phd hospitality and tourism management

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Hospitality and Tourism Management Graduate Program

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

The hospitality and tourism management graduate program offers world-class postgraduate programs for industry professionals seeking to move ahead in their careers and aspiring academics seeking to gain the knowledge and skills to be researchers and teachers.

PhD Program

The PhD program is designed to be one of the strongest research-based programs in the world. The program — which includes a strong element of statistics and research design — prepares you for careers in major research universities or research-based agencies. Upon graduation, you are expected to have a curriculum vitae, which includes teaching experience, publishing experience in research journals, and a record of presentations to industry and research societies. The program has limited enrollment to allow you to develop exceptionally close working relationships with faculty.

Potential Careers

• Research Analysts
• Policy Analysts
• Consultants

Program Highlights

• The school’s research centers allow cooperative research across individual projects, leading to strong contributions in the industry.
• You will have numerous opportunities to work one-on-one with faculty developing, conducting and analyzing research that deals with real problems in the hospitality industry.

Master of Science Program

The Master of Science program offers one of the most up-to-date and integrated blends of theory, technology and applications in the hospitality industry. You will have a choice of thesis or non-thesis plans of study in our residential program. Core courses will advance your understanding of this dynamic industry while exploring how to conduct research and analyze information. If you choose to complete the online program , you will complete courses designed specifically for mid-career professions in the hospitality and tourism industry.

• Communication coordinator
• Vice president of operations
• Special events coordinator
• Production specialist
• Operations manager
• Corporate recruiter
• Planning specialist
• Research fellow
• Area manager
• The thesis or capstone project is designed to integrate your key learnings and demonstrate your understanding.
• Small classes are designed to maximize learning and engagement with world-class faculty.
• Immersive coursework in issues requiring integration, insight and critical thinking encourage the illumination and creation of new knowledge.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type : Master’s, Doctoral

Program Length : Master’s: 2 years Doctoral: 3-4 years

Location : West Lafayette, IN

Department/School : White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Plan of Study

Graduate Student Handbook

Graduate Research

In the hospitality and tourism management master’s and doctoral programs, you’ll gain significant exposure to research , working directly with the school’s faculty to explore important issues facing the hospitality industry — from sustainability and responsible travel to food safety and employee well-being.

Research Opportunities

• Food service operations
• Healthy eating and menu nutrition labeling in the hospitality industry
• Food safety
• Sustainable tourism
• Responsible travel
• Employee well-being
• Visitor economic behavior
• Tourism experience design and marketing
• Traveler experience, wellness and technology
• Visitor harassment

Research Areas

• Hospitality and service management
• Tourism management and community development
• Sustainability and innovation

Research Facilities

• Arthur Avery Foodservice Research Laboratory
• Center for Hospitality and Retail Industries Business Analytics
• Purdue Tourism and Hospitality Research Center
• Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel Lab
• Visitor Harassment Research Unit

Faculty by Research Area

Consumer behavior and individual well-being, hospitality and service management, tourism management and community development, sustainability and innovation, branding and experience design, application procedure for residential programs.

Thank you for your interest in our top-ranked graduate programs. Before you continue with the electronic application for admission, please familiarize yourself with the minimum requirements for admission to the graduate residential programs in the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. It is important to recognize that although satisfaction with these basic requirements does not guarantee graduate admission, failure to satisfy these requirements may lead to automatic denial of admission.

Starting the Application

Required Application Materials

These are documents that are required to support a successful application. Supporting documents should be uploaded to the electronic application or mailed directly to the graduate program. See the sections below for more details. Supporting documents include the following unless otherwise noted:

• Transcripts

The admission committee is looking for transcripts with a GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. Prospective PhD students need a transcript that shows completion of a master’s degree. You can upload offical copies directly to the application portal. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. If transcripts are not in English, an English translation will need to accompany the transcript.

You must provide physcial copies of the official transcripts and/or academic records if you are admitted and choose to enroll. Official documents should be submitted to:

Office of Graduate Admissions Purdue University Graduate School 155 South Grant Street, YONG 170 West Lafayette, IN 47907

• GRE Test  OR GMAT Test  (optional) 

Due to COVID-19 constraints, the GRE/GMAT is optional. The admissions committee values these tests and highly recommends applicants take and send their scores as part of their application package for a holistic review.

We encourage inclusion of Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination)  OR  GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) report of scores taken within the last five years. Applicants may submit results from either the GRE or GMAT, but most students use the GRE. 

GRE (minimum)  | verbal and quantitative score of 290 or higher (each: minimum of 145) | code  1631 . For information and test dates visit  www.gre.org .

GMAT (minimum) | total score of 550 (verbal and quantitative sections) | code  1RZ-NJ-46 . For more information visit  www.mba.com .

• English Proficiency  (a requirement for International Students)

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency for admission to all degree graduate programs.

TOEFL iBT (minimum) | Writing 18, Speaking 18, Listening 14, Reading 19 | Total 80 | code  1631 . For further information, visit  www.toefl.org .

TOEFL Essentials (minimum) | Writing 8, Speaking 8, Listening 8, Reading 8 | Total 8 | code  1631 . For further information, visit  www.toefl.org .

IELTS (minimum) | Writing 6, Speaking 6, Listening 6, Reading 6.5 | Overall brand score of 6.5.   For more information, visit  www.ielts.org .

• Recommendation letters  

HTM requires three letters of recommendation: two from academia and one from an employer.

When you create an online application to the Purdue Graduate School, you will be asked to input the names and emails of your recommender. Once you click “Send to Recommender,” your recommendation providers will receive an email with instructions on submitting their recommendation online. The Purdue University Graduate School strongly encourages you to provide an email address affiliated with an academic institution, professional organization or employer. If there is not an affiliated email, please be sure to inform the individual writing your letter that they must be on business letterhead to assure they are valid. Once the online recommendation is submitted the graduate program to which you applied will have access to view your online recommendation.

• Current Resume

HTM’s application review committee is looking for a minimum of one year of work experience in a related area or two completed internships (internships must total six months or more).

Assistantships  that HTM offers are typically determined based on past work experiences and career goals outlined in the resume. Preference will be given to admitted applicants with related work experience that meet the needs of HTM.

