can you get a phd in hospitality

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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University of central florida colleges.

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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.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Administration

Earn your ph.d. in hospitality administration at unlv.

The Harrah College of Hospitality’s premier Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration program gives students the opportunity to engage in meaningful research with some of the world’s most renowned hospitality and tourism experts. Collaborating with your professors, top professionals, and fellow doctoral students, you’ll tap into a wide array of industry topics: from customer loyalty to sustainability – technology innovation to brand management. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and confidence to launch a successful career in academia or the private sector.

Required Credits

UNLV campus

5 Reasons to get a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration at UNLV

• Top-ranked hospitality college
• Located in the center of the hospitality industry.
• Opportunities to gain relevant research and teaching experience under the guidance of leading hospitality experts.
• Ultra-modern doctoral suite with dedicated personal research space.
• Available financial support, graduate assistantships, and funds for conference travel and dissertation research.

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• Admissions Requirements
• Tuition and Fees
• Hospitality Research
• Questions? Email Us

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About our ph.d. program.

With the support of seasoned faculty members, Harrah College of Hospitality doctoral students learn through a combination of coursework/exams, teaching, and original research that culminates in a dissertation. Full-time students typically complete the program’s required 60 credit hours within 3 to 3.5 years, while part-time students average between 4.5 and 5.5 years.

Application Deadline

The deadline to submit an application for the Hospitality College Ph.D. program is January 1 (fall-term entry only)

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If you have questions regarding our graduate degree programs, we want to hear from you. Please complete our information form or email your question(s) directly to [email protected] .

Get more info about UNLV

How hospitality rebels are changing the world.

The Harrah College of Hospitality is a close-knit community of thought leaders working together to bring innovation and solutions to an industry charged with creating new ways to deliver great customer experiences. Whether conducting research, teaching, or networking with industry, our doctoral students and alumni (along with their professors) are bound by this spirit of innovation.

“There are plenty of resources, opportunities, and support here at the college for Ph.D. students. Plus we have diverse, active student groups, which makes the campus experience more fun and engaging.” Junghoon Lee Ph.D. student, UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality (research area: consumer behavior in the golf industry)

“UNLV provides a great opportunity to network with some of the most prominent people in the hospitality industry and beyond. Whether it’s M, Marriott, or MGM, the connections you make at UNLV are second to none!” Nasim Binesh, ’22 Ph.D. UNLV Alumna & Assistant Professor, University of Florida (research area: technology solutions, data analytics, and revenue management)

"Our Ph.D. program focuses on both research and teaching to create the best student experience and cultivate top-quality educators and researchers in the hospitality field.” Seyhmus Baloglu, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dean of Research, UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality (research area: branding, customer loyalty, online marketing, gaming analysis, etc.)

What Can I Do with a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration?

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration gain research and teaching skills that translate into professional opportunities in both private industry (e.g., serving as consultants) and academia (e.g., serving as professors/researchers). In addition to mastering core principles in hospitality management, our Ph.D. students create impactful original research that delves into some of the industry’s most pressing topics, including:

• Casino Marketing
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Consumer Behavior
• Food & Beverage Trends
• Gaming Analysis
• Hospitality Information Technology
• Hospitality and Tourism Marketing
• Human Resources & Organizational Behavior
• Revenue Management & Pricing
• Sustainable Development

Representing all facets of the hospitality and tourism industry, our world-recognized professors bring a rich mix of research and practical experience to the program. Faculty members regularly consult with the industry on training and strategic management issues as well as publish scholarly and applied research articles.

Working with professors, Ph.D. students gain the research skills to tackle issues affecting a multitude of hospitality industry segments. Students enjoy personal research space inside our beautiful Ph.D. Suite and receive opportunities to present at industry conferences and coauthor journal articles.

Applicants for the Ph.D. program must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 24 credit hours in hotel administration, food service administration, tourism-convention administration, or a closely aligned field. See full admissions requirements below:

Funding Your Education

Those applying to be full-time Ph.D. students are awarded graduate assistantships, which provide a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and a partial fee waiver. In addition, the college offers a stipend for research activities and conference attendance.

Harrah college of hospitality office of graduate programs

Questions about the program? Visit: Hospitality Hall (UNLV), Room 347 Call: 702-895-5413 Email: [email protected]

Other Resources

• Program Application Requirements
• Guidance through the Application Process
• Faculty Directory
• Join one of our Information Sessions
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Online & Special Programs

Doctorate in global hospitality leadership (dghl) - fa2025.

GRADUATE / EDUCATION

The DGHL program is designed for professionals and executives aiming to advance their careers in hospitality through applied research

Application Deadlines

Cost per credit

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The DGHL program is designed for professionals and executives aiming to advance their careers in hospitality through applied research. This program is ideal for those seeking opportunities in teaching, consulting, and senior leadership roles. Additionally, it prepares current educators and university administrators for tenure-track faculty and leadership positions in higher education. Students enrolled in the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) will participate in cohort-based courses that emphasize practical research applications and dissertation work. The program's 100% online format allows students to continue their professional careers without interruption or disruption.

Hospitality Management, Ph.D.

College of hospitality, retail and sport management.

Train at the highest level of hospitality and tourism research and education in the nation to serve in critical roles with industry and academic institutions around the world.

Ranked among the Top 10 programs in the U.S. for hospitality and tourism management, our world-renowned faculty and research centers offer exceptional opportunities for graduate student research and publications. Get involved in funded grants and industry research projects, and teach to gain faculty teaching experience and mentorship.

Program Highlights

Nationally respected.

Join a program that’s ranked among the Top 10 in the U.S. for hospitality and tourism management.

A Top-Tier Faculty

Learn from world-renowned faculty members and research centers that provide exceptional opportunities.

Learn and Teach

Gain industry and teaching experience to prepare you for careers in academia or the private sector.

Industry Advancing

Get involved in funded grants and research at university centers and institutes that are driving innovation.

What You’ll Study

Develop an advanced understanding of hospitality and tourism management, and gain the critical methodological and topical foundation that is crucial for anyone engaging in top-tier scholarly research. The program includes a strong emphasis on statistics and research design.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

Scientific Writing

Communicating scientific research and findings in a clear, accurate and compelling manner

• Hospitality Management

Overseeing guest services, coordinating facility operations and implementing strategies for exceptional customer experiences

Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students

• Tourism Management

Overseeing travel services, coordinating visitor experiences and implementing strategies to promote destination attractiveness and satisfaction

Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

Directing and overseeing the activities and resources to achieve specific goals

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Industry Academician
• Assistant Professor
• Associate Professor

Workplace Settings

• Higher Education
• Business Analyst
• Information Technology
• Real Estate

Thanks to the opportunities and supervision provided by our college in the family-like work environment created by the administration, faculty and staff, I have experienced not only academic and professional development but also personal development.

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