The Graduate Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Technologies provides knowledge and information that facilitates the effective use of existing and emerging technologies in the marketing and management of hospitality and tourism products, services, experiences and electronic channels of distribution. The certificate covers the development, use, and future of hospitality and tourism technologies, the critical role played by social media as a strategy for differentiation, business development and new product/ experience development, and the major perspectives and concepts associated with digital marketing and big data management.
Students learn to synthesize theory and application at the graduate level in order to produce the knowledge base necessary to fully utilize available technological and social media techniques and strategies in the hospitality and tourism industries. Students successfully completing this certificate are likely to be employed in any area of hospitality and tourism that incorporates online booking and reservation systems, e-intermediaries, online travel agencies, digital marketing agencies, social media organizations, destination marketing, hospitality marketing etc.
Please note: Hospitality and Tourism Technologies Graduate Certificate, although 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. See http://ucf.edu/online for more information.
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 http://global.ucf.edu/. 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.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
9 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- HMG6446 - Hospitality/Tourism Information Technology (3)
- HMG6556 - Digital Marketing and Big Data Management for Hospitality and Tourism (3)
- HMG6565 - Social Media in Hospitality and Tourism (3)
- Although HMG 6446 - Hospitality/Tourism Information Technology may serve as a prerequisite for the two remaining courses that comprise the certificate, the order of courses taken is at the discretion of the Graduate Programs' Director and will be determined by the students' previous professional and academic experience. A number of sections of each course are available throughout the year with students able to commence in the Fall, Spring or Summer semester. One course, and sometimes more, are offered each term.
Grand Total Credits: 9
Application Requirements
Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered. Admission to this certificate is competitive; applicants meeting the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.
In addition to the above application requirements, all applicants to this certificate program will be required to submit:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Goal statement (this is your opportunity to outline in 500 words why you wish to join the program, what you think you will contribute to the program, and how you feel the program will enhance you both personally and professionally)
- Résumé.
- The GRE/GMAT is not required, however, the Admissions Committee may ask for the GRE/GMAT to strengthen a candidate's application package.
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
These documents must be attached to the application. The goal statement should address the applicant's interest in pursuing the certificate program and fully discuss any experience that he or she has had in the field. A minimum of 2 years of full-time post-undergraduate work experience is required for admission.
Application Deadlines
| Hospitality and Tourism Technologies Graduate Certificate | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | | Jul 1 | Dec 1 | Apr 1 |
| International Applicants | | | | |
*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
