About

The L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at San Diego State University is a leading academic and professional training program dedicated to developing future leaders in the global hospitality, tourism, and events industries. Located within SDSU’s College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, the Payne School offers students a highly personalized and immersive education that combines rigorous business?oriented coursework with real?world experience and industry engagement. At the heart of the school’s mission is a commitment to serving students through academic excellence and practical learning. Students in Hospitality & Tourism Management (HTM) and Recreation Tourism Management (RTM) complete extensive internship and work experiences—both domestic and international—to ensure they graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in dynamic professional environments. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and hands?on application, spanning areas like hotel and resort operations, restaurant management, meetings and events, and specialized fields such as tribal gaming. San Diego’s vibrant tourism economy serves as an extended classroom where students gain exposure to real industry challenges and opportunities. With access to top employers and mentors, students build robust professional networks long before graduation. The Payne School proudly reports one of the highest post?graduation employment outcomes, reflecting its focus on career preparation and industry relevance.

Industries Served

Hospitality, Tourism, Event Management, Restaurant and Food Service, Hotel and Resort Operations, Meetings and Conferences, Tribal Gaming, Recreation and Leisure, Travel and Transportation, Cruise and Cruise Line Management.