Online MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management

White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

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Explore where an online MS in hospitality and tourism management can take you

With a revitalized industry and more opportunities for customer experience innovation, there has never been a better time to elevate your management skills. Whether you want to advance your management career in the restaurant industry, take the lead within full-service hotels or begin your journey at the corporate level, Purdue University’s online Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management will fuel your career.

Take your management skills to the next level with a hospitality management degree at Purdue

Offered through the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM), Purdue’s online hospitality and tourism management master’s program is ideal for managers who have three to five years of experience working in tourism, events, hotels or restaurant management. The program teaches foundational skills that are relevant to all areas of hospitality and management while covering emerging topics and trends in the industry.

Master the executive management, leadership and analytical skills you need to advance your career on your journey toward becoming a customer experience expert. You’ll also have opportunities to network with other accomplished professionals, apply new knowledge to your current position and distinguish yourself as a leader in the field. Explore hospitality and tourism management careers.

Experience the Purdue difference in customer experience management

In the online MS program, you will learn from leading researchers in hospitality and tourism management and evaluate real-world challenges to create innovative solutions with the help of skilled managers. The innovative hospitality curriculum will also give you the skills needed to manage top-performing companies in the hospitality sector. These include:

  • Advanced management and leadership to help your organization navigate planned and unplanned change.
  • Human resources, operations management, marketing and finance to enhance your resume and boost your business mindset.
  • Critical thinking and problem solving to develop innovative solutions to industry challenges..
  • Quantitative and data analysis to drive informed business decisions.

#1

BEST ONLINE MASTER’S IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

University HQ, 2023

University HQ has ranked Purdue’s program No. 1 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Hospitality Management in 2023. Criteria for the ranking includes acceptance, retention and graduation rates; graduating salaries; reputation in the industry; and expert opinions.

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Learn from award-winning faculty

With expertise in hotel and restaurant management, event design, customer service innovation, and more, Purdue HTM faculty are renowned for their teaching skills. They work to give you the skills needed to confidently lead your organizations and take customer experiences to the next level. Learn more about our team of faculty experts.

Refine your management style and leadership skills

The hospitality and tourism industries are part of a niche market with their own sets of values and challenges. Purdue’s online hospitality degree program ensures you possess the latest information to develop your leadership style and make effective management decisions. Through the coursework, you’ll learn critical leadership skills, including business analytics, finance, marketing and human resource management.

Gain a broader perspective

Many of Purdue’s HTM instructors have a wealth of experience in hospitality and tourism management, which they draw on in preparing you to manage complex organizations. The coursework also takes on a global perspective, allowing you to explore business concepts through a lens of cultural awareness and diversity to improve your overall professionalism, communication and critical-thinking skills.

FAQS

Is the online program as credible as the degrees offered on campus at Purdue?

Yes, the online program is as reputable and rigorous as an on-campus program. You will be taught by the same experienced Purdue instructors as our on-campus students, and, upon graduation, you will receive the same Purdue diploma as your on-campus peers. Assignments and projects may differ slightly to work with the online format, and the curriculum was developed to meet the specific needs of midcareer hospitality professionals.

How do online classes work?

Most coursework is asynchronous, meaning there are not specific times you need to be online. When you start the program, you will be given access to a virtual classroom interface. Your instructor will post coursework, syllabi, assignments and messages every week. You will also use discussion boards, e-mail and chat to communicate with your classmates and your instructor. You can log in and do your coursework at any time that is convenient for you, but you must turn in your assignments by the deadlines your instructor sets.

As an online student, you should plan to devote 15-20 hours each week to coursework, depending on your study habits.

What do I do if I have a question about homework or need help with a technical issue?

The faculty and staff at Purdue are dedicated to your success. Your instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultations and will answer emails in a timely fashion. Technical support staff are available to help you handle hardware and software issues, and we have dedicated staff available to talk to you about financial aid, scheduling or any other administrative issues.

For what careers do these certificates prepare me?

Hospitality professionals work in a broad range of companies across hotels and lodging, restaurants, attractions and events, cruise lines, and destination marketing organizations.

Among other positions, you will be prepared for the following careers:

  • General manager
  • Director of operations
  • Business development director
  • Finance director/controller
  • Food and beverage director
  • Director of finance
  • Director of facility operations
  • Human resources director
  • Conference director
  • Special events director/event producer

This program can also help you on your journey to pursue a C-suite position, including the following:

  • Hotel CEO
  • Chief information officer
  • Vice president of operations

 

Is work experience required to apply?

At least three years of work experience is recommended for those applying to the program. Most students will be in the early-to-middle stages of their career and have a general understanding of practices in the hospitality field.

How will I be graded?

You will be graded based on your performance in class. The courses will have various methods for grading depending on the specific requirements for a given class. You can expect to experience any combination of discussion boards, case studies, final projects, group work or graded reports. View the Purdue grading scale for more information.

What will the diploma say?

Your diploma will read “Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.”

Is there financial aid available for the program?

Yes, financial aid may be available. Please contact Purdue’s Division of Financial Aid to learn more about how to finance your online or hybrid degree.

How frequently does this program start?

There are three starts for this program – fall, spring and summer semesters.