• Diversity Essay 

The application portal will ask for a diversity letter. In this document you should describe your leadership; work experience; service experience; or other significant involvement with racial, ethnic, socio-economic or educational communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education. You should then describe how these experiences would promote a diversity of views, experiences and ideas in the pursuit of research, scholarship and creative excellence. You should feel free to discuss your own personal experiences in the essay.

• Statement of Purpose

A statement of approximately 500 words is encouraged that explains your interest in undertaking or continuing graduate study; your reasons for wanting to study at Purdue; and your professional plans, career goals and research interests. You also may explain any special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on your special abilities, awards, achievements, scholarly publications and/or professional history.

•   Pay Application Fee

A $60 application fee applies for domestic students, and a $75 application fee applies for international students.

Jonathon Day | Doctoral Program Director

For questions regarding the hospitality and tourism management doctoral graduate program, please contact [email protected] .

Alei Fan | Masters Program Director

For questions regarding the hospitality and tourism management masters graduate program, please contact [email protected] .

Hospitality and Retail Management

• Human Sciences

Hospitality & Retail Management Ph.D.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail Management

48 Credit Hours

Campus Lubbock, TX

GRE Required

Earn your ph.d. in hospitality, tourism, and retail management that puts you on the tenure track..

Texas Tech University offers one of the only hospitality, tourism, and retail management (in-person) doctoral degrees in the country that allows you the flexibility to earn your doctorate in one of three disciplines. Your diploma will provide specific detail regarding which concentration you pursued for your degree. No other program provides you with better preparation for an academic career than Texas Tech University.

Widely recognized as one of the nation's top hospitality, retail, and tourism programs, Texas Tech continues to produce high-quality university faculty who lead, teach, and conduct research around the world.

Our Ph.D. in tourism, hospitality, and retail management provides a strong foundation for your career by providing you with opportunities to:

• Showcase your academic talent and success. You will receive recognition for your work through independent research that culminates in journal publications and conference presentations.
• Work with accomplished faculty. Texas Tech's hospitality, retail management, and tourism faculty includes content experts with widespread academic and industry connections.
• Develop a global perspective. Our hospitality, tourism, and retail management Ph.D. program draws students and faculty from all over the world, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
• Develop exceptional research skills. The doctoral program in hospitality, tourism, and retail management at Texas Tech provides  coursework to enhance your skills in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Advanced coursework in theory, literature, and statistics will provide the foundation you need to be a top scholar.
• Develop outstanding teaching skills . Texas Tech's Ph.D. program stands out for its curriculum development and educator training. You will receive advanced teaching experience as part of your doctoral education, with strong mentorship from seasoned faculty who have many years of teaching experience.
• Work with premier research centers and institutes. Only students at Texas Tech have the opportunity to work with GUEST and the Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute (TWMRI). GUEST focuses globally and locally on experiential and sustainable tourism and has worked in the U.S., Costa Rica, and Jordan. TWMRI works to advance the wine industry in the state of Texas and has connections with other wine centers and institutes across the U.S. and the globe. GUEST and TWMRI provide doctoral students with access to outstanding research opportunities.

Our hospitality, tourism, and retail management Ph.D. program enables you to build comprehensive skills and an impressive resume. You will be qualified for faculty positions at leading universities, with excellent opportunities for promotion to leadership positions and administrative roles such as dean.

Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail Management Ph.D. Objectives and Outcomes

The Hospitality, Tourism, and Retail doctoral degree prepares you for faculty positions in higher education, as well as leadership positions in the industry.

Hospitality Administration: Concentrate on management and marketing research associated with hospitality including; hotels, restaurants, institutional management, dynamic pricing, guest experience, and technology.

Tourism Administration: Concentrate on management and marketing research associated with tourism including; group and event management, experiential and wine tourism, and place branding.

Retail Management: Concentrate on management and marketing research associated with retailing including; branding, shopper and consumer behavior, pricing, service and brandscape.

Cost By Program

• Acquire an in-depth understanding of the theory, concepts, and practices in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and retail management.
• Explore key issues facing these industries, current research, and practices in hospitality, tourism and retail management.
• Apply concepts and theories to solve theoretical and practical problems related to hospitality, tourism and retail management.
• Communicate research findings for both academic and professional audiences.
• Develop an aptitude for and expertise in a variety of research and statistical techniques important for research in the academy and the hospitality, tourism and retail industries industry.
• Value the integration of your research with teaching to provide your students with advanced understanding.
• Analyze the global, social, multicultural, and environmental issues facing the hospitality, tourism and retail professionals in academic and industry settings.
• Value involvement in professional organizations supporting hospitality, tourism and retail disciplines.

Request Information Online

Contact the phd program director:.

• Name: Dr. Jessica Yuan
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (806) 834-8446
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Ph.D.: Hospitality and Tourism Management Concentration

This program will prepare you for a career in research and teaching at institutions throughout the United States and abroad.

The coursework includes several hospitality and tourism management courses as well as a group of research design and statistics courses. You will also complete courses in supporting fields of inquiry such as psychology, sociology, management, marketing, etc. The program typically requires four years to finish, including courses, a second-year paper, a comprehensive exam, and a doctoral dissertation. Applicants with strong hospitality and tourism management backgrounds are preferred. Incoming students are expected to have both good written and oral communication skills, as well as the analytical skills required to master research methods and statistics.

Admission requirements

We prefer the GMAT, but we do accept the GRE test as a substitute. In either case, the exam must have been taken within 5 years of the time of application to WSU.

Desired prerequisites

In general, you must meet the following prerequisites to be accepted into the program:

• A master’s degree (M.S., M.A. in a related discipline, or MBA), although outstanding applicants with bachelor’s degree will be considered
• A GPA higher than 3.25 on a 4.00 scale
• Hospitality and/or tourism related background (educational or professional)
• Interests and goals that complement faculty interests and the program’s goals
• Letters of recommendation supporting your candidacy for admission
• A substantial industry experience (strongly preferred)

While applicants may have diverse profiles, an educational or business background that reflects an understanding of and interest in hospitality and tourism management is advantageous. Students with an MBA or business experience, in particular, are preferred. Because the program is focused on graduating students qualified to teach at high-quality, research-oriented institutions, you should have good command of the English language, both spoken and written, and have a reasonable level of skill in mathematics to facilitate the mastery of research methods and statistics. You should also have competencies in hospitality and tourism management in addition to accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, operations management, and computer skills.  If you are deficient in any of these areas, additional coursework and preparation beyond the major course of study may be required. Your advisory committee will determine these requirements.

