DGHL- Frequently Asked Questions

Program Experience

1. Who in the program has benefited from obtaining their doctorate through this program?

Since the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) program is still relatively new, you would be joining the third cohort (Fall 2027). The first cohort will be graduating in the Spring of 2028, so we do not yet have long-term outcomes from graduates. However, current students have already experienced several benefits while enrolled in the program, including opportunities to write scholarly articles, participate in research and publication activities and in some cases receive promotions or expanded leadership responsibilities within their organizations.

2. What is the weekly time commitment for students?

On average, students should expect to dedicate approximately 10 to 15 hours per week to coursework. During the first two years, students take three courses each fall and spring semester. Because assignments, discussions, projects and readings may have different due dates, effective time management is important. The good news is that the program is designed specifically for working professionals.

3. What industries tend to make up the cohorts?

One of the strengths of the DGHL program is the diversity of professional backgrounds represented in each cohort. Students have come from a variety of industries, including: 

• Food and beverage
• Hotels and lodging
• Hospitality consulting
• Restaurant development
• Grocery and retail operations
• Higher education and teaching
• Corporate training and development
• Other service-oriented industries- Government and state positions

This diversity creates meaningful discussions and allows students to learn from a wide range of professional experiences and perspectives.

4. Can you provide insight into the dissertation process and the types of projects students complete?

The DGHL program offers several dissertation and applied research options. Examples include: 

• Traditional Dissertation
• Systematic Literature Review
• Case Study
• Industry Report
• Program or Project Development

The format selected typically aligns with a student's professional goals, interests and research focus. This flexibility allows students to pursue work that is academically rigorous while also being meaningful to their industry or organization.

5. Are there any live class sessions?

No. The program is 100% online and asynchronous, meaning there are no required live class sessions. Courses are delivered through pre-recorded lectures, online discussions, readings and assignments, allowing students to complete coursework around their professional and personal schedules.

Admissions & Application

6. What makes a competitive application?

Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

• Significant professional experience
• Leadership responsibilities within their organization
• Strong academic preparation
• Clear professional goals
• A commitment to contributing to the learning community

Admissions decisions consider the applicant's overall professional and academic background.

7. Do I need a hospitality degree to apply?

No. While many students have hospitality-related educational backgrounds, applicants from a variety of disciplines and service-oriented industries are encouraged to apply. Professional experience and leadership potential are important considerations.

8. Can I apply if I work outside of the hospitality industry?

Yes. The DGHL program attracts professionals from a range of industries that share similarities with hospitality leadership, customer experience, service management, workforce development, education, healthcare, retail, government and consulting.

9. How large are the cohorts?

The program is intentionally designed with smaller cohorts to create meaningful interactions, collaboration, networking and individualized faculty support throughout the doctoral journey. Cohort sizes vary by each academic year. 

10. Is the GRE or GMAT required?

No. The GRE or GMAT is not required for admission to this program. 

Tuition & Financial Aid

11. How much does the DGHL cost? 

Tuition is approximately $52,000 for Texas residents and approximately $77,000 for non-Texas residents. Tuition rates are subject to change. This tuition amount includes the mandatory executive fee for the program.

Students receiving any state waivers should be aware of the executive fees and contact the Program Director for any questions on if the waiver will cover these fees. Be mindful that when viewing your student bill the executive fee will show as a separate charge from tuition. 

12. Are scholarships available?

Yes. Competitive scholarships are available and may help students qualify for reduced tuition rates. Scholarship applications should be submitted at the time of admission application for consideration.

13. Is financial aid available for the program? 

Yes. Because the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership is a graduate degree program offered through the University of Houston, eligible students may qualify for federal and state financial aid. Students interested in receiving financial aid are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all required financial aid documentation to the University of Houston as early as possible to maximize funding opportunities.

For questions regarding eligibility, aid packages, or the application process, students should contact the University of Houston Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for the most current information.

Student Experience

14. How do students build relationships if the program is fully online?

Students engage with one another through discussion boards, group projects, cohort activities, virtual meetings and optional networking opportunities. Many students report that the cohort model creates strong professional and personal connections despite the online format.

15. What support do students receive from faculty?

Faculty members serve as instructors, mentors and research advisors throughout the program. Students regularly interact with faculty for coursework, research development, dissertation planning and professional guidance.

16. How diverse is the student population?

Students come from a variety of industries, geographic locations, leadership positions and professional backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and allows students to learn from multiple perspectives.

17. Can I continue working full-time while enrolled?

Yes. The program was intentionally designed for working professionals. Most students maintain full-time careers while progressing through the program.

18. What is the biggest challenge students face?

Many students find time management to be the greatest challenge. Balancing work, family obligations and doctoral coursework requires planning and consistency. However, students often report that the program's flexibility helps them successfully manage these responsibilities.

19. How much writing is involved?

A good amount of writing is involved. The writing requirements are always heavy in doctoral programs. All courses are writing intensive courses. The dissertation will involve most of the writing load. Don't worry, we have resources! 

20. What happens if I miss a week due to work travel?

All course details along with course materials and assignment deadlines will be available from Day 1 when the course begins for the whole semester. You can be proactive and plan coursework in advance. You can inform the course instructor ahead of time and discuss alternatives.

Career & Professional Impact

21. How can this degree help advance my career?

Students often pursue the DGHL to:

• Advance into executive leadership roles
• Increase organizational impact
• Develop expertise in research and data-driven decision-making
• Expand consulting opportunities
• Transition into teaching or academic leadership positions
• Strengthen professional credibility

22. Can I teach at a college or university after graduation?

Many students pursue the degree with teaching aspirations. While employment decisions are made by individual institutions, the doctorate can support opportunities in higher education, professional training and executive education.

23. Will I have opportunities to publish research?

Yes. Students often have opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects, conference presentations, scholarly publications and applied industry research during and after their time in the program. Please visit our Published Research News page to see current student publications: https://www.uh.edu/hilton-college/degrees-and-programs/online-degrees/doctorate-in-global-hospitality-leadership/published-research-news/.

24. What makes the DGHL different from a traditional PhD?

The DGHL is designed for experienced professionals seeking to apply research to real-world leadership and organizational challenges. The program emphasizes practical application and industry impact while maintaining doctoral-level rigor.

25. What do students say they value most about the program?

Students frequently cite:

• Flexibility for working professionals
• Faculty support and accessibility
• Cohort relationships
• Industry-relevant curriculum
• Opportunities for research and professional growth
• Learning from experienced peers

26. Are there opportunities to attend conferences?

Yes. Students will receive notifications about various conferences throughout their DGHL journey. However, there is no funding assistance for travel and conference attendance at this time. Please contact our Program Directors if you are interested in traveling.

Class Schedule

27. Are the classes at set times or are they go at your own pace?

The DGHL program is fully asynchronous, so classes are not held at set times. There are no live lectures. Instead, all course content is pre-recorded, which allows students the flexibility to work ahead and complete coursework around their professional and personal schedules.

28. Are there meeting times with the class/professor?

While there are no required class meeting times, some professors offer optional weekend meetings or office hours where students can ask questions, discuss course concepts and connect with faculty. Participation is completely voluntary and is not required for course completion.

29. Where can I find a sample schedule?

Please email the Director of Executive Programs to see a copy of our curriculum and schedule.