School of Hospitality Management Graduate Program Overview

School of

Hospitality Management

Graduate Program Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

the department The Penn State School of Hospitality Management is one of the most prestigious and well-respected programs of its kind in the nation. By combining a broad educational foundation with real-world experiences and other opportunities for students to hone their leadership, business, and communication skills, the School of Hospitality Management equips students with the skills they need to become the leaders of their chosen professions.

the program The graduate program in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management (HRIM) is widely considered to be among the best of its kind in the world.

Founded in 1937, it was one of America’s first. The program, which offers master of science and Ph.D. degrees, is founded on in-depth, researchbased study of the hospitality industry. Flexible programs, with emphases available in accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, strategy, branding, service operations, and food service, are available to students seeking graduate-level academic study.

School of Hospitality Management

The Penn State Difference Penn State is one of the leading research universities in the United States. According to the National Science Foundation, it consistently ranks among the top 15 major U.S. universities in research expenditures in science and engineering fields. Its graduate programs attract students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds and from more than 100 countries all over the world.

Penn State has an enrollment at its main campus—University Park—of nearly 45,000 students, some 7,000 of which are graduate students. The University invites students to consider its graduate programs, whether they aspire to conduct research that will contribute to global knowledge or to hold a leadership position in their field with government or industry.

Master of Science (M.S.) Degree The master of science (M.S.) degree is a research/academic degree rather than an industry/professional degree; therefore, it targets students who wish to develop a research focus with the intent of continuing a career in an academic or research area. Course work is largely customized to a student’s area of interest and academic and professional background.

Students plan concentration area courses as well as thesis research with a thesis committee. The program takes 1.5 years to complete.

careers The M.S. degree prepares students for beginning academic positions at universities and research positions in industry.

Funding All Ph.D. students are fully funded for three years, provided they maintain satisfactory progress. During the fourth year, they have the option to teach at least one undergraduate course per semester, and they will be compensated for their efforts. Some external funding may be available for M.S. students, but it is limited.

School of Hospitality Management

Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree The Ph.D. degree is designed for individuals who wish to become hospitality researchers and professors at the university level. Students’ programs are individualized to ensure that, in addition to a mastery of the scope of knowledge in a respective area, students also have the ability to complete significant conceptual research. The program typically takes about four years to complete, including successful candidacy, comprehensive exams, and thesis.

careers The Ph.D. degree prepares students for advanced academic and research positions at the university level.

additional information One to two years of work experience in the hospitality industry is required prior to entrance into both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. A previous master’s degree is required for admission into the doctoral program.

The graduate program in HRIM offers small course sizes to create an intimate learning environment for students and to allow for frequent and close interactions with the faculty. To further facilitate the exchange of ideas, the School of Hospitality Management holds a monthly Research Roundtable series during which faculty members and graduate students engage in discussions about industry trends and academic research.

Doctoral students are expected to present their work at academic conferences and to have at least three papers submitted to a refereed journal during their tenure at Penn State. To enhance their teaching skills, and in preparation of their roles as future faculty members, doctoral students are expected to teach an undergraduate class in their area of specialization.

School of Hospitality Management

How to Apply The process of applying for admission to the HRIM graduate program includes submitting the following application materials, some of which go to the Graduate School (Part 1) and others of which go to the HRIM graduate program (Part 2): Part 1 - Apply to the Graduate School at Penn State Each applicant is required to submit an online application to the Graduate School.

Information about fees and programs of study can be found at gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html.

The online application can be accessed through the “Graduate School Admissions and Program Information Portal� at gradsch.psu.edu/portal.

Part 2 - Apply to the HRIM Graduate Program Both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs share the following entrance requirements: 1. A minimum of a 3.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the junior and senior years of undergraduate study 2. A minimum of one year of work experience in the hospitality industry 3. A recent GMAT or GRE score 4. A resume 5. Three letters of reference 6. A written statement of objectives for undertaking graduate study, including an indication of desired career and research focus.

Contact The School of Hospitality Management The Pennsylvania State University 201 Mateer Building University Park, PA 16802 814-865-1853 • 814-863-4257 (fax)

hhd.psu.edu/shm/graduate

This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. (GRAD13012) U.Ed. HHD 13-012