2024 Graduates Concentration in Franchising
PBA’s 2024 commencement class included 11 students who earned the Concentration in Franchising. The concentration is not a degree but it is listed on a graduate’s transcript. Graduates who earned the Concentration in Franchising were honored during the April 2024 Titus Center Advisory Board meeting with more than 100 franchise professionals attending. Graduates received a certificate of completion from the Titus Center. To honor the graduates, PBA alumnus Branden Grimshaw, a member of the Advisory Board, delivered a message of congratulations.
What Can I Do with This Concentration?
Thousands of franchise companies as well as multi-unit franchisees seek to hire candidates who have an education in franchising. However, very few universities provide any education in franchising thus creating an opportunity for graduates of PBA’s Titus Center for Franchising. You can choose any major at PBA and include the Concentration in Franchising using your elective credit hours. With those credentials the Titus Center can help you find employment. There are opportunities in marketing, management, finance, accounting, international business, HR, training, administration, etc. However, many graduates of our program prefer to own a business, and the Concentration teaches you the steps to follow to acquire a franchise opportunity.
Concentration Details
PBA is unique. No other university that we’re aware of offers a Concentration in Franchising. One other university offers a major in franchising. Several universities offer courses in franchising. However, Titus Center is closely aligned with the franchise community. Guest speakers, usually more than 12 per semester, develop ongoing relationships with our students, and offer internships and jobs. Titus Center has a professional Advisory Board that includes more than 40 franchisors, franchisees and suppliers—most of whom take an interest in developing our students and helping them after graduation. Most of our students plan to own their own business, and our Concentration prepares them for that opportunity. We also have scholarships available and will launch a loan program that will provide up to $300,000 for a student/graduate who buys a franchise. The opportunities we provide are simply not available elsewhere.
Credits
To earn the Concentration in Franchising you need to complete 12 credit hours as follows:
- BFR 2123 Principles of Franchising 3 Credit Hours. This course is offered online.
- BFR 3123 Franchise Creative Ventures 3 Credit Hours.
- BFR 4123 Franchise Management & Operations 3 Credit Hours.
- BUSV 4713 Franchise Internship 3 Credit Hours.
Use your elective hours in your degree program to complete the Concentration in Franchising.
Courses
Learn more about your classes and requirements in the course catalog.
PBA awards over three million dollars in scholarships every year and 97% of PBA undergraduate students receive financial aid.
You Ask. We Answer
Q&A about the Concentration in Franchising
Why would I want to earn a Concentration in Franchising?
Do you want a job after graduation? Do you see yourself owning a business after graduation or sometime in the future? If you answered “yes” to either or both questions, then the Concentration in Franchising is perfect for you. It’s the best way to leverage your degree and make yourself attractive to employers, investors, lenders, and others who may help you along your career path. Franchising is a worldwide phenomenon and there are countless opportunities for people to work in franchising — as an employee, a supplier to franchise companies, a franchisor, or a franchisee. Finding talent educated in franchising is a huge challenge. Graduates of PBA who earn the Concentration in Franchising are likely to get multiple job offers prior to graduation.
Do I have to be a business major to earn the Concentration in Franchising?
No. The Concentration is available to all PBA students. Completing the Concentration requires 9 to 12 academic credit hours. Students use elective credit hours to complete the Concentration.
Will the cost of my education increase if I declare the Concentration in Franchising?
No. Students use their elective credit hours to complete the Concentration. Most students have 12 to 16 elective hours. Consult with your advisor.
Will studying franchising delay my graduation?
No. Students use 9 to 12 elective credit hours to complete the Concentration and the elective hours are included in a regular 4-year study plan.
How long will it take to earn the Concentration?
The Concentration is available to any PBA student regardless of major. The Concentration requires three 3-credit hour academic courses: Principles of Franchising, Franchise Creative Ventures and Franchise Management & Operations. The Concentration also requires an internship of 3-credit hours. Students use their elective credit hours to complete the Concentration. It’s best to begin the Concentration in your sophomore year, but you can also complete all the courses starting in your junior year. Discuss the options with your academic advisor or stop in the Titus Center and ask for help.
What if I complete the Concentration and decide not to pursue a career in franchising?
Your education in franchising will be of value beyond a career in franchising. We don’t know what the future holds for us. We may not pursue a certain career immediately only to change our minds later. Plus, franchising teaches you fundamental values and knowledge related to business ownership and management. It also includes expertise in marketing and communications as well as relating to customers. Franchise values are important whether or not you work in franchising.
How do I register for the Concentration in Franchising?
Once you decide to complete the Concentration you must “declare” it as your concentration just as you declare a major. You can pick up the declaration form in the Rinker School of Business dean’s office or in the Titus Center. Complete the form and submit it. The Concentration is not a degree, but it is included on your academic transcript.
