industry insights and skills needed to stay competitive in today’s dynamic hospitality landscape,” said Suzanne Markham Bagnera, executive education program director and assistant professor at FIU.

FIU Hospitality Executive Education offers: flexible learning formats catering to working professionals, international accessibility for on campus learning in the global tourist destination of Miami, Florida, industry-leading instructors taught by a mix of FIU faculty and top industry professionals, career-advancing credentials including certifications and micro-credentials designed to boost career advancement, executive opportunities and salary potential and exclusive partnerships and collaborations with industry leaders like iconic spirits and coffee brands such as Bacardi and LavAzza. 

“FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is a recognized leader of higher education, offering a diverse range of programs and certifications that empower professionals at every level of their careers. Our executive education programs are specifically designed for corporate executives, managers, employees and life-long learners who seek to enhance their expertise and stay ahead of industry trends – without the time commitment of a full academic degree,” Cheng said. 

The Chaplin School recently rose from the No. 6 to No. 4 best U.S. Public Hospitality Program in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. The executive education program is led by distinguished Chaplin School faculty and industry thought leaders who bring cutting-edge insights and real-world expertise to every course. Designed for maximum flexibility, courses are available in online, in-person and hybrid formats, with options ranging from self-paced experiences, as well as one-day seminars and multi-day workshops. In addition to existing offerings, FIU’s executive education program can develop customized courses tailored to the specific needs of organizations. 

Enrollment deadlines vary by program and can be found at www.go.fiu.edu/hospexed. Early bird discounts apply to most courses, and corporate or volume discounts are available by contacting hospexed@fiu.edu.