General Competency

The requirements for this program follow the Ph.D. Program in Business Administration Policies and Procedures and Program Requirements in the Carson College of Business. The concentration in Hospitality and Tourism takes advantage of existing course and seminar offerings in the other five business disciplines to offer a diverse and flexible high-quality program. The program requirements for the concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management are designed to develop proficiency in the student’s major field of study with applications in hospitality business management.

Research tool requirements

A minimum of 4 research tool courses to be selected by the student with the approval from his/her Ph.D. committee.

• ANOVA (e.g., Psych 511, Stat 507, Stat 512, or Soc 522)
• Regression/Econometrics (e.g., Psych 512, Soc 521, Stat 530, Stat 533, Stat 535, EconS 511, or EconS 512)
• Psychometric Theory (e.g., Psych 514 or Stat 520)
• Multivariate Statistics (e.g., BA596, Mktg 594, Stat 519, MgtOp519, or MgtOp591) or Applied Structural Equation Modeling (Psych 516)

These suggested courses above may be substituted for other courses that treat each of the above topics in a comprehensive fashion, as approved by the student’s program committee. Although four research tool courses are required, additional research courses may be taken as part of the student’s supporting field requirements.

Major field requirements

These courses will enable you to develop proficiency in your primary area of study.

• HBM 591: Seminar in Services Management
• HBM 592: Seminar in Current Issues in Travel and Tourism
• Mktg 593: Behavioral Research Methods Seminar
• BA 598: Research and Professional Development Seminar (1 credit course)
• HBM 600: Independent Study (Second-year Research Project)

Business electives

You are required to complete at least 2 of the following graduate-level business courses:

• EconS/Fin 596 Advanced Topics in Financial Economics
• MGTOP 516 Time Series
• HBM 581 Services Management
• IBUS 580 International Business Management
• MGMT597 Seminar in Organizational Behavior
• MGMT597 Seminar in Organizational Theory
• MGMT597 Seminar in Strategic Management
• MIS 572 Database Management Systems
• MIS 574 Telecommunications and Networking in Business
• MIS 582 Systems Analysis and Design
• MKTG 590 Seminar in Consumer Behavior
• MKTG 591 Seminar in Marketing Management
• MKTG 592 Seminar in Marketing Foundations

These suggested courses above may be substituted for other courses as approved by the student’s program committee.

Supporting field requirements

Coursework in the area of specialization is intended to provide necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research in a chosen field. Courses must be related to an area of study selected by the student and approved by the doctoral student’s committee. Supporting doctoral level coursework may be selected from areas such as (but not limited to) research seminars in anthropology, psychology, sociology, economics, management, international business, information systems, marketing, communication, etc. Additional coursework in HBM may also be taken, with approval from the doctoral student’s committee.

PhD Research Credit Requirements

In addition to major field requirements, business electives, and supporting field requirements, the Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management requires additional research credits associated with the development of the final dissertation. A minimum of 32 (800 level) research credit hours is required.

Sample PhD Program in Business Administration With Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Based on 9 credits per semester in the first year of study**.

• BA 598 (1 credit course)
• Business Elective

Start preparation for 2nd Year Research Project

• Supporting Field Course
• HBM 600 (2nd Year Research Project)

Preparation for Comprehensive Exams

• Comprehensive Exams

Full-time Research (Dissertation and Other)

• Courses cannot be counted twice under any of the above-mentioned requirements.
• No more than 9 hours can be taken as independent study courses.

Annual Review and Written and Preliminary Exams

The goal of the annual reviews and the exams is to assess the candidate’s overall mastery of the core body of knowledge in the field and the degree of preparation to undertake research independently or with minimal supervision. The Ph.D. Program area coordinator and committee along with appropriate advisors will annually review the progress of the students in terms of publications and research effort. The Preliminary Exam (scheduled sometime during the third year in the program) will test the candidate’s knowledge in five areas:

• Hospitality and tourism management major field requirements: Hospitality and Tourism Management core knowledge includes a thorough understanding of hospitality and tourism, and behavioral research methods.
• Business electives: The student should be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of understanding of theories and research methods aligned with those business disciplines chosen for further study, including finance, information systems, international business, management, operations, and/or marketing.
• Hospitality and tourism research: The student should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of hospitality and tourism research, including explanatory theories and past research findings. In addition, the candidate is expected to demonstrate command over the relevant literature from his/her supporting field.
• Hospitality and tourism research methods and statistics: The student should also have an extensive knowledge of statistics and the research methodologies that can be employed to study hospitality and tourism phenomena from a behavioral standpoint.
• Oral and written communication skills: Given the program’s focus on producing hospitality and tourism scholars who can be successful at other accredited, peer or better research universities, the student is also expected to show a high level of written and oral communication skills exhibited in the written and oral comprehensive exams, research presentations at national/international conferences, and publications in hospitality & tourism journals.

Jenny Kim, Ph.D. Professor School of Hospitality Business Management Todd Hall 331C [email protected] 509-335-4706

Program at a glance

Degree offered: Doctor of Philosophy Number of faculty working with students: 9 Number of students enrolled in program: 8 Students with assistantships/scholarships: 100% Industry experience preferred Priority application deadline: January 10

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Ph.D. Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism

The Ph.D. degree in Hospitality, Hotel Management, and Tourism prepares students for a career as a university faculty member or research scientist in the private sector or a government agency. 

Program Details

• Degree: Ph.D. Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism
• Credit Hours: 66 hours of graduate classes minimum, plus other courses assigned by the student’s advisory committee

The Ph.D. degree prepares students for a career as a university faculty member or research scientist in a government agency or the private sector.

While each Ph.D. program is customized by the student and their advisor depending on the needs of the student, all Ph.D. students should take a minimum of 21 credits within the department  (not including HMGT 691 ).

Ph.D. Coursework should include:

• Minimum of 3 credits quantitative statistics
• Minimum of 3 credits qualitative statistics 
• Minimum of 3 credits of research methods 
• Minimum of 24 hours of HMGT/RPTS 691 (Research) 

Final degree plan MUST be approved by all members of their committee and should reflect the rigor expected of a doctoral degree. 

