UNH Today

As the demand for supply chain professionals increases and the hospitality industry evolves, the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics is responding by adding supply chain management and hospitality management as options in the business administration curriculum. 

“These new options not only provide students with greater flexibility but also equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in dynamic global markets in high-demand industries” says Luciana Echazu, associate dean for undergraduate education. “Through a curriculum designed in collaboration with industry experts and enriched with experiential learning opportunities, our students will be prepared to meet the challenges of today's business landscape and drive innovation in their chosen fields.”  

Supply chain management option gives students new opportunities 

Supply chain management involves planning, coordinating and optimizing the flow of goods and services — from their origin to the end consumer. In today’s globalized economy, supply chains are critical for business success. 

At Paul College, the supply chain management elective course has had strong enrollment since its launch in spring 2023, and many students expressed interest in taking more courses that build upon the supply chain and operations concepts covered in their core curriculum. Additionally, students have taken the initiative to learn more about the industry by attending networking nights and engaging with industry professionals.

Developed with input from an industry advisory board, the option's curriculum offers a global perspective through current events, sustainable practices and experiential learning. Students build skills in quantitative analysis, problem-solving, project management and communication while applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios with industry professionals.  

“The new supply chain management option will prepare our students to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovative change in a company’s supply chain,” says Russ Miles, option coordinator and senior lecturer of decision sciences. 

Hospitality management shifts from major to business administration option  

The hospitality management option replaces the degree program, a response to both industry demands and student feedback.  

Surveys revealed that while many students were switching from hospitality management to business administration, interest in the field remained strong. Students expressed a desire for more flexibility than the major offered, with hospitality management ranking as a top choice for new options. 

Additionally, industry leaders emphasize the need for professionals who combine hospitality expertise with strong business acumen and critical thinking skills. This option will provide students with a solid foundation in business and economics, alongside specialized industry knowledge, hands-on learning experiences and industry-ready credentials. 

The option also gives students enhanced flexibility to pair their studies with other business disciplines, such as finance, marketing and entrepreneurship, and to explore the program’s sustainability-based dual major in EcoGastronomy.     

“Hospitality Management is a door opener for almost every industry where customer experience is created, and people need to be managed,” says Markus Schuckert, hospitality professor and program leader. “As hospitality management demands strong leadership skills, agility and talent to manage and communicate, hospitality graduates, with their ‘can-do’ attitude, are in high demand and are highly successful across industries.”  

Schuckert notes that the program has one of the largest and most supportive alumni networks at Paul College, allowing students to connect with leading industry professionals for mentorship, internships and employment opportunities.    

New minor in real estate finance and investments

The real estate finance and investments minor addresses the significant demand for professional training in real estate finance and develops students' analytical and problem-solving skills through a hands-on approach to real estate finance, investments, appraisal and property management. 

The curriculum prepares students for multiple career paths within the real estate sector, including investment banking, financial analysis and property management. Beyond professional preparation, the minor enriches students' understanding of how real estate impacts both societal structures and personal lives.