Hotel Administration

The School of Hotel Administration's highly competitive Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Hotel Administration are research-focused degrees designed for students interested in pursuing careers teaching hospitality management in a university setting and conducting groundbreaking research in the field. Students who pursue the MS typically continue on to a PhD.

Both degrees are highly individualized and allow students to acquire broad-based knowledge of hotel and restaurant management, become proficient in research methodology, and develop the teaching and administrative skills needed to thrive in an academic environment.

Students in both programs major in Hotel Administration and may choose to specialize in one of the academic disciplines offered within the school, or any of the graduate fields supported throughout the university.

• Complete all course requirements outlined by the student’s special committee.
• Pass the Examination for Admission to Candidacy.  Known at Cornell as the “A Exam,” the content and form of this exam are determined solely by the student’s special committee. It can be taken any time after completing two semesters in residence, but before the beginning of the seventh semester. Passing this exam means the graduate faculty believe the student is prepared to continue with a dissertation
• Be in residence at Cornell for a minimum of six semesters. 
• Prepare a doctoral dissertation according to the guidelines set forth by the Cornell Graduate School.
• Complete an oral dissertation defense. This exam, known at Cornell as the “B Exam,” is taken after all other degree requirements have been met. The candidate must be in residence at Cornell for a minimum of two semesters between the A Exam and the scheduling of the B Exam.

Requirements

• Submit the graduate program application form to Cornell's Graduate School by December 15 for the subsequent fall term you wish to enroll.
• Submit the application fee with the online application.
• Submit a resume or CV that includes a detailed description of dates and specific duties performed for each job.
• Arrange to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Records Examination). A GMAT or GRE test score is required. Have your GMAT score report sent to Cornell University Graduate School using the institutional code 5811, or your GRE score report sent using the institutional code 2098. 
• Arrange for official transcripts of all college or university academic work to be sent to the Cornell University Graduate School, Caldwell Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2602. Transcripts must list all courses and grades, the degree earned, and the conferral date of the degree.
• Students who have completed degrees outside the U.S. are encouraged to review their degree eligibility by submitting an evaluation of their transcripts that provides the U.S. equivalent of the credits earned (for example, by the World Education Services). If your transcript is not in English, please submit an original copy as well as an official and certified English translation.
• Submit at least two original letters of recommendation. One letter should be from a college-level academic instructor, and one should be from an employer or professional reference.
• If your native language is not English, you will need to provide proof of your English language competency by taking the TOEFL or IELTS. 

Scholarships

PhD students are eligible to receive tuition fellowships and a taxable stipend. These awards are determined on a case-by-case basis. Fellowships typically cover tuition expenses and include stipends to provide students a comfortable standard of living while in residence in Ithaca. PhD students are expected to work approximately 15 hours each week conducting research or assisting with courses.