M.S. Strategic Hospitality Leadership

Overview of the Program

Advance your career or redefine your path with the Master of Science (M.S.) in Strategic Hospitality Leadership, designed to prepare you for leadership roles and long-term success in the global hospitality industry. As a graduate student at Hilton College, you can customize your degree plan by selecting electives that align with your career goals and interests, including areas such as finance, revenue management, human resources, food and beverage, hotels, events, and more.

The program is designed to be completed on the University of Houston main campus in as little as two academic years. Students choose between a 30-hour Professional Track or a 36-hour Research Track. The curriculum combines a focused core in areas such as business analytics, statistics, human resources, marketing, financial management, and a practicum experience, along with elective coursework that allows for further specialization.

Choose Your Track

The Professional Track is a 30-hour program designed for students who want to continue developing their careers and work in the hospitality industry. While the focus is on practical, career-oriented skills, students in this track can also engage in research if they wish.

The Research Track is a 36-hour program for students interested in contributing new knowledge to the field, working closely with faculty advisors, and pursuing advanced research. This track emphasizes research skills and methodology, including Methods of Research in Hospitality, a research development course, and culminates in the completion of a thesis.

Note: Both tracks include the Graduate Directed Practicum, a career development course where students tackle real-world operational challenges and propose solutions based on their observations and analysis.

Who Should Apply

• Hospitality professionals seeking career growth into managerial or leadership roles.
• Industry professionals looking to pivot into the hospitality field and expand their career opportunities.
• Students from diverse academic backgrounds who want to pursue a master’s degree in a specialized area of hospitality leadership.
• Students seeking a flexible, customizable program that supports both practical career development and research interests.

Funding Information

The Hilton College offers several ways to support graduate students financially:

• Graduate Assistantships are part-time (20 hours per week) positions that provide hands-on experience while supporting your studies. Opportunities include teaching assistant, research assistant, or instructional assistant roles. Benefits include a monthly stipend and tuition support, including a non-resident tuition waiver for non-Texas residents and international students.
• Competitive Scholarships are available to help students qualify for a non-resident tuition waiver and reduce overall costs. To be considered, scholarship applications must be submitted with your program application.

Estimated Tuition

Professional Track (30 credit hours)

• Resident: Approximately $18,500
• Non-Resident: Approximately $33,600

Research Track (36 credit hours)

• Resident: Approximately $22,400
• Non-Resident: Approximately $40,600

Note: Non-resident students may be eligible for tuition waivers that reduce tuition to resident rates. These are estimated costs for full-time students and do not include fees, books, or other expenses. Actual costs may vary based on course selection and enrollment status.

Steps to Apply

Click here to see the Steps to Apply:

In addition to these requirements, please see below:

Additional Required Admissions Document for International Applicants

1. Submit Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo Scores (English Language Proficiency - ELP)
   Please refer to English Language Proficiency Requirement for more information on English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements and exemptions based on the country where the degree was earned.
2. Submit a Letter of Financial Backing Form
   a. The Letter of Financial Backing form must be supported by a current bank and the amounts listed must be converted to USD.
   b. Please refer to I-20 & Financial Documents for more information on the I-20 and Financial Backing Form documentation.
3. Submit a copy of the biometric page of your Passport.

NOTE: International applicants must possess a US bachelor’s degree or the equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. For more information specific to your country, please visit Transcripts or email your questions to gradschool@uh.edu.

Deadlines

Applications are accepted for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Fall: May 31 (all applicants)
Spring: October 1 (international applicants) and November 1 (domestic applicants)

The deadline to apply for Fall 2026 is May 31, 2026.