Head: Brian King  

Associate Department Head for Graduate and Undergraduate Programs: Po-Ju Chen  

Graduate course offerings in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism are designed to generate and disseminate knowledge concerning the development, management and sustainable use of hospitality, hotel, recreation, event, and tourism resources and opportunities. The focus of the program is on understanding visitor and guest needs and wants and managing organizations effectively to create and deliver memorable and meaningful experiences.  The curriculum has three main areas of emphasis: hospitality; recreation; and tourism.  

Graduate study in these areas is interdisciplinary. Cooperative relationships exist with a wide range of outstanding graduate-level programs across the University. This provides students with an opportunity to structure an individualized program of study in their chosen field. Courses selected within the department and in supporting fields are designed to serve the individual needs of students interested in teaching; public service; research; and management of hospitality, tourism, and recreation resources.  

The Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism offers courses of study leading to the Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism. The Master of Science thesis degree prepares students for advanced graduate study at the PhD level, which often leads to a career in university research and teaching. The Master of Science non-thesis degree emphasizes professional development. It includes additional courses in the student’s selected field instead of a thesis. Non-thesis students may elect a professional internship.