Curriculum

The M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies is a 42-credit program that includes an intensive orientation and a core curriculum that establishes a broad foundation for the discipline, a concentration, a capstone project, and choices of electives and internship opportunities to further proficiency in your specialty area. Taught by faculty members who are leading industry practitioners, the program is structured to meet the needs of working professionals and full-time students, allowing opportunities for either part-time or full-time study in any semester. Typically, students complete the degree within two years of full-time study or in three to five years of part-time study.

The general core, comprised of seven courses, explores the hospitality industry from every angle— from marketing concepts and strategies to the role of the industry worldwide. You delve into legal issues, including real estate law and labor and employment contracts; and hospitality finance, including project financing, risk management, and investment strategies. You also explore hotel operations. The program emphasizes the research process, facilitating your learning about sampling techniques, data collection, problems of measurement, and application of findings.

The core courses provide a strong foundation that allows you to move confidently into one of four concentrations: Hotel Finance, Brand Strategy, Lodging Operations, or Revenue Management. Each concentration offers an internship course, which provides you with industry experience or the opportunity to expand your experience into another area of the field.

Electives in specialized areas of graduate study complement your career goals, and you complete the degree with a capstone project consisting of advanced research and consulting strategies. Learning occurs both in the classroom and in the industry—through various networking opportunities, lecture series, research projects, and optional internships.

 If you have relevant work experience, you may be eligible to waive a core or concentration course with departmental approval. Waivers permit students to take additional courses in selected areas; they do not reduce the number of credits required for the degree.