The MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management degree at the GW School of Business

 

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].

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

 

Pursue One of Our Areas of Special Recognition

MTA program Event & Meeting Management header image of an audience listening to a keynote speech

Event & Meeting Management

 

 

MTA program Hospitality Management header image of chairs by a pool at a tropical resort

Hospitality
Management

 

 

MTA program Sustainable Tourism Management header image of a group touring a rainforest in a kayak

Sustainable Tourism Management

 

 

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.

 

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits in required courses.

Required
TSTD 6220International Hospitality Management
TSTD 6221Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Market Analysis
TSTD 6249Sustainable Destination Development
TSTD 6251Applied Quantitative Methods
TSTD 6261Tourism Policy and Planning
TSTD 6263Destination Marketing
TSTD 6270Research Methods and Applications
TSTD 6277Event and Conference Management
TSTD 6296Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Digital Marketing
TSTD 6297Advanced Topical Studies

Other Program Options

The MSTHEM degree can also 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 for the MSTHEM degree include:

  • BBA + MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
  • BS in Business/MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
  • BS in Business Analytics/MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
  • BS in Entrepreneurship and Innovation/MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management
  • BS in Marketing/MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management

 

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.

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Strong academic performance
  • Demonstrated professional interest in tourism, hospitality, and/or event management

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.

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.
  • 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.
  • GMAT Score or GRE Score (optional): Test date must be within past five years. GMAT code: QK4-4F-40; GRE code: 5246. Not eligible for a test waiver? GW School of Business applicants can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International applicants must submit one of the following: an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or 550 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5, a PTE Academic Score of at least 53, or an official Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 105. Test date must be within the past two years. TOEFL code: 5246

Please note that, if you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses: an official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, a PTE Academic Score of at least 68, or a DET score of at least 120. Test date must be within the past two years.

Exceptions to this requirement:

  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction and the official language of the country in which the university is located. In addition to the United States, applicants from the following countries are exempt from this requirement.
  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution that is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency — see the list of approved schools.

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 - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Summer - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Fall - July 1, 2022

Please note: Summer deadlines only apply to the Master of Accountancy (MAccy) program. MAccy students requiring an F1 visa should limit their applications to the fall or spring semesters only.

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

  • 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.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

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.

For more information, explore the GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support page.

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.

U.S. Citizens and eligible noncitizens 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.

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. For details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process, visit the Employer Tuition Discounts page.

Grad2Grad Program

GW undergraduate students who continue their studies at GW by enrolling in certain graduate degree or certificate programs may qualify for a 10 percent graduate tuition reduction through the Grad2Grad program. For information about eligibility and the application process, visit the Grad2Grad page.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

Leadership Council

We are pleased to introduce our highly esteemed MSTHEM Leadership Council comprised of leaders in the hospitality, tourism and event management industries.

Leadership Council Chair:

  • Rafat Ali, CEO & Founder, Skift

Leadership Council Members:

  • David Adler, CEO and Founder, Bizbash Media
  • Brian Beall (MTA ‘06), Vice President, Government Affairs, Cruise Lines International Association
  • Renee Cash (MTA ‘17), Chief of Protocol, Joint Staff at National Guard Bureau
  • Greg O’Dell, President & CEO, Events DC
  • Carolina Escolan (MTA ’11), Director, Owner Relations and Management Contract Services for Latin America & the Caribbean, Hilton Worldwide
  • Robert A. Gilbert, President & CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International
  • Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA
  • Aaron Katz, President, Modus Hotels
  • Kannan Sankaran (MTA ’99), Managing Director, CBRE (Hotels Advisory/Capital Market)
  • Miguel Wang (MTA ’05), Head of Development (China), Meliá Hotel International
  • Don Welsh, President & CEO, Destination International

 

MSTHEM Webinars

These webinars focus on engaging, current issues relevant to the tourism, hospitality and event management industries.

View More Webinars

 

International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS)

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.

 

video - GW School of Business MTA program

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.

Support the MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) Program

Your donation goes directly to a MSTHEM scholarship fund — please feel free to contact us for more detailed information. Thank you!

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