Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (older page version)
Graduate students in our Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) program (formerly known as the Master of Tourism Administration, or MTA) can pursue their professional passion by studying in a top-ranked business school with unparalleled access in Washington, D.C. Interested in joining? Reach out to us at [email protected].
- Learn About the GW Difference
MSTHEM students at the GW School of Business benefit from:
- Our residence in a world-renowned business school, considered one of the top-ranked schools in the Economist, US. News and World Report, and the Financial Times
- Our location in Washington D.C., which affords students the unique opportunity to access valuable internships and interact with industry champions and leading industry organizations inside and outside the classroom
- Our expansive domestic and international network of alumni that are leaders and practitioners in events, tourism, and hospitality management
- Our curriculum, taught by internationally-recognized faculty, which provides applied, project-based learning with opportunities for participating in hands-on consulting and research projects in Washington, D.C. and around the world
- Our longevity as one of the oldest tourism-oriented graduate programs in the world (established almost 50 years ago) and our strong community of support for our students
- Connect With Us
Students in the MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program interact with peers, instructors, industry professionals and alumni from all over the world in a rich learning environment that combines individual experiences and interests with innovative and sustainable local and global initiatives.
Read Our 2024 Alumni Highlights Brochure Meet Our Faculty
If you would like further information about our program or have questions, please email [email protected] or contact Faculty Director Cevat Tosun directly at [email protected] or (202) 994-7087.
(current students and alumni only)
- Read Our Newsletter
The MSTHEM newsletter is a great way to learn more about the program and the networking opportunities we provide. You'll also hear from our alumni, meet our faculty and learn about their research, and see how the student engagement opportunities we cultivate are unparalleled among similar graduate programs.
Pursue One of Our Areas of Special Recognition
The MSTHEM program and the International Institute of Tourism Studies are delighted to present an opportunity for MSTHEM students to further specialize in one or more areas of interest.
Event & Meeting Management
Hospitality Management
Sustainable Tourism Management
Learn More About the MSTHEM Special Recognition Program
Leadership Council
We are pleased to introduce our highly esteemed MSTHEM Leadership Council comprised of leaders in the hospitality, tourism and event management industries.
- Meet Our Leadership Council
Leadership Council Chair
Rafat Ali
CEO & Founder, Skift
Leadership Council Members
David Adler
CEO and Founder, Bizbash Media
Brian Beall
Renee Cash
Chief of Protocol, Joint Staff at National Guard Bureau
Carolina Escolan
Director, Owner Relations and Management Contract Services for Latin America & the Caribbean, Hilton Worldwide
Robert A. Gilbert
President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
Sherrif Karamat
President & CEO, PCMA
Aaron Katz
President, Modus Hotels
Greg O'Dell
President of Venue Management, Oak View Group
Kannan Sankaran
Managing Director, CBRE (Hotels Advisory/Capital Market)
Paula Vlamings
Chief Impact Officer, Tourism Cares
Miguel Wang
Head of Development (China), Meliá Hotel International
Don Welsh
President & CEO, Destination International
Cattleya Wongkongkatap
Director, University Events, The George Washington University
Webinars
These webinars focus on engaging and current issues relevant to the tourism, hospitality and event management industries.
- MSTHEM Webinars
The International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS)
With the help of students from the MSTHEM program, the IITS conducts research, offers workshops, and provides consulting services that help position tourism as a tool for sustainable development.
- Learn More About the International Institute of Tourism Studies
Since 1987, the International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) has supported the MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program in addressing the challenges posed by the tourism industry and helping communities that rely on visitors to manage their cultural and natural resources for the long-term. With the help of students from the MSTHEM program, the IITS conducts research, offers workshops, and provides consulting services that help position tourism as a tool for sustainable development. These experiences are not only intended to help solve critical industry problems but to provide graduate students with the opportunity to apply their classroom lessons to real world situations.
This brief introductory video shows how the International Institute of Tourism Studies at the George Washington University School of Business guides community leaders, policymakers, industry influencers and the academic community toward a more just, equitable and profitable future for the tourism industry.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) program at the GW School of Business, which can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis, produces the industry’s next great leaders by combining classroom and field-based learning with exceptional access to jobs, internships, and networking and career development opportunities found only in Washington, D.C.
Students enrolled in the MSTHEM program will complete ten courses (30 credit hours). During the program of study, students will gain knowledge, experience and skills focused on their particular interests in tourism, hospitality and event management.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits in required courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| TSTD 6220 | International Hospitality Management | |
| TSTD 6221 | Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Market Analysis | |
| TSTD 6249 | Sustainable Destination Development | |
| TSTD 6251 | Applied Quantitative Methods | |
| TSTD 6261 | Tourism Policy and Planning | |
| TSTD 6263 | Destination Marketing | |
| TSTD 6270 | Research Methods and Applications | |
| TSTD 6277 | Event and Conference Management | |
| TSTD 6296 | Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Digital Marketing | |
| TSTD 6297 | Advanced Topical Studies | |
Combined Degree Options
This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.
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.
- Prerequisites
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- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Strong academic performance
- Demonstrated professional interest in tourism, hospitality and/or event management
- Admissions Process
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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.
- Application Requirements
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To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:
- Completed online application form
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- Additional Application Requirements
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- Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
- The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
- International Applicants
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Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.
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.
Admitted Student Profile
While we do not have minimum requirements for test scores, GPA or work experience, our program does attract top academic and professional talent. Statistics from the most recent admission period are as follows:
- Average GPA: 3.4
- Percentage Female: 76%
- Percentage International: 53%
- Average Age: 26
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 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
- Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
- Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025
Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.
Tuition and Other Costs
Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.
- Tuition and Fees
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Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.
- Other Expenses
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- Student Health Insurance
GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
- Housing
View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.
- Student Health Insurance
Financial Resources
From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.
- GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support
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The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.
In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.
- Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships
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The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.
- Federal Financial Aid
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U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:
- Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
- Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program
To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.
- Tuition Discounts
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Employer Discounts
The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:
- Leidos
- Lockheed Martin
- Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
- SAIC
Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.
- Veterans and Military
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Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
- Student Employment and Internships
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The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.
Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.
International Students
Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.
For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.
For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.
- Billing and Payment Processing
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The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.