MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
Turn your passion for travel, entertainment and event planning into a leadership role with the Master's in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) at the GW School of Business (GWSB). Innovative academics, including those in hospitality studies, and hands-on experiential learning equip enterprising professionals with the competitive skill set needed to elevate their game in this fast-paced and evolving global industry. Dive into emerging issues such as sustainable tourism, destination marketing and health and wellness in the hospitality industry in the heart of Washington D.C., where top industry leaders are right next door.
Learn how tourism can be a force for good in economic development, heritage conservation and the promotion of peace and understanding in this leading program now celebrating 50 years.
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Program Features
Full-time or Part-time
Pursue this degree at your own pace. Average completion time: 1.5 years (full-time) or 2 years (part-time). Entry semester: fall or spring.
Dedicated Career Coaching
Our Fowler Career Center and Careers360 program connect you with employers and mentors in consulting, finance, and marketing.
Dual Degree Programs
Pursue this master's degree while also earning your MBA.
Global and Experiential Learning
Options for short-term overseas study and experiential education.
See Where Our Graduates Have Landed
GWSB’s extensive network of over 60,000 graduates spans 260+ organizations across the public and private sector and around the world. Our alumni regularly connect with current students and fellow alumni, attend events, mentor, and help GWSB evolve and expand. It’s this involvement by our graduates that truly contributes to the success of the school.
- American Express
- Brand USA
- Carnival Cruises
- CBRE Group
- Disney World
- Destination DC
- Events DC
- Google Travel
- Hargrove
- Hilton Hotels and Resorts
- Japan National Tourism Organization
- Korean National Tourism Organization
- Jones Lang LaSalle Int., China
- Marriott International
- Salesforce
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Travel Association
- World Bank Group/IMF
- World Wildlife Fund
- Yahoo!
- TripAdvisor
- United Nations World Tourism
- Organization (UNWTO)
"Participating in George Talks Business not only enhanced my engagement with the school's activities but also provided a distinctive platform to actively connect with the panelists and their respective companies. This opportunity was invaluable, offering me a gateway to meaningful networking experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to my future endeavors in the field."
Daniela Gámez
MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management '25
Explore This Program
This master's program provides students with a global understanding of tourism, hospitality and event management by examining how market conditions and environmental aspects influence the formulation of tourism policy, management and marketing approaches. This is taught with a balanced emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative skills, combining theory and frameworks for collecting, analyzing and using data to enhance decision-making at a managerial level and improve the customer experience at all levels.
Sample Courses Below (* indicates an elective course)
Hospitality & Tourism Strategy
- International Hospitality Management
- Tourism Policy and Planning
- Sustainable Destination Development
- Destination Marketing
Research, Analytics & Marketing
- Applied Quantitative Methods
- Research Methods and Applications
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Market Analysis
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Digital Marketing
Strategic Applications
- Event and Conference Management
- Advanced Topical Studies (Capstone)
Total Credits: 30 | Commitment: Part-Time or Full-Time | Location: In-Person
Length of Program: Expected completion for the full-time program is under two years
Meet Your Team
Admissions Team
Faculty Director
Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management
Interim Program Manager
hmhall
gwu [dot] edu (Hope Hall)
Why GW Business?
Since 1974, the GW School of Business has offered graduate students hands-on experiential education in the tourism, entertainment and hospitality industries. Today, these fields need professionals with the management skills to unlock new opportunities and new revenue models; they also need informed individuals who can give insight on emerging issues such as environmental impact and health and wellness. Perhaps the most unique feature of our educational approach is our commitment to understanding how tourism can drive development, conserve heritage, and promote peace and understanding.
Latest News
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Publications (2024-2025)
July 28, 2025
Dean’s Awards Recognize Faculty and Staff
July 24, 2025
GW Business Tourism Program Celebrates 50 Years
November 3, 2024
Read more news related to this program