All students must pass a final comprehensive examination administered by their advisory committee. At the end of the semester in which the exam is given, there are no more than 6 hours of coursework remaining on the degree plan (except 681, 684, 690, 691, and 693). 

For Graduate admissions questions, contact Koy Moser. For academic questions, contact Melyssa-Anne Strickland.

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PhD in Hospitality & Tourism Management

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Students in Isenberg’s PhD program in hospitality and tourism management engage in research that furthers society’s understanding of the unique industry.

From uncovering the environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism to investigating theories and models of services marketing and management, students use their time at Isenberg to make powerful connections between ideas, introduce thoughtful and provoking analysis, and contribute scholarly research.

Message from the Coordinator

The hospitality and tourism industry lends itself to fascinating and revealing research about society, the economy and the marketplace. Our PhD program in Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM) gives students the time and resources to delve into the industry, to engage in rigorous research, and to publish their findings.

Our PhD graduates become top scholars, professors and researchers at the leading hospitality and tourism programs in the US and abroad. Our graduates are successful because our program offers:

• One-on-one mentoring and advising by renowned faculty.  Students will work closely with faculty on multiple research projects. 
• The opportunity to specialize in one focus area.  Our concentrations include marketing/consumer behavior, leadership, information technology and social media, operational research and finance.
• Real-world preparation   for careers in academia.  All candidates teach graduate-level classes at Isenberg and have 100% responsibility in their classrooms.

Additionally, students in our program also graduate with a PhD in Management, making them more marketable in the job field and more knowledgeable in the classroom.

While our program is rigorous and highly selective, our learning environment is collaborative and supportive. We welcome applicants who are self-motivated, committed, and independent initiators and team players.

Irem Onder Neuhofer Associate Professor and PhD Coordinator

Isenberg’s PhD in hospitality and tourism management is a full-time, residential program that prepares candidates for academic careers in hospitality and tourism. The program develops strong research skills that enable graduates to conduct and publish scholarly research with competence and confidence.

Students can study any area of interest that applies to hospitality and tourism and gain real-world teaching experience that allows them to excel in university teaching in their areas of interest.

Isenberg has a strong focus on research.  Faculty are working in a wide variety of research domains, investigating such areas as:

• Hotel and Destination Branding
• Service Experience Management
• Impact and Performance Studies in Tourism and Hospitality Operations
• Quality-of-Life and Tourism and Hospitality Research
• Sustainability in Tourism and Hospitality
• Strategic Management and Finance
• Revenue Management

HTM PhD Program Overview

Watch our video to hear about the program from the students and professors in this active teaching and research community.

Students generally complete a PhD in HTM within 4-5 years. Students must take core courses in theory and research methods, as well as electives and minor classes. In addition, our doctoral students must pass a qualifying and comprehensive examination. Students also teach at Isenberg. During the final years, students are responsible for creating and defending a dissertation.

Here's a sample of required HTM courses:

• Foundations of Organizational Behavior and Theory
• Research Design
• Multivariate Analysis
• Structural Equation Model
• Seminar in Tourism Theory and Research
• Seminar in Hospitality Research
• Services Marketing/Management Research

YEAR 1: Coursework, including statistics, research methods, and theory courses, and research electives; Qualifying exam

YEAR 2: Coursework, including marketing and management courses, research electives and minor area courses; Comprehensive exam

YEAR 3: Additional coursework as needed; Development of dissertation proposal; Teaching

YEAR 4-5: Dissertation research

HTM Doctoral Students

What to Know About Hospitality and Tourism Management Degree Programs

Hospitality management degrees are designed to train future leaders in the hospitality industry.

How to Study Hospitality Management

Getty Images

Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests.

The art and science of hosting strangers is an essential skill for people working in many kinds of businesses, including airlines, casinos, cruise ships, festivals, hotels and restaurants.

Running a company in any segment of the hospitality industry requires not only financial and marketing prowess, but also an understanding of how to create an inviting environment for guests. Cultivating that marketable skill set is the goal of associate, bachelor's and graduate programs in hospitality management.

What a Hospitality Management Degree Is and What Classes It Requires

The goal of any course of study in hospitality management is to train people to create and maintain spaces where others will immediately feel at home.

“Understanding how to take care of the customer is a foundational aspect of the hospitality discipline,” Angela Ramsey, senior director of communication at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, explained in an email.

Hospitality management degrees are, foremost, degrees in business, says Michael Sabitoni, chair of the food and beverage management department and the international travel and tourism studies department at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. They include classes in accounting, finance, human resources, law and technology, he says.

However, unlike a general business degree, a hospitality degree typically includes specialized coursework focusing on the hospitality industry, such as classes on food service business operations, event management principles, and hotel and resort leadership, Sabitoni says. An overview class about tourism is also typically included in hospitality management programs, and industry internships are often mandatory, he adds.

Many hospitality degree programs require students to participate in experiential learning by helping to operate a student-run hotel or restaurant. They may also contain classes on:

• Eco-tourism or sustainable travel
• Global tourism and special considerations involved with international trips
• Customer service protocols
• Assessing the quality of guest experiences
• Specific types of hospitality establishments, such as country clubs, golf courses, resorts, stadiums, timeshares or theme parks
• Nuances involved in planning certain kinds of events, such as conventions or weddings
• Concerns that face certain demographics of customers, including women and people of color
• Various types of tourism, including business trips and visits to cultural destinations or historical sites

Top Undergraduate Schools With Hospitality Management Majors

Many U.S. colleges and universities allow undergraduates to major in hospitality management, including multiple nationally renowned academic institutions. Cornell University of New York, an Ivy League college, has a school devoted to hospitality.

Exceptional hospitality programs are often based in major metropolitan areas that attract significant tourism. For example, New York University and Boston University in Massachusetts offer a hospitality management degree.

How to Know if a Hospitality Management Degree Is Right for You

An interest in the food and beverage sector, a love for travel or an interest in entertaining people may lead someone to consider pursuing a degree in hospitality management. But prospective students should be aware that the hospitality sector has leadership roles for people with all kinds of interests and personalities.

Though some managerial positions in the hospitality industry are customer-facing jobs that require significant people skills, there are also back-of-the-house managerial jobs that concentrate on logistics, Sabitoni says.

