M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at UCF is a 30-credit hour program, typically complet...
M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Orlando, Florida
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management at UCF provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the operational, financial, human resources, and strategic aspects of managing hospitality and tourism enterprises. The program typically requires 33 graduate-level credit hours and offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option is geared towards students interested in scholarly research or potentially pursuing a doctoral degree, while the non-thesis option emphasizes coursework and practical application for those aiming for managerial and leadership roles. The program is offered both face-to-face at the dedicated Rosen College campus and fully online, providing excellent flexibility for working professionals globally. UCF's hospitality program consistently ranks among the top in the nation and globally, a testament to its quality and industry relevance.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management is designed to sharpen management skills, broaden industry knowledge, and incorporate professional experiences into an interactive learning environment. Core courses typically include "Critical Issues in Hospitality Human Resources," "Managing Hospitality and Guest Services Organizations," "Financial Analysis of Hospitality Enterprises," "Data Analysis in Hospitality and Tourism Research," "Strategic Marketing in Hospitality and Tourism," and "Hospitality/Tourism Strategic Issues." Elective courses offer opportunities for specialization in areas such as international lodging analysis, convention and conference sales, contemporary resort industry issues, hospitality entrepreneurship, digital marketing and big data management for hospitality and tourism, and mega-events. This comprehensive coursework addresses the analytical, financial, logistical, and operational challenges faced by managers in the industry.
Research Focus: Research is a significant component of the M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management, particularly for students pursuing the thesis option. UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management is recognized for its strong research contributions, with faculty actively engaged in projects that drive innovation and thought leadership across the global hospitality and tourism industries. Key research areas include: consumer behavior in lodging and timeshare, tourism economics and destination management (including sustainable growth strategies), strategic insights in hospitality management (with an emphasis on sustainability and corporate practices), and human trafficking and modern slavery within the tourism context. The Dick Pope Sr. Institute for Tourism Studies at UCF further supports research, disseminating information and contributing to impactful studies for diverse clients, including governments and international organizations.
Industry Engagement: UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management boasts unparalleled industry engagement, largely due to its prime location in Orlando, often referred to as the "Hospitality Capital of the World." This provides students with direct access to a vast network of world-class attractions, resorts, restaurants, and convention spaces. The college maintains deep partnerships with leading industry employers like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, Hilton, and Marriott International. These connections facilitate numerous opportunities for internships, guest speakers, scholarships, and networking events. The curriculum is consistently informed by industry needs, and a high job placement rate for graduates underscores the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Global Perspective: A strong global perspective is central to UCF's M.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management program. The very nature of the hospitality and tourism industry is global, involving international travelers, multinational corporations, and diverse cultural interactions. The curriculum explicitly addresses "globalization and competitive methods for multinational companies" and includes courses like "International Tourism Management." UCF's Rosen College prides itself on its diverse faculty, representing numerous countries, which enriches the learning environment with varied international insights and experiences. The program prepares graduates to understand global market dynamics, manage diverse workforces, and navigate international regulations and trends, equipping them to lead effectively in the worldwide hospitality and tourism landscape.
Location
Orlando, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21603
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and recognize the outstanding achievements and potential of students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCF provides merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are highly competitive and can significantly reduce tuition costs. Some notable merit scholarships include the Global Knight Scholarship, which is awarded to high-achieving international freshmen based on GPA and standardized test scores.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid is more limited for international students at UCF compared to domestic students, some resources may be available through external scholarship programs or private organizations. UCF encourages international students to explore scholarships offered by their home countries or international foundations.
College-Specific Scholarships: Several colleges within UCF offer scholarships tailored to students pursuing specific fields of study. For example, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business Administration have dedicated scholarships that international students can apply for based on merit, research potential, or career interests.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: International graduate students at UCF have access to various funding options, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and graduate fellowships. These positions often provide tuition waivers and stipends, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience while funding their education.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an exceptional foundation for leadership and strategic roles within the world's largest service industry. UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management is globally recognized for its excellence, providing a program that combines rigorous academic learning with unparalleled industry exposure, particularly given its prime location in Orlando, a global tourism hub. Graduates emerge with the advanced management skills, critical thinking abilities, and industry-specific knowledge necessary to excel in diverse and dynamic hospitality and tourism sectors.
Hotel General Manager/Director of Operations: This high-level role involves overseeing all aspects of a hotel's or resort's operations, including guest services, financial performance, human resources, and facility management. Graduates are equipped to ensure smooth operations, maximize profitability, and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Revenue Management Director: Focusing on maximizing revenue by strategically managing pricing, inventory, and distribution channels across hotel rooms, event spaces, or even airline seats. They use advanced analytics to forecast demand, set optimal rates, and implement effective yield management strategies.
Destination Marketing and Management Executive: Working for destination marketing organizations (DMOs), tourism boards, or convention and visitors bureaus, these professionals develop and implement strategies to attract visitors, manage destination branding, and promote tourism growth for specific regions or cities.
Convention and Conference Services Manager/Director: Responsible for planning, organizing, and executing large-scale events, meetings, and conferences for hotels, convention centers, or corporate clients. This involves managing logistics, budgeting, vendor relations, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Food and Beverage Director: Overseeing all food and beverage operations within a hotel, resort, or large-scale venue, including restaurants, bars, catering, and banqueting. This role focuses on menu development, cost control, quality assurance, and staff management.
Director of Sales and Marketing (Hospitality): Leading efforts to attract guests, groups, and events to hospitality properties. They develop sales strategies, manage sales teams, analyze market trends, and create compelling marketing campaigns to drive bookings and revenue.
Asset Manager (Hospitality Real Estate): Working for owners or investment firms, these professionals oversee the performance of hospitality real estate assets. They conduct financial analysis, identify opportunities for value creation, and work with hotel operators to maximize returns on investment.
Hospitality Consultant: Providing expert advice to hospitality businesses on a range of issues, including operational efficiency, strategic planning, market entry, brand development, and technology implementation. They leverage their in-depth industry knowledge to help clients solve complex challenges.
Human Resources Director (Hospitality): Specializing in the unique HR challenges of the hospitality industry, these leaders manage recruitment, training, employee relations, compensation, and talent development for large hospitality organizations, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
Theme Park/Attractions Operations Manager: Managing the daily operations of theme parks, attractions, or entertainment venues. This includes overseeing guest services, ride operations, safety protocols, staffing, and contributing to the overall guest experience in dynamic, high-volume environments.
