Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership Prospective Student Hub

Welcome to the DGHL Prospective Student Hub

Pursuing a doctoral degree is a significant personal and professional decision. The Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) Prospective Student Hub was created to help you explore the program through the perspectives of our students, alumni (coming 2028!), faculty and leadership team.

Whether you are researching doctoral programs or preparing to apply, this hub offers resources, insights and real experiences to help you determine if DGHL aligns with your academic, professional and leadership goals. You will gain a realistic view of the doctoral journey while learning about the support, opportunities and community that make the program unique.

Through student stories, faculty guidance, and program information, you will:

• Learn what it is like to be a DGHL student
• Hear firsthand experiences from current students and alumni
• Explore the curriculum, expectations and doctoral journey
• Understand how the program supports working professionals
• Gain insight into research, dissertation work and faculty mentorship
• Discover career and leadership benefits of earning a doctorate
• Learn application tips and answers to common questions
• Connect with the DGHL community and available resources

We invite you to explore the hub and discover how the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership can help you advance your career, strengthen your leadership skills and make a meaningful impact on the hospitality industry and higher education.

Lead the Future of Hospitality

The Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) at the University of Houston prepares experienced professionals to become scholar-practitioners who influence organizations, industries and communities through applied research and leadership.

Whether your goal is career advancement, consulting, teaching, organizational leadership or industry innovation, the DGHL program provides the flexibility and support needed to balance doctoral study with professional responsibilities.

Ready to explore if the DGHL is right for you? 

Quick Links

Student Spotlight

Hear from Current DGHL Students

What is it really like to be a doctoral student in the DGHL program?

Read as one of our current students discusses:

• Why they chose the DGHL program
• How they balance work, life and doctoral studies
• Their experience with faculty and classmates
• Advice for prospective students

"Without this flexibility, I don't think I would have been able to do this program."

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the button to view the FAQ page and learn more about the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership program. 

Why Students Choose DGHL

Designed for Working Professionals

100% online and asynchronous coursework allows students to complete assignments around their work and personal commitments.

Diverse Professional Network

Learn alongside hospitality executives, entrepreneurs, educators, consultants, corporate leaders and professionals from related industries.

Applied Research Focus

Conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and opportunities within hospitality and service organizations.

Faculty Mentorship

Work closely with internationally recognized faculty who bring both academic expertise and industry knowledge.

Flexible Dissertation Options

Choose a culminating project that aligns with your professional goals and interests.

Student Success Stories

Cohort 1 Student: Program Success & Research Interest

"As a member of the inaugural cohort and an international student, I am very pleased with how the program has been implemented. Although I complete my coursework from another continent, I receive seamless support from the university and enjoy many of the same opportunities as on-campus students. The supportive environment transcends barriers of distance and time differences. In my second year, I am preparing to investigate restaurant sustainability and ingredient provenance with my dissertation advisor. I feel blessed to be part of this community."

Allyson Miralles Hije, MHRIM

Assistant Professor, Cohort 1

Cohort 2 Student: Why I Joined & What I Hope to Gain

"I joined the DGHL program to further my career, deepen my expertise in hospitality, and build a stronger foundation in research, leadership and evidence-based decision making. I hope to use the program to strengthen my consulting and industry leadership capabilities and expand my ability to teach, mentor and help shape the next generation of hospitality leaders."

Carlos Sierra, MBA, CTE

Founder and Prinicipal, Cohort 2

University of Houston Resources

Graduate Writing Consultations: https://www.uh.edu/writing-center/student-services/graduate-writing-consultations/

Research Support: https://libraries.uh.edu/research/