Significant cultural awareness and strong communication abilities are essential in hospitality. Foreign language skills are also valuable but not mandatory, Sabitoni says.

What You Can Do With a Hospitality Management Degree

Hospitality programs are designed to train future leaders in the sector.

“It can include anything within the hospitality vertical, from hotel investment companies to real estate firms to our big brands which are the Marriotts, the Hiltons, the Four Seasons, to data analytics companies to Googles to Amazons,” says Kate Walsh, dean of the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell. “Anything that touches hospitality as a part of their business product is something where our students get involved.”

Real estate investment firms often invest in hotel buildings, so people with degrees in hospitality management sometimes find jobs in the real estate sector, Walsh says. Alumni of hospitality management programs sometimes become management consultants who concentrate on assisting companies in the hospitality industry, she adds.

Executive and director roles in the industry typically require at least a bachelor's degree. Many high-level leadership positions at U.S. hospitality firms pay annual salaries above $70,000, according to an article published by Monster.com, a job website.

In 2020, graduates of Cornell's Nolan School had an average base salary of slightly over $69,000 and an average bonus of nearly $15,000, according to the school's employment report .

Considerations for Potential Hospitality Students

Aspiring hospitality managers should be aware of trends that may affect them when they enter the industry, experts say.

This sector has severe labor shortages at hotels and restaurants, many of which laid off workers due to pandemic-related safety measures and now have struggled to replace those workers even after raising wages.

Because of these staffing concerns, many hospitality companies have introduced initiatives to recruit and retain talented staff, improve working conditions, increase job satisfaction and reduce employee turnover, Walsh says.

When comparing hospitality programs, prospective students should investigate whether those programs include experiential learning opportunities, experts say, noting that hands-on projects are one of the best ways to gain hospitality skills. It’s also optimal if hospitality schools offer courses on design, which can inform aesthetic choices about how a hospitality venue looks, according to experts.

“I think the industry needs innovative thinkers," Walsh says. "They need people who think big culturally, who are comfortable with different modes of work, so it’s a great time to join the industry. The industry is trying to be extremely intentional in providing compelling career paths.”

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Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

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Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration – Hospitality and Tourism

• Fall January 10th

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

• 7.0 IELTS Minimum score
• 90 MELAB Minimum score
• 62 Pearson Minimum score
• 580 TOEFL Minimum score
• 92-93 TOEFLI Minimum score
• 600 GMAT GRE can be substituted

Degree Description:

The PhD in business administration with an emphasis in hospitality and tourism management is designed to prepare graduates for careers in research and teaching at institutions throughout the United States and abroad. Applicants with substantial hospitality and tourism business background are strongly preferred. Incoming students are expected to have both good written and oral communication skills, as well as good analytical skills to facilitate the mastery of research methods and statistics. The course of study requires a battery of hospitality and tourism management courses as well as a group of research design and statistics courses. Students are also expected to take courses from supporting fields of inquiry such as psychology, sociology, management, marketing, etc. The degree normally takes four years to complete and involves taking courses, developing an area (2nd-year) paper, passing a comprehensive exam, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

Admission Requirements:

A minimum admissions index score of 1250 is required to be considered for admission. The index is based on the formula GPA x 200 + GMAT (and a TOEFL of 580 for ESL students). There is not a minimum GMAT score requirement. However, successful candidates typically exceed 650.

We prefer the GMAT, but we do accept the GRE test as a substitute. In either case, the exam must have been taken within 5 years of the time of application to WSU. A GMAT conversion will be applied to the GRE score submitted by applicants who take the GRE in lieu of the GMAT. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides a conversion chart . The converted GRE score will then be applied to the Carson College of Business admissions index score in the same manner as a standard GMAT score.

GMAT score report code 09D-TL-81 Pearson Test of English score report code: 8Z2-GT-38

Student Opportunities:

Conference funding is generally available for students presenting a paper if the budget allows for it.

Career Opportunities:

• University Professor
• Industry Consultant

Career Placements:

• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
• University of Las Vegas, Nevada
• Temple University
• Humboldt State University
• Auburn University
• North Dakota State University
• Colorado Mesa University

Contact Information:

• Jenny Kim, Ph.D. [email protected]

As a comprehensive research university, the mission of the Virginia Tech Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) graduate program is to develop students’ ability to systematically recognize, analyze, and address the challenges and problems of hospitality and tourism businesses. Our vision, which permeates throughout our graduate program, is to build on a legacy of teaching and research excellence and to create global leaders in the business of hospitality and tourism management. As one of six departments in the Pamplin College of Business, our degree programs are accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).

We offer two graduate degrees: Masters of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a Ph.D. in Business with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The MSBA is offered primarily at our National Capital Region Campus in Falls Church Virginia but with availability via online capabilities on our Blacksburg campus. The Ph.D. is offered exclusively at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. Additionally, we offer 3 Graduate Certificate Programs providing concentrated learning on key HTM topics.  These certificate programs are also offered at our National Capital Region Campus and can be combined with the MSBA program.

Two principles permeate our graduate programs. First, our graduate programs focus on the application of theories and methodologies from a variety of disciplines to the critical challenges and problems of hospitality and tourism management businesses; the department provides extensive opportunities for graduate students to partner with faculty to conduct research on significant industry problems. Second, the program is customized to the student’s interests. Degree candidates and their advisory committees plan uniquely individual graduate programs pursuant to the student’s career goals and degree requirements.

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Ph.D. Program in Hospitality Management

An advanced graduate program designed for hospitality management professionals who wish to pursue a career as a researcher or professor at the university level, Penn State’s Ph.D. in Hospitality Management (HM) will help you build a strong foundation as a leader on the cutting edge of this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

In addition to mastering the scope of knowledge in the core curriculum, students also have the opportunity to conduct significant conceptual research in a variety of emphasis areas:

Facilities Management

Operations Management

Institutional Management

Management Information Systems

Hospitality Real Estate Management

Consumer Behavior

Services Marketing

Financial Management

Human Resources Management

New Product Development

The broad-based curriculum of this doctoral program is enhanced by special events featuring Conti Professors — recognized leaders within the hospitality industry— who visit the school on a regular basis to interact with students and faculty, present guest lectures in hospitality and foodservice management, and speak at graduate and undergraduate colloquia.

