The University of South Carolina Upstate is expanding its academic offerings with two new degree programs designed to address workforce needs across the Upstate and beyond. The university plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages and Global Studies in fall 2026.
The new programs reflect USC Upstate’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while supporting economic growth throughout South Carolina.
“The addition of these programs demonstrates USC Upstate’s dedication to aligning academic opportunities with workforce needs and regional priorities,” said Chancellor Dr. Bennie L. Harris. “These degrees will equip students with practical, career-ready skills while strengthening industries that are critical to the Upstate’s continued growth and success.”
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management will be housed in the AACSB-accredited Johnson College of Business and Economics. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing industries through a combination of business fundamentals, specialized hospitality coursework and experiential learning opportunities.
According to the 2025 Spartanburg County Talent Gap Analysis and supporting labor market data, hospitality and tourism remain among the region’s most important economic sectors while facing workforce shortages in management, operations, guest experience, digital engagement, revenue management and sustainable operations.
“Hospitality and tourism continue to play a major role in the economic vitality of the Upstate,” said Dr. Jeff Stinson, dean of the Johnson College of Business and Economics. “This program was developed to help address workforce shortages while preparing graduates to lead and innovate in an industry that continues to experience significant growth both regionally and nationally.”
The program will require 120 credit hours and will be offered through traditional face-to-face and blended formats. Initial enrollment is projected at 20 students in fall 2026, growing to 43 students by fall 2030.
USC Upstate also plans to launch a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages and Global Studies through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students with language proficiency, intercultural communication skills and applied professional experience for careers in healthcare, business, education, government, nonprofit organizations and technology.
Students will be able to choose from four concentrations:
- American Sign Language and Deaf Culture
- Spanish for Global Careers
- Spanish Translation and Interpretation
- Global Studies and Intercultural Communication
The degree will be offered in person and in blended formats, with fully online options available for all concentrations except American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.
“The demand for multilingual professionals and individuals with intercultural competency continues to grow across industries,” said Dr. Esther Godfrey, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “This program creates flexible pathways for students while directly responding to workforce and community needs identified by employers throughout the region.”
Regional employers, including BMW, Michelin, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and local chambers of commerce, provided feedback during the development of the program. Employers identified a growing need for professionals with multilingual communication skills, translation and interpretation expertise, and cultural fluency to support increasingly global operations and diverse communities.
Enrollment for the Applied Languages and Global Studies program is projected to begin with eight students in fall 2026 and increase to 35 students by fall 2030.
Both programs are expected to strengthen talent pipelines for critical industries while expanding educational opportunities for students seeking flexible, career-focused degree pathways.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management program is pending approval from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages and Global Studies program is pending approval from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.