The Boston University School of Hospitality Administration’s Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHM) degree is a two-year research-focused program designed for students who are interested in pursuing the path of academic research. 

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The MS degree program aims to build your knowledge in hospitality administration, research methodology, and statistics. It empowers you to own your original research on a topic that reflects your academic interest. The program also formally prepares you for PhD studies in hospitality and tourism management and a teaching career in academia. Students who wish to pursue a career in Research & Development or Analytics would also benefit from this curriculum.

The Master of Science in Hospitality Management is currently designated by US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization.  More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

MS in Hospitality Management Program Highlights

  • Program Length: 2 years 
  • Learning Format: Full-time in-person
  • Thesis required
  • Paired with a faculty member for research

All admitted students receive a $10,000 scholarship!

Specialize in Analytics and Research – The Core of the MSHM Program

The STEM-designated Master of Science in Hospitality Management degree caters to individuals with moderate to extensive industry experience, but it also welcomes students with limited to no industry experience. 

Aiming to prepare students for Doctorate level study, the MSHM is rooted in analytics and innovation while providing students with in-depth exposure to the hospitality industry. Through hands-on projects, engaging dialogues with instructors and peers, and faculty-guided research, students gain the confidence and competency to enter a PhD program with a thesis. Students are also empowered to transform existing hospitality practices and theoretical frameworks with their academic research projects.

The idea of a PhD prep master’s program is groundbreaking. There is currently a great need for diverse faculty in the hospitality field, and the MSHM degree is designed for students who may not have considered a career in academia before.

A Research-Focused Curriculum

The Master of Science in Hospitality Management program curriculum consists of 44 credits (13 courses) and can be completed over the course of two years. 

The MSHM curriculum will expose students to a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Students will work on a master’s level thesis project that will make a substantive contribution to the field. Areas of study include, but are not limited to:
· Finance
· Operations
· People Strategies
· Marketing
· Experience Design
· Real Estate
· Senior Living

Once courses in these areas of study, along with courses in research methodology and statistical analysis are completed, students will be ready to examine their research topics under the guidance of the faculty advisors. Students will learn how to best present their work for both academic and industry purposes. To graduate, students are required to complete their original research projects and present their theses to the faculty. Students will also be advised by the SHA graduate affairs office and supported by Boston University’s Office of Research.

MSHM Curriculm

Distinguished Faculty Mentors at SHA

MS students will be paired with an SHA research faculty member in their first semester. This faculty member will assist them with creating a research plan and course selection to prepare for the final goal of creating a piece of original research in the form of a Master’s Thesis.  The faculty members of the Master of Science in Hospitality Management program have a wealth of research experience with diverse backgrounds in different disciplines, including marketing, finance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. As your mentors and advisors, they inspire new ideas, foster independent study, provide feedback on coursework, and support you to become a thought leader in hospitality.  

Our faculty are proudly leading the way in hospitality research. SHA hosted the 2022 Research Conference, A Critical Reflection on the Future of Hospitality, in partnership with the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. This international conference aimed at providing critical, reflective thought leadership on the future of the hospitality industry in line with the philosophy of one of the leading academic journals in the field.

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Apply to SHA’s MS in Hospitality Management Program!

Start your research career and explore your potential in academia with a STEM-designated Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management from Boston University SHA. Contact our admissions team to learn more about this program here!

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