The School of Hospitality Management The Pennsylvania State University 201 Mateer Building University Park, PA 16802

[email protected] 814-865-1853

Master of Science & PhD Programs in Hotel Administration

The ms & phd: our researched-focused hotel administration programs.

Prepare to teach, lead, and innovate in the exciting hospitality management field.

Share your passion for hospitality with the next generation of hotel leaders. Teaching at the university level is often a natural next step for executives in any industry. Earning a doctoral degree gives you the research experience—and the academic credentials—you need to pursue faculty positions. A master’s degree prepares you for careers in academic research—and is a stepping stone to the PhD program.

Why the Nolan School for Your Master’s or PhD in Hotel Administration?

The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration offers two research-rich graduate programs: a Master of Science and a PhD. As the first school of its kind in the United States—and the only one in the Ivy League—the Nolan School has set the standard for hospitality education. We continue to innovate in the field by expanding our research, curriculum, and programs.

Our premier centers and institutes , such as the Center for Hospitality Research and the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Leadership , provide groundbreaking industry insights.

Collaboration

As part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business , the Nolan School gives students the opportunity to collaborate on research with peers and faculty across the college’s schools, programs, and centers.

Our worldwide Hotelie alumni base is 15,000+ strong, and Cornell’s Big Red Alumni Network is a global force of more than 50,000. Strong industry partnerships expand our international reach.

Program Overview: Master’s in Hotel Administration

Here’s a closer look at our research-rich hospitality master’s degree program:

Degree Awarded

Master of science in hotel administration.

Program Format

Full-time residential

Program Schedule

Two years; four semesters

Program Overview: PhD in Hotel Administration

Here’s a high-level overview of what to expect in our hospitality doctoral program :

PhD in Hotel Administration

Five years; 10 semesters

Meet a Hotelie: What Our Students Say

Our graduate students agree: The collaborative atmosphere is one of the hallmarks of a Nolan School education.

“The Nolan School program is truly interdisciplinary. Be ready to learn a lot about hospitality but open your doors to gain exposure in economics and finance.” —Soon Hyeok (Steve) Choi PhD ’23

Degree Requirements: Hotel Administration Academics

As an MS or PhD student, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and build solid research skills through an enriching, rigorous curriculum.

Foundational Coursework

Hone your quantitative and qualitative research skills with a variety of modeling, statistical, and econometrics courses. PhD students align their methods classes with their area of interest—HR, marketing, real estate, finance, operations, or technology.

Specialization Areas

Customize your curriculum by choosing elective credits from across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and throughout Cornell University. Students focus on areas such as financial management, marketing, operations, and real estate.

Thesis & Dissertation

Receive close faculty mentorship as you embark on deep graduate-level research. The program culminates with a final exam for MS students and a dissertation defense for PhD candidates. You might even have a chance to publish or present your work.

VIEW MS & PhD DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

MS vs. MMH: What’s the Difference between Our Hospitality Graduate Programs?

The Nolan School’s hospitality graduate programs have a lot in common: a world-class faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and immersive learning experiences. The main difference between the MS in Hotel Administration and the Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) is that the MMH prepares you for industry, and the MS prepares you for academia. As you explore your options, keep your ultimate professional goals in mind.

The MS degree is researched-focused and requires a master’s thesis and final exam. Many students in this program continue on to related PhD programs at top-tier schools, including the Nolan School.

Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH)

The MMH is industry-focused and prepares students for leadership roles in a range of hospitality and real estate specialties. This program requires an internship and offers many other real-world learning experiences.

Industry Experts: Hear from Our Hospitality Faculty

Nolan School faculty members are passionate about moving their industries forward—and advancing their students’ academic and corporate careers.

“ Few top-tier schools offer real estate as a degree option, and even fewer offer hospitality. Uniqueness is [our] defining factor.” —Crocker H. Liu, Robert A. Beck Professor of Hospitality Financial Management

Program Eligibility: Is an MS or PhD in Hotel Administration Right for Me?

Our MS and PhD in Hotel Administration programs are highly competitive and rigorous. Ideal candidates will have an exceptional academic record, relevant industry experience, and clear professional goals. Before you begin the application process, we encourage you to review our eligibility requirements.

Admissions Overview: How to Apply: MS and PhD Programs

If earning a master’s or PhD in Hotel Administration feels like the right fit for your next academic endeavor, we invite you to learn more about the admissions process. Our MS and PhD admissions page will give you all the details you’ll need to start your application.

Dates and Deadlines: MS and PhD Admissions Timeline

New MS and PhD students are admitted each fall semester. Our application period for both programs runs between September 1 and December 15.

Applications Open: September 1 Application Deadline: December 15

Request Information: Learn More about Our MS and PhD Programs

Exploring your hospitality master’s options? Interested in earning a doctorate in hospitality ? Our graduate admissions team is ready to answer your questions about the Nolan School’s MS and PhD in hotel administration.

Tuition and Financing: Investing In Your Hospitality Career

Earning a graduate degree is an investment in your future self; the cost of attendance and financing options vary from program to program.

MS Student Financing Options

MS students may be eligible for federally subsidized student loans, which help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses during the residential program.

PhD Students Financing Options

Most PhD students receive full financial support for five academic years and four summers, including a stipend, health insurance, and full academic year tuition, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance.

LEARN ABOUT MS & PhD TUITION

Life at the Nolan School: A Community Built on Hospitality

As a graduate student at the Nolan School, you’ll become part of a collaborative learning community united by a passion for hospitality and service. This welcoming feeling extends across the SC Johnson College, where you’ll interact with graduate students from a range of programs.

For more than a century, we’ve been innovators in hospitality education and industry leadership. Our graduate faculty are deeply committed to research and teaching, and our alumni are making a difference around the world.

We’re located on Cornell University’s beautiful campus in the vibrant college town of Ithaca, NY. The heartbeat of the Nolan School is the Statler Hotel , a full-service luxury hotel that serves as a learning lab for our hospitality students at all levels.

Our Expertise

Our renowned faculty members are among the world’s foremost scholars and practitioners in hospitality, real estate, financial services, and technology. As mentors, they guide graduate students through their theses and dissertations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NOLAN

Stories and Updates: The Latest from the Hotelie Community

Our BusinessFeed features stories and updates about Nolan School faculty, staff, students, and alumni, from professional achievements to exciting new research.

