Student Profile: Christopher Mullins

Christopher Mullins’ entire life is in Beijing—his job, his wife, his community. Uprooting to finish his degree wasn’t an option. But he also didn’t want to settle for just any online program.

“Because I live in China, I needed something online, but I needed a good school, something that was reputable,” he says.

Christopher discovered Isenberg, and was impressed by the school’s option that allows prospective students to try 15 credit hours before applying. After he completed those courses, he was hooked, and he set out to earn his hospitality and tourism management (HTM) degree. 

“I like Isenberg because the flexibility is irreplaceable,” he says. “To be able to attend a great school and be in my living room in China, you can’t get better than that.”

Christopher, originally from Dayton, Ohio, has lived in China for nearly five years. The program allows him to continue working as a property manager for a small real estate company. His job requires him to travel, and he simply takes Isenberg with him. Recent study spots have been in Malaysia, India and Thailand.

“I can be anywhere,” he says. “As long as there’s an Internet connection I can do my work.”

China is a booming market for HTM majors. As the economy grows, new hotels and tourism spots are quickly sprouting up across the country. 

“They need skilled people with Western hospitality experience,” Christopher says, who plans to work in the food and beverage industry. “In Beijing, there’s a huge boom of American and European restaurants and there’s a foodie culture coming to China.”

Christopher is excited to ride the wave of expansion in China, and he believes his Isenberg degree will be his advantage.

Of the colleges out there that offer online programs, Isenberg and UMass Amherst are leading the way,” he said. “If you’re international and you want to go back to school, it’s a great choice. As long as you have an Internet connection, you’re connected to UMass.”