From creating premier vacation experiences to optimizing daily life in thriving cities, UCF is recognized as a leader in education that powers industries that enhance the human experience.
For six consecutive years, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management ranks No. 1 in the nation for Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs, according to ShanghaiRanking’s 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. Rosen College also ranks No. 2 globally, a two placement rise from 2024. For the first time, UCF rose five spots from last year to rank No.1 in the nation for Transportation Science and Technology, as well as No. 19 internationally — with an impressive 28 spot improvement.
As interest in travel, entertainment and tourism continues to climb worldwide, the demand for professionals who understand how to manage destinations, design experiences and lead hospitality organizations has never been higher. Rosen College has proven, once again, it produces highly qualified graduates and impactful research to meet this demand.
“Our global and national rankings reflect the work of an extraordinary community,” Rosen College Dean Cynthia Mejia says. “Our faculty, staff and students are deeply committed to advancing hospitality and tourism education, and their dedication elevates our academic programs and supports an industry that continues to grow in scale and complexity.”
Transportation is a critical factor for economic growth and provides social benefits, and UCF’s leading placement in this academic area signals the university is contributing to national and global advancements in this area. Smart and Safe Transportation Lab Director and Pegasus Professor Mohamed Abdel-Aty says the transportation science and technology ranking is a testament to the efforts of the students and faculty in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering (CECE), which is in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and relevant fields.
“This [ranking] highlights the sustained effort of our top faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students, and the impactful research and innovation led by our transportation team,” Abdel-Aty says.
Preparing Students with Industry for Industry
The hospitality and tourism sector remains one of America’s most dynamic employers. Federal projections show that the U.S. leisure and hospitality industry will add more than 822,000 new jobs between 2023 and 2033. This means the sector will account for nearly one in every eight new jobs created nationwide over the next decade, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Central Florida remains at the center of this growth the nation’s most visited destination (2024, Visit Orlando), allowing Rosen College to deliver hands-on, applied learning education that is difficult for other programs to compete with. Orlando specifically serves as a living classroom for Rosen College students, including the new Universal Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort.
Every Rosen College student has direct access to major employers by completing three internships that immerse them in real operations and prepare them to navigate the demands of an industry defined by pace, scale and innovation. Many graduates now serve in leadership roles at organizations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Destinations & Experiences, Marriott, and Loews Hotels, among many others.
Research Insights that Inspire Innovation
Mordor Intelligence estimates the U.S. hospitality market projected to surpass $313 billion by 2030. And with EHL Insights anticipating global travel and tourism expected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% through 2032, research that anticipates shifts in the industry has never been more vital. Rosen College’s faculty research global tourism and hospitality trends, focusing on competitiveness, destination resilience, lodging analytics, sustainability and traveler behavior. Their work, published in leading journals, guides industry leaders through changing guest expectations, economic pressures and technological shifts — bridging research and practice to prepare for future challenges
“Our faculty research is at the heart of Rosen College’s success,” says Rosen College Associate Dean for Research Manuel Rivera. “They create insights that inspire innovation in hospitality and tourism, helping our graduates and industry partners shape exceptional experiences for guests worldwide.”
Education That Has a Broader Economic Impact
Transportation systems directly impact the economic and social growth of our society, with 87% of public transportation trips connecting riders to work opportunities and local businesses, according to tech-based transportation service company Via. The Transportation Group at UCF has multiple interdisciplinary faculty who contribute to various domains including artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, data analytics, intelligent systems, planning, resilience, traffic engineering and safety.
“Data-based or objective rankings like ShanghaiRanking help illustrate not only the recent contributions that CECE faculty have made to transportation science and technology, but the continuous evolution of UCF as a research institution and partner in Central Florida and the nation,” CECE Chair Kevin Mackie says.
UCF offers a master’s in civil engineering with a track in transportation systems engineering. The program offers a strong focus in transportation systems, traffic safety and traffic signal protection. Under the leadership of Abdel-Aty, CECE’s Future City Initiative, which explores technological advancements to better serve urban residents, has led to numerous interdisciplinary collaborations on and a master’s track in smart cities.
Research That Improves and Saves Lives
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 39,345 people died in traffic crashes in 2024. These losses underscore the importance of improving transportation and roadways — and serve as reminders of why the Transportation Group at UCF is committed to their work.
Abdel-Aty’s recent work includes investigating roadway crash data using advanced modeling approaches and build tools that the DOT and other transportation agencies can employ to address road safety challenges.
The transportation group at UCF features numerous internationally and nationally recognized faculty members who have received funding for the work by entities such as the DOT, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Central Florida Expressway Authority, U.S. National Science Foundation. They’ve also received support from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) as part of the National Highway Cooperative Research Program (NHCRP).
Among these distinguished faculty contributing to national developments is Associate Professor Naveen Eluru, who is currently focused on transportation planning research that will be used in federally mandated long-range transportation forecasting procedures.