FAQ: Questions about our MS and PhD Programs

You have a lot to consider as you research and compare graduate hospitality programs . In this section, we answer a few of the most common questions from MS and PhD applicants, including test score requirements, what a hotel PhD entails, and available support resources.

What tests are required to apply for the MS and PhD degree programs?

Applicants for the MS and PhD programs in hotel administration are required to submit a GMAT or GRE score. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for up to five years.

Students must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement and may be required to take the TOEFL or the IELTS exam. In some cases, these testing requirements can be waived. For more information on minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores, how to submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores, and the criteria for waiving the requirement, visit the Graduate School’s website .

What is the deadline to apply for the MS or PhD degree program?

MS and PhD students are admitted only for the fall semester. Applications will open on September 1 and should be completed by December 15 for the subsequent fall term. We will contact competitive applicants via email to schedule an admissions interview.

What kind of financial aid is available for MS or PhD students?

MS students can find financial aid opportunities by contacting the Fellowships and Financial Aid Office through Cornell’s Graduate School. Fellowships covering the cost of tuition and a taxable stipend may be awarded to PhD students on a case-by-case basis.

What resources do you offer for international students?

Cornell University’s International Services Office of Global Learning can assist international students with various services from immigration issues to campus life.

Where can I find information about current MS or PhD research?

Since the MS and PhD degrees are research-based, the Center for Hospitality Research is the best resource to learn more about the research interests of our graduate faculty. Email [email protected] for more information.

How many MS and PhD students are admitted each year?

Admission is extremely selective and is based on both the strength of the applicant and the availability of faculty to advise new graduate students. Typically, up to three MS and PhD students are admitted in a particular year.

What makes a PhD applicant competitive?

A competitive PhD applicant typically has an exceptional academic record, including research experience, a competitive GRE or GMAT (score above 700 for GMAT), relevant hospitality and teaching experience, and a well-articulated statement of purpose.

What resources are available for PhD students?

Read about some of the resources available to support our PhD students:

• Advising Guide for Research Students
• Center for Teaching Innovation
• Code of Legislation of the Graduate Faculty
• Cornell Career Services
• Cornell Health
• Cornell University Library Services
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Graduate School Academic Requirements
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• Student Experience
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Fraud alert - Beware of third-party post-doc scams.

Cornell University recently has been made aware of fraudulent activity targeting overseas students and researchers, including at least one third party website falsely stating that it is offering a postdoctoral or visiting scholar program in association with Cornell. These scams, which may seek to obtain money and/or personal details from interested applicants, are fraudulent. 

Cornell wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities being perpetrated purportedly in the name of Cornell, and/or its officials. Please be advised that: 

• Cornell does not, nor has it, worked in collaboration with third-party companies or organizations to offer postdoctoral or research certificate programs.
• Third parties do not collect tuition or fees on behalf of Cornell.
• Cornell does not work with or endorse such organizations including, but not limited to, Shanghai Lufei Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 上海璐斐教育科技有限公司) and Shenzhen Guoyan Era Education Technology Co., Ltd. (Chinese name: 深圳市国研时代教育科技有限公司).

Cornell’s postdoctoral positions are listed on the Academic Career Opportunities website and postdoctoral fellowship programs are available for viewing. If you suspect a third party of falsely advertising a Cornell program, please notify [email protected]. Victims of such scams may also report them to their local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.

Next Steps: Applying to the Nolan School

If you’ve reviewed our admissions requirements and think you’re a fit for our welcoming yet rigorous academic community, we invite you to begin your application to our MS or PhD program today.

To get started, simply register or log in to the Cornell Graduate Admissions website.

Hospitality Management (PhD)

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The PhD in Hospitality Management prepares individuals for teaching and research-based careers in academia or as practitioner researchers and field consultants in hospitality and tourism enterprises.

Application Deadlines

• International

Ready to get started?

University of central florida colleges.

Request Information

Enter your information below to receive more information about the Hospitality Management (PhD) program offered at UCF.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants to this program must have an earned Masters Degree. The total credit hours to complete this program are beyond the masters.

Degree Requirements

Required courses.

• HMG7295 - Theories in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6586 - Research Methods in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• 7584 - Statistical Foundations in Hospitality & Tourism (3)
• 7460 - Grant Writing in Hospitality & Tourism (3)
• 7581 - Qualitative Design & Methods in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• 7592 - Research Seminar: Research (1)
• 7591 - Research Seminar: Teaching (1)
• 7590 - Research Seminar: Service & Professionalism (1)
• HMG7598 - University Teaching in Hospitality & Tourism (3)
• EDH7207 - Curriculum, Instruction, and Distance Learning in Higher Education (3)
• EDH7366 - Assessment Practices in Higher Education (3)
• EME7634 - Advanced Instructional Systems Design (3)
• EDG7325 - Models of Teaching and Instructional Theory (3)
• EME6940 - Theory into Practice in Educational Technology (3)
• EME6938ST4 - ST: Story Design for Instruction (3)
• EDP7517 - Facilitating Learning, Development and Motivation (3)

Research Electives

• HMG6918 - Directed Research (1 - 99)
• PAF7802 - Advanced Research Methodology for Public Affairs (3)
• PAF7804 - Advanced Statistics for Public Affairs I: Multivariate Analysis (3)
• PAF7805 - Advanced Statistics for Public Affairs II: Survey of Statistical Methods (3)
• PAF7820 - Qualitative Methods for Public Affairs (3)
• EDF7407 - Research in Educational Leadership 2 (3)
• EDF7406 - Multivariate Statistics in Education (3)
• EDF7415 - Latent Variable Modeling In Education (3)
• EDF7475 - Qualitative Research in Education (3)
• SYA7407 - Advanced Quantitative Data Analysis (3)
• 3 Approved Research Methods/Data Analysis Graduate Courses (7000 preferred) from outside or inside the college. One 3-Credit Directed Research (HMG 6918) may be taken as a part of research electives.

