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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
Department(s)
Hospitality Services
2
Years
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2025

The Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management enables students to build on their strengths and interests, broaden their knowledge of the industry, sharpen their management skills, and incorporate their professional and extracurricular experiences. The Rosen College of Hospitality Management candidates are especially attractive hires for hospitality and tourism organizations around the globe.

The typical Hospitality and Tourism Management MS candidate:

  • Is a professional working in a position related to hospitality, tourism, or events.
  • Holds an undergraduate degree in hospitality, business management, or a related discipline.
  • Understands that advanced educational training is required to be competitive in the thriving hospitality, tourism, and event industry.

The program offers thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is intended for students who are interested in the scientific study of the various aspects of the hospitality and tourism industry and who may anticipate pursuing a doctoral degree or a professional research position. The non-thesis option is intended for students who anticipate a managerial and leadership position in the hospitality and tourism industry. The emphasis of the non-thesis option is on coursework, practical experience, and real-world insight. You can complete your degree either fully online, face-to-face, or customize it through a mix of both to fit your schedule and budget, although the thesis option is not available to students who study fully online. A maximum of three credit hours of restricted elective may be taken as an independent study.

The Rosen College of Hospitality Management aims to provide students with an outstanding graduate hospitality management educational experience and serve other stakeholders with continuing education, research, and service. The College is committed to UCF's goals by providing intellectual leadership through quality hospitality education, international prominence by means of educational and research programs, promotion of a global perspective, nurturing inclusiveness and diversity, and partnerships with local, national, and international hospitality and tourism constituencies.

Please note: Hospitality and Tourism Management (MS) may be completed fully online. However, the thesis option is not available to students who study fully online, and not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Rosen College Professor Helping Students

Highlights

The online master’s in hospitality management program is ranked No. 1 in the nation by BestColleges.
Ranked in the top 5 among best colleges for hospitality and tourism in the world by CEOWorld magazine and in the ShanghaiRankings for research.
Rosen grads have a 97% placement rate upon graduation — working for top industry employers, including Disney, Universal, Hilton, Marriott, as well as high-end restaurants around the area.
There are 12,000+ Rosen alumni across the nation and world that offer networking opportunities and industry connections.

Application Deadlines

Fall
July 1
Spring
December 1
Summer
April 1

Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.

Ready to get started?

Course Overview

Critical Issues in Hospitality Human Resources

Analysis of HR critical factors affecting operation and profitability of hospitality enterprises. Examination of emotional labor, empowerment, burnout, service orientation, turnover, absenteeism, compensation.

Analysis of the unique problems of managing organizations in the hospitality and guest services industry.

Capstone experience with strategic decision-making principles in hospitality/tourism. Application of skills, knowledge and understanding of areas of concern for formulating and implementing operational strategies.

Hospitality Management & Tourism Skills You'll Learn

  • Prepare for higher-level management and leadership positions with the knowledge, connections and experience to gain a competitive edge in the marketplace
  • Apply high-level academic knowledge to real-world management challenges
  • Handle the analytical, financial, logistical, operational and management challenges that managers face on a daily basis

Career Opportunities

  • Hotel Manager
  • Restaurant Manager
  • Travel and Tourism Services Marketing Manager
  • Convention or Conference Manager
  • Director of Special Events
  • Director of Sales

Admission Requirements

The hospitality and tourism management master’s degree at UCF accepts applications three times throughout the year: fall, spring and summer. You must apply online and submit all requested materials by the established deadline.

The typical candidate:

    • Is a professional working in a position related to hospitality, tourism or events.
    • Holds an undergraduate degree in hospitality, business management or a related discipline.
    • Understands that advanced educational training is required to be competitive in the thriving hospitality, tourism and event industry.

Admission is restricted each semester to individuals showing high promise of success in postgraduate studies. In addition to the requirements, other indicators of promise include the applicant’s extracurricular activities, work experience, job responsibilities and leadership experience, which will be considered in making admissions decisions.

To apply, submit the general graduate admissions requirements, as well as the following items by the deadline:

    • One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended
    • Goal statement
    • Résumé
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • The GRE/GMAT is not required, however, the Admissions Committee may ask for the GRE/GMAT to strengthen a candidate’s application package.

Rosen College of Hospitality Management News

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During the April 2 Founders’ Day event, 37 students will receive UCF’s highest student honor, which recognizes those who exemplify excellence in academic achievement, leadership…

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