Hotel Administration (Graduate Field)

Field Description

Application

Admission is offered for August enrollment only. All international applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International students demonstrate proficiency by submitting official test scores from TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). For more information, please review our application requirements page.

M.S. and Ph.D. programs

The Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Hotel Administration at Cornell University prepare scholars to advance research and education in hospitality, services, and related business disciplines. Housed within the Nolan School of Hotel Administration in the SC Johnson College of Business, the programs offer students the opportunity to work closely with faculty who are internationally recognized for their contributions to hospitality management, service operations, real estate, marketing, organizational behavior, and finance.

The field brings together an interdisciplinary faculty whose research spans the behavioral, quantitative, and economic foundations of hospitality and service management, as well as emerging areas that integrate technology, analytics, and the social sciences to address evolving industry challenges. Students engage in rigorous academic training while contributing to research that shapes both scholarship and practice in the global service economy.

Students pursue advanced study in areas central to hospitality and service research, including service operations, consumer behavior, real estate and finance, organizational behavior, marketing, and strategy. The programs are designed for individuals seeking academic careers at leading research universities or research‑oriented roles in industry, government, and policy organizations.

Program Focus

Both the MS and PhD programs are fully residential and research intensive, emphasizing:

  • Foundational coursework in theory, research methods, and discipline‑specific knowledge
  • Early involvement in original research, working closely with faculty mentors
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration across the SC Johnson College of Business
  • Professional development for academic and research careers, including teaching, scholarly communication, and conference participation

The MS program provides advanced research training and serves as a pathway to doctoral study or research‑focused industry roles. The PhD program prepares graduates for faculty positions at research universities, where they contribute to scholarship in hospitality, services, and related business fields.

Areas of Specialization

Students may focus their graduate studies in one of several subject areas, including:

  • Services Management
  • Real Estate

Data and Statistics

Field Manual