Hospitality Management — MS, PhD
The School of Hospitality Management offers the MS and PhD in hospitality management. The Master of Science (MS) degree is designed to provide advanced education for the rapidly evolving hospitality field. Students will have a choice of two study options: the on-campus thesis or non-thesis program (non-thesis also offered in distance education format). The MS degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours for the thesis track and 33 for non-thesis. The principal difference between the two programs is the emphasis on primary research. The thesis track aims to develop the necessary skills to perform high level, timely and relevant research aimed to rejuvenate existing hospitality thinking and practice. The non-thesis track is designed mainly for individuals interested in combining current work life with the need for educational advancement. Non-thesis requirements include completion of a research project relevant to the student's business environment. Both master's tracks offer an interesting blend of theoretical and applied courses created to keep students abreast of current management thinking and practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the concepts of workplace diversity, informed decision-making and management in a global context.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is offered to students interested in developing research skills beyond the Master's level and is focused on an academically oriented career. The PhD program places a strong emphasis on methodology and the scientific process and equips students with the skill set necessary to make significant contributions in the chosen research field.
PhD students are required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree, at least 10 of which must be for a dissertation. The coursework structure is presented below: