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M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies

CURRICULUM

The M.S. in Hospitality Industry Studies curriculum consists of an initial one-week intensive orientation, a core of courses that cover a range of subjects necessary for all industry professionals, a concentration in an area of expertise, an internship, and an Advanced Special Project or Advanced Topics Course through which you demonstrate your new skills and knowledge. You may also pursue an independent study elective. The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

View complete degree requirements with links to course descriptions. 

 


INTENSIVE ORIENTATION
Before the start of formal classes, Tisch Center students participate in a one-week intensive industry orientation to learn about NYU’s policies and procedures, meet faculty members and alumni who offer perspectives on hospitality and tourism, explore concepts of critical thinking through workshops, and participate in an overview of basic economic, accounting, and finance principles and concepts to set the foundation upon which in-depth economic, accounting, and finance theory rest.

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CORE CURRICULUM
The general core, comprised of nine courses, explores the industry from every angle, from the role of the industry in the larger society to marketing concepts and strategies. You delve into legal issues, including facility and customer liabilities, as well as principles of financial analysis, including micro- and macroeconomic concepts. You also explore e-commerce and consulting techniques. The program emphasizes the research process, facilitating your learning about sampling techniques, data collection, and problems of measurement, as well as statistical methods.

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CONCENTRATIONS
In addition to the core courses, which provide a broad overview of the industry, and your internship, through which you put into practice classroom lessons, you choose one of four concentrations: Hospitality Investments, Revenue Management, Customer Relationship Management, or Hotel Operations. This allows you to investigate your area of greatest interest.

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ELECTIVE (OPTIONAL)
You may choose to create an independent study that provides the opportunity to work with a faculty member on a well-defined specific topic. Approved topics should be extensions of existing courses previously taken or areas in which no courses are offered. Independent research allows you to explore in depth areas of your particular interest. This course requires the prior approval of an academic advisor appropriate to the topic of study.

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INTERNSHIP

An internship provides a valuable experience in developing a greater understanding of career options while more clearly defining your professional goals. After completing four courses, you complete an extensive internship, working a minimum of 300 hours. The Tisch Center works with you to arrange your internship. Students have held internships at such important hospitality venues as the Waldorf=Astoria, Leading Hotels of the World, and the Metropolitan Hotel.

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ADVANCED SPECIAL PROJECT

The Advanced Special Project allows you to apply your research expertise and to synthesize knowledge gained throughout the program of study. It combines applied research methods and theoretical knowledge to focus on a relevant topical area. The topic must be original; that is, it should be a body of knowledge that does not exist anywhere else. Your project should demonstrate a mastery of topical areas covered in earlier core courses and is required for the degree, in lieu of a thesis or comprehensive exam. Recent Advanced Special Projects include: “Investor Attitudes to the Japanese Markets” and “The Effect of Brand Loyalty on the Internet.”

An alternative to the Advanced Special Project is the Advanced Topics Course. The Advanced Topics Course also gives you the opportunity to apply your research expertise and synthesize the knowledge acquired throughout study, but in collaboration with others, so that you experience the research process along with the interactions and dynamics generated by a group of colleagues working together toward a common goal.