How many students declared the Concentration in Franchising?
As of the Fall of 2024, more than 60 PBA students had declared the Concentration in Franchising for the 2024-2025 academic year. Since the opening of the Center in 2017, 61 PBA graduates had earned the Concentration.
Is the Franchise Concentration only for students who plan to buy a franchise or launch a franchise brand?
No. Most graduates who earn the Concentration will not become franchisees or franchisors. More will become employees of franchise businesses. Every franchise company needs employees. Finding talent with franchise knowledge and/or experience is very difficult in a world where people don’t even understand that franchising is a discipline to be studied. Your franchise education will serve you well throughout a lifetime of work.
Where is the Titus Center for Franchising?
Ground floor of the Rinker School of Business.
When was the Titus Center established?
- The center was made possible by a donation from the Ray Titus Family in West Palm Beach. Mr. Titus owns United Franchise Group (UFG) which develops multiple franchise brands. Many Titus Center students complete internships at UFG and many graduates work full-time for UFG.
Why was the Titus Center for Franchising established?
There’s growing demand for college graduates with an education in franchising. There are nearly 4,000 franchisor companies in the USA alone. There are many more franchise supplier companies (including marketing agencies, law firms, HR companies, private equity firms, technology businesses, etc.). There are also franchisees who own multiple units of a franchise brand or multiple brands. All of these companies need employees who have knowledge about franchising. Most people know very little about franchising. The Concentration in Franchising gives students an edge when they seek employment. When he pledged his donation to PBA, Mr. Titus explained that he and other franchise owners would welcome the opportunity to hire graduates with knowledge about franchising.
Who teaches the franchise courses?
All courses are taught in the classroom by Titus Center Faculty: Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE, director of the center or Dr. Christos Kelepouris, associate director. Faculty offices are located in Titus Center.
How do I find an internship in franchising?
The Titus Center works with franchise companies to develop internships. Every internship must be approved by Titus Center. Once you declare the Concentration in Franchising your name will be included on the Titus Center mailing list and you will get frequent updates about Titus Center activities, events and internships. Some internships are face-to-face with local franchise companies; other internships are completed remotely. Internships pay an hourly fee between $15 to $20.
Besides courses and internships what else does Titus Center provide to students?
Professional contacts! Visit the Titus Center Advisory Board page on TitusCenter.com. The center is supported by an impressive Advisory Board that includes franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to franchising. The Advisory Board meets twice a year on campus and Titus Center students are invited to participate in the meetings. This gives our students opportunities to meet franchise professionals, many of whom want to mentor our students and eventually hire them or invite them to become franchisees. The Titus Center sponsors events throughout the year, most notably the Selling Franchises Summit every January. Students are invited to participate at no cost. Students also have opportunities to attend franchise expos and conferences. To learn more about these opportunities stop in Titus Center and ask.
Does the Titus Center provide scholarships?
Every November the Titus Center awards multiple scholarships to qualified students studying franchising. The scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000. Students are invited to apply for scholarships starting each September. Information about scholarships is available at TitusCenter.com.
While I’m a student can I work for Titus Center?
Yes, students are invited to apply for a limited number of internships with Titus Center. The Center hires several interns annually.
How many PBA students have graduated with a Concentration in Franchising?
As of May 2024, Titus Center awarded the Concentration in Franchising to 61 graduates. Of that number, nine graduates bought franchises, and more than 20 others worked for franchise companies.
Is the Concentration in Franchising a major or minor?
No. Students elect to include a Concentration as part of their academic experience. The Concentration is included on the student’s transcript. PBA’s Rinker School of Business offers a major in Entrepreneurship & Franchising.
Are business students required to study franchising at PBA?
No. The Concentration in Franchising is an elective program. No PBA student is required to complete a Concentration. The Concentration in Franchising is open to all PBA students regardless of major.
Is there an opportunity to learn more about franchising before I declare the Concentration in Franchising?
Yes. Academic advisors in the Rinker School of Business may help you better understand franchising. You can also visit the Titus Center for Franchising and ask to meet with an advisor. You could also drop in a franchise course for a visit. Perhaps the best way to learn more about franchising is to speak with a PBA student who is earning (or has earned) the Concentration.
Isn’t franchising all about food businesses?
That’s what most people seem to think. Almost everyone recognizes McDonald’s is a franchise. So are other large quick service food and beverage companies. But franchising is a methodology used by businesses in dozens of industries. Service and retail businesses such as Signarama, Transworld Business Advisors, Puroclean, Scenthound, Retro Fitness, Midas, The UPS Store, etc. use franchising to deliver their products and services to consumers. Franchising is huge!