Specialization

• HMG7545 - Services Marketing and Management in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG7708 - Advanced Travel and Tourism (3)
• HMG7570 - Advanced Lodging & Foodservice Management (3)
• HMG7448 - Advanced Hospitality Information Technology (3)
• FSS6365 - Management of Food Service Operations (3)
• HMG6227 - Advanced Training and Development in the Hospitality Industry (3)
• HMG6228 - Critical Issues in Hospitality Human Resources (3)
• HMG6245 - Managing Hospitality and Guest Services Organizations (3)
• HMG6251 - International Lodging Accommodations Analysis (3)
• HMG6267 - Case Studies in Restaurant Management (3)
• HMG6296 - Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues (3)
• HMG6347 - Contemporary Issues in the Resort Industry (3)
• HMG6446 - Hospitality/Tourism Information Technology (3)
• HMG6466 - Applied Revenue Management Techniques in Hospitality (3)
• HMG6476 - Feasibility Studies for the Hospitality/Tourism Enterprises (3)
• HMG6477 - Financial Analysis of Hospitality Enterprises (3)
• HMG6528 - Convention and Conference Sales and Services (3)
• HMG6529 - Contemporary Issues in Resort Sales Management (3)
• HMG6533 - Hospitality/Tourism Industry Brand Management (3)
• HMG6556 - Digital Marketing and Big Data Management for Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6565 - Social Media in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6566 - Principles of Destination Marketing and Management (3)
• HMG6585 - Data Analysis in Hospitality and Tourism Research (3)
• HMG6596 - Strategic Marketing in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
• HMG6710 - International Tourism Management (3)
• HMG6738 - Tourism Industry Analysis (3)
• HMG6756 - Mega-Events (3)
• HMG6797 - Event Administration (3)
• 7246 - Organizational Behavior in Hospitality & Tourism (3)
• At least 6 credit hours should be from HMG 7XXX level courses. Course selection should be based on the student's area of interest in consultation with the major adviser and approved by the PhD Program Coordinator.

Dissertation

• HMG7980 - Dissertation (1 - 99)
• Doctoral students must present a prospectus for the dissertation to the doctoral adviser, prepare a proposal and present it to the dissertation committee, and defend the final research submission with the dissertation committee.

Grand Total Credits: 60

Application requirements.

2024-2025 Academic Bulletin

School of hospitality and tourism management.

Department Website

Robin DiPietro, Director

Degree Offered (30 Hours)

Master of international hospitality and tourism management.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers a program leading to the Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (M.I.H.T.M.). The M.I.H.T.M. is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in the hospitality and tourism field. Students best suited for the program are career-minded individuals, with previous management experience, who are seeking advancement to upper-level management positions. Graduates of the program may take advantage of emerging opportunities in senior leadership roles within the areas of hotels and resorts, club management, event management, tourism marketing, data analytics, hospitality education, hospitality and tourism research, and consulting. Students choose from one of two tracks, academic or professional. The program requires a minimum of 30 hours for completion.

Degree Offered (60 Hours)

The ph.d. program in hospitality management.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management focused on lodging, foodservice, and travel and tourism management. Graduates will be prepared to conduct both theoretical and applied research within the broad array of domains of hospitality and tourism management. In addition, graduates will be equipped with the skills to be effective teachers and mentors to students, as well as to be valuable resources for industry professionals. The program is based on a four year program of study consisting of 60 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School and regional and national accreditation standards. Applicants must submit to The Graduate School an application along with a $50 nonrefundable application fee; official transcripts (mailed to the USC Graduate School) showing their complete academic record; two letters of recommendation; resume; statement of purpose; records of immunization (if born after December 31, 1956); and reports of examination scores on the GRE or GMAT.

The admission process involves evaluation of applicant characteristics in an attempt to determine intellectual ability and willingness to do the work required to complete the curriculum. Realizing that many admission decisions are somewhat subjective, anyone reviewing applications for admission to the Master of International Hospitality and Tourism Management program must consider the overall academic record (GPA; course of study; school[s] attended; degrees earned; GRE or GMAT scores and scores on any other standardized tests; performance in quantitative, hospitality/tourism, or business-related courses; work experience and level of responsibility; extracurricular and community activities; and letters of recommendation). These items may be supplemented by personal or telephone interviews at the discretion of the reviewer or when requested by the graduate director.

International applicants whose native language is not English are also required to submit a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam. The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 80 (internet-based). The minimum acceptable overall band score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5.

Students wishing to enter the M.I.H.T.M. program should have completed business courses in the areas of personal computers, statistics, finance, marketing, and management principles and hospitality courses in food-service management, hotel operations, and tourism. Certain prerequisites may be waived for students who have demonstrated a high degree of competence in a related area.

• Hospitality Management, Ph.D.
• International Hospitality and Tourism Management, M.I.H.T.M.

• Hotel and Tourism Management

MPhil-PhD in Business Administration (with specialization in Hospitality/ Real Estate)

The hospitality and real estate industries are the rapid growth industries in this region.

Research activities conducted at the Center of Hospitality and Real Estate Research cover the areas of hospitality, tourism, real estate, and finance and span a wide spectrum of relevant topics. Among the two streams, students can choose to specialize in either hospitality or real estate.

Hospitality Marketing and Tourism

The growth of service industries has created a strong demand for research into marketing approaches that increase service effectiveness given the unique characteristics of intangibility, inseparability, perishability, and variability intrinsic to consumer behavior.  We emphasize on Service Innovation, Big Data Analytics, Hospitality Leadership, Business Sustainability and Social Media research. We are also the leading Hotel School for conducting impactful research on service robotics in the hospitality and tourism industries.

Real Estate and Finance

The real estate industry has generated many new and interesting research topics. Major issues examined include property valuation, property acquisition and financing methods, the best use of property, and the development of secondary property equity and debt markets. Specific interdisciplinary research topics that integrate with hospitality, economics and accounting concentrate on corporate finance and agency issues in Real Estate Investment Trusts, asset pricing theories, market efficiency of property markets, and economics of corporate location. There are also growing interests in research examining the unique features of mainland China and Hong Kong property markets, as well as the sustainability and diversity in real estate firms and investments.

Faculty Members and Research Interests

View Programme & Course Information

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• Networking and Internships
• Campus Support
• Learning Environment
• Studying in Hong Kong
• CUHK Business School Master’s
• Career Management
• Campus Life
• MSc in Information and Technology Management
• MSc in Management of Real Estate & Hospitality Assets
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accountancy

MGMT 471 - Hospitality and Tourism Management (3)