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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AACSB accreditation logo
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MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management 50th Anniversary logo showing 50 years at GW (1974 to 2024)
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UN Tourism Academy Certified Tourism Program logo

 

Attend an Info Session

 

 

 

 

Program Features

 

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icon shows a clock with a separated segment, depicting the idea of full-time and part-time program options

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.

 

 

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)

 

 


Daniela Cristina Gámez Fajardo

"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

View Degree Requirements  

 

 

Meet Your Team

 

Cevat Tosun

Faculty Director

Cevat Tosun

Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management

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Interim Program Manager

hmhallatgwu [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.

 

 

 

Admissions

Admission to the MSTHEM program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year. Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Prerequisites

It is recommended that candidates have taken the following courses: Statistics, Calculus I or AB Calculus, Calculus II or BC Calculus, Linear/Matrix/Finite Algebra

Acceptable Substitutes: Differential Equations, Mathematical Physics, Econometrics

Please reach out to your admissions team with any questions.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.

  • Spring 2026 - November 1, 2025
  • Summer 2026 - November 1, 2025
  • Fall 2026 - November 1, 2025

Please note: Admission to the Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Applied Finance, and M.S. in Business Analytics programs is only offered for the fall semester. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to our online MBA and Specialized Master's degree programs. Admission to all other programs is only offered for the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, our doctoral and executive education programs may have different admissions deadlines.

Tuition & Financial Aid

 

20% Tuition Discount for Displaced Federal Workers and Contractors

The GW School of Business is committed to supporting federal employees and contractors affected by workforce reductions. To help those affected, GWSB is offering a 20% tuition discount for eligible prospective graduate students in 2025.

Learn More  

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