Are good paying jobs available in franchising?
Yes. Franchise companies seek job applicants who have an education and/or experience in franchising. There are jobs in sales, management, marketing, training, communications, finance, accounting, public relations, legal, HR, IT, etc. Salaries and benefits are competitive.
Are athletes at PBA invited to declare the Concentration in Franchising?
Yes. Many PBA athletes have earned the Concentration in Franchising.
Can students attend the Titus Center Advisory Board meetings?
Yes. Titus Center invites students to participate in board meetings and other events sponsored by the Center.
Can I find a business mentor though the Titus Center for Franchising?
Titus Center students can be mentored in franchising by members of the Titus Center Advisory Board.
Is PBA the only university to teach franchising?
No. Several universities around the USA teach franchise courses. Other than PBA, no university that we’re aware of offers a Concentration in Franchising.
Got a question we didn’t answer? Just ask! Send your questions to Titus Center.
Prepared for Success
Cole Gehman, Class of ’23, Major: Marketing
I have just wrapped up my internship with Jack Day and Steve Popper (Titus Center Advisory Board members) at Meals of Hope and it was an amazing experience.
The internship with Meals of Hope was unique to any other internship that I have had, as I gained valuable experience in marketing, sales, and franchising. Jack trusted me to work directly with potential clients in the New England area, so I gained real-world sales experience as an intern. Jack and Steve also provided the flexibility for me to pick my own hours for the summer and work remotely. I also had the opportunity to take creative initiative and pitch new ideas. I cannot speak highly enough about the fantastic leadership team at Meals of Hope, and I am looking forward to seeing the impact they have on the franchising community in the years to come.
I would highly recommend this internship experience to any Titus Center student who is interested in working for a great cause while gaining valuable real-world experience in franchising, sales, marketing, and operations.
Aaron Rose, Class of ’19, Director of Operations at ResiBrands in Round Rock, TX
“As a graduate of the Titus Center for Franchising, I can confidently say that this program has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in franchising. Their comprehensive and practical education gave me a thorough understanding of the industry and its practices, from both a franchisor and franchisee perspective. The center’s connections with franchising executives from all around the world provided me with extremely valuable networking opportunities and insights into the latest trends and challenges in the field and also gave me the chance to get plugged into the franchising world and gain practical experience that has been invaluable in my career. I would highly recommend the Titus Center for Franchising to anyone looking to enter this exciting and dynamic field. In three short years after graduating, I have the privilege of serving an emerging franchising conglomerate as their Director of Operations. I can say with certainty, if you apply yourself and take advantage of the networking opportunities, world-class internships, and resources available through the Titus Center, it will catalyze your career in franchising, just as it did mine.”
Alianna Marino, Class of ’24, Major: Business Administration
“I am a raving fan of Palm Beach Atlantic University because of the opportunities the Titus Center for Franchising has offered to me. With the Titus Center of Franchising, I have been able to connect with my classmates, other successful business operators and owners, as well as my professor, at a more intense level. This has helped me develop skills outside of the classroom. Some opportunities and experiences that I have had are going to professional networking events with franchise executives, franchise conventions, symposia, and franchise company locations to gain real world and hands on experiences. These are practices that you are not prone to get at other universities.”
Carson Quinn, Class of ’24, Major: Finance
“The franchise concentration has been a blessing to my college career since day one. Through the program, I have learned everything there is to know about franchising including what defines a franchise, the meaning of the items within the Franchise Disclosure Document, the importance of the Franchise Fee, and how a franchisor operates their company for the benefit of the franchisees. Even more monumental is the exposure to private networking events, conventions, internships, and scholarships. I definitely recommend the concentration in franchising because it will boost your business life and acumen. . . . I am a second-generation Jupiter native who loves the beach and Chick-fil-A. I am currently studying finance and will graduate with my bachelor’s in May 2024 and then pursue a master’s degree in the fall right after. I am involved in various activities on campus including FinTech and Student Government. My career goal is to work for JP Morgan or own a Chick-fil-A.”
Matthew Cancino, Class of ’23, Major: Management
“I cannot begin to express the effectiveness of the Concentration in Franchising and how grateful I am to have participated in it. Before crossing paths with Palm Beach Atlantic’s center for franchising I could have never imagined the incredible opportunities that franchising offers. Beyond the exceptional professional development opportunities, what truly sets the Titus Center apart is the sense of community it creates. Titus Center for Franchising is more than just an educational institution; it is a life-changing experience. To anyone considering the Titus Center for Franchising, I wholeheartedly endorse this transformative institution. Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey that will not only shape your career but also leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.”
