phd in hospitality management

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

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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 Lodging and 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

Financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership

• College of Global Hospitality Leadership
• Future Students
• Graduate Admissions

Ph.D. Hospitality Administration

The Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) emphasizes flexibility, independence and inter-disciplinary study to accommodate the needs and research interests of students both from the U.S. and around the world. As a requirement of the doctoral program, students are expected to obtain experience in teaching and research. Graduate faculty will mentor the students in the classroom as well as in research settings.

Hilton  College is consistently rated among the top hospitality programs in the world, and has cultivated relationships with the industry’s top employers, organizations and associations. Our graduates continue to excel and open the doors for those who follow. The Ph.D. objectives are:

• To develop teaching skills for both undergraduate and graduate levels
• To disseminate information about the hospitality industry
• To develop theory and add knowledge to the field
• To identify problems through analysis
• To identify solutions from competing alternatives through quantitative and qualitative metrics
• To effectively communicate research outcomes
• To develop grantsmanship capabilities

Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration Degree Plan

For detailed instructions on specific admission requirements and the application process, click here . Applicants who have completed an M.S. in Hospitality Management or similar degree with an overall grade point average of 3.2 on a 4-point scale for their last degree will be considered. The Hilton College faculty directory should also be consulted and potential research advisors contacted to establish initial communication.

Applications are available online at  www.applyweb.com/uhouston . 

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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 PhD: 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.

Hugo (Chun-Hung) Tang | 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 master’s graduate program, please contact [email protected] .

Master of Science & PhD Programs in Hotel Administration

The ms & phd: our research-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.

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
• Graduate School Forms
• Graduate School Orientation Information
• International Teaching Assistant Program
• Leave of Absence Information
• Office of Global Learning
• Student Experience
• Student Health Benefits
• Dissertation Information

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.

PhD: 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, PhD 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

2024-2025 Academic Bulletin

Hospitality management, ph.d..

The Ph.D. program in Hospitality Management is designed to meet the demand by industry and educational institutions for high quality academicians with a hospitality and tourism management background. Students will be given the opportunity to generate significant industry-specific knowledge through exposure to and participation in the highest levels of academic research, and subsequently, as professors and managers, to disseminate such knowledge to all stakeholders and to the public.

The Program is based on a three to four year period of residential study following the completion of a Master’s degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree in hospitality and tourism management or related fields. To meet its objectives, the Program will consist of a minimum of 60 credit hours in five components:

• Hospitality Management Core,
• Research Core,
• Concentration in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM),
• Cognates, and
• Dissertation

The associated credit hours are a minimum of 60 hours.

This program of study provides students with the opportunity to generate significant industry-specific knowledge through exposure to and participation in the highest levels of academic research. The Ph.D. program requires 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including a minimum of 15 hours devoted to original dissertation research. To complete the Ph.D. program, a student must successfully complete a comprehensive exam, propose and complete a dissertation study, and successfully pass a final examination on the dissertation administered by the students advisory committee.

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is home to world renown professors who have significant publication records in the most prestigious journals in hospitality and tourism. The college hosts several research centers and institutes, and collectively provides excellent opportunities for students to get involved in research projects with organizations like:

• South Carolina’s only Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism and Economic Development (CoEE)
• International Institute for Foodservice Research and Education
• International Tourism and Research Institute
• Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center
• Culinary and Wine Institute
• Center for Event Research and Education

Learning Outcomes

• Critically assess published articles in top-tier refereed journals in hospitality and tourism.
• Students demonstrate the ability to write a research grant-proposal.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements conform with the general regulations of The Graduate School and regional and national accreditation standards. Admission to the Ph.D. program is voted on individually by the School of HRTM’s graduate faculty after consideration of a number of factors. These factors include the applicant’s academic record (especially work done at a Master’s level), promise of ability to adequately pursue advanced study and research, performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), sufficient preparation to enter graduate study, professional experience, willingness of HRTM faculty to work with the student, recommendations, the applicant’s personal statement outlining career objectives, research interests, and career aspirations and expectations, which all may be verified through a personal and/or phone interview. Admitted students must have a HRTM faculty member who is willing to serve as their dissertation committee chair. Therefore, some qualified students may not be admitted if a faculty member does not agree to be chair.

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; personal statement of purpose; resume; records of immunization (if born after December 31, 1956); and reports and examination scores on the GRE or GMAT.

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 overall score on the IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam is 6.5.

Degree Requirements (60 Post-Masters Hours)

Hospitality core (6 hours).

Research Core (15 Hours)

These core courses expose students to the critical methodological and topical foundation that is crucial for anyone engaging in top-level hospitality research. The Program will include strong elements of statistics and research design.

Concentration in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) (12 Hours)

Students will also be required to take 12 credit hours in their area of interest based on the list of graduate courses offered in the School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management.

Cognates (12 Hours)

Each student will take 12 hours of graduate-level cognates offered by other programs within the College or other academic units within the University of South Carolina. This is intended to encourage interdisciplinary synergy between College and University academic units and will enhance the concentration area of the program.

Dissertation (15 Hours minimum)

A minimum of fifteen credit hours will constitute the dissertation, which provides students with the opportunity to identify and rigorously analyze a relevant issue within their specialized field, with an aim toward generation of original knowledge.