Program Description
The Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MS) degree program is designed to meet the hospitality industry’s need for individuals who have a variety of professional and academic skills and advanced specialized abilities necessary to excel in the increasingly demanding arena of hospitality management. Individuals who develop these advanced skills can seek and fill hospitality management positions at the corporate and operational levels and in the field of hospitality education.
The MS degree is a two-year program that has been designed to develop effective and innovative hospitality industry managers and that attracts students from all over the world, bringing a multicultural quality to the learning environment. As a result, graduates of the Conrad N. Hilton College are serving in managerial positions worldwide with the finest firms in the hospitality industry, as well as teaching in higher education.
The Hilton College, one of 14 colleges comprising the University of Houston, has offered the MS in hospitality management degree since 1986. Most faculty members hold terminal degrees in their field and have been recognized for their teaching excellence. Additionally, faculty members have extensive industry experience, competence, and expertise in areas that are important to the hospitality industry. The Hilton College has initiated several innovative research programs that demonstrate its determination to serve the dynamic industries of global hospitality and tourism.
Application Process
Students who have successfully completed the US equivalent of a BS degree, preferably in Hotel and Restaurant Management or a related field, and submit a satisfactory GMAT or GRE score taken within the last five years, will be considered after successful completion of the graduate application process . Satisfactory TOEFL and IELS scores are required for international students who have not completed a degree from the US or another English-speaking country.
A Skype or other distance-conducted interview may be required for students who have met all other admission criteria and after approval by the MS applicant selection committee. The interview will be administered by the graduate programs office after a date and time is established that accommodates both the applicant and the interviewer.
General Degree Requirements
The Hilton College graduate programs advisors will evaluate prior degrees, coursework, and career goals and will develop an individualized degree plan for each student. All MS degree candidates must complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours of graduate coursework, at least 27 of which must be earned at the Hilton College.
The curriculum for this program requires students to complete courses in five areas, including hospitality management core courses; support and focus courses; electives; and a thesis, a professional paper and practicum, or an additional elective and practicum.. The credit hours necessary for graduation are as follows: