MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
MS in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management
Where Business Meets Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
How do tourist destinations balance growth with sustainability? How do global sporting events create lasting economic impact for the host countries? How do hospitality organizations anticipate and respond to evolving traveler expectations?
These are the questions shaping the future of the tourism, hospitality and event industry, one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors. Behind every thriving destination, world-class event and memorable guest experience are business leaders who leverage data, strategic thinking and a global perspective to solve complex challenges and create experiences that benefit businesses, communities and travelers alike.
Since 1974, the George Washington University Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) has prepared graduates to lead at the intersection of business, tourism and global impact. At GW, you'll explore the trends transforming the global visitor economy—from sustainable tourism and cultural heritage preservation to destination marketing, event strategy and tourism policy—while developing the analytical and leadership skills to drive meaningful economic and social impact. Located in one of the world’s most influential tourism and business hubs, Washington, D.C., the program combines rigorous business education with experiential learning and unparalleled access to industry leaders, global organizations and policymakers.
First Things First: What Is an MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management?
A Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) is a graduate business degree that prepares professionals to lead organizations across the global visitor economy. The curriculum combines the business school rigor in management, strategy and analytics with key industry topics into a single, integrated program.
Tourism
Sustainable tourism development, destination marketing, tourism policy analysis and destination stewardship
Hospitality
Hotel operations, asset management, revenue management and international hospitality strategy, including financial modeling, market analysis and hotel asset valuation using real industry data
Event Management
Meeting and event planning, convention management, experiential marketing and event operations through a business strategy lens
Leadership & Strategy
Leading and managing organizations, and applying critical thinking through real-world consulting projects
The breadth of the curriculum is a draw for career changers and career advancers alike, opening doors across management, consulting, destination development and government.
The Only Graduate Program in the U.S. Certified by UN Tourism
Not only is GW's MSTHEM program the only one of its kind in Washington, D.C., it's also the only one in the United States certified by UN Tourism TedQual, the United Nations' global benchmark for excellence in tourism education—a distinction the program has maintained since 2002.
AACSB-Accredited
Combined with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) business school accreditation, the MSTHEM carries dual accreditation from the two leading bodies in business and tourism education.
50+ Years of Legacy.
A Curriculum Built for Today.
Founded in 1974 by Professor Donald E. Hawkins, a globally recognized tourism policy expert and UNWTO advisor, GW's MSTHEM is one of the world's most established programs of its kind, with nearly 2,000 graduates working worldwide. The curriculum is continuously updated to meet evolving industry needs and relevant skills.
MSTHEM Program at a Glance
Total Credits: 30
Location: In-Person, Foggy Bottom Campus
Commitment: Full-Time or Part-Time
Length of Program: 2 years (Full-Time) or 2.5 years (Part-Time)
Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
Cohort Size: ~30 students, working professionals & recent graduates from around the world
Curriculum
Courses Include:
Hospitality & Tourism Strategy
- Event and Conference Management
- International Hospitality Management
- Sustainable Destination Development
Research, Data Analytics & Marketing
- Applied Quantitative Methods
- Research Methods and Applications
- Destination Marketing
- Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Market Analysis
Leadership & Strategic Consulting Application
- Organization and Human Capital
- Leading Teams
- Consulting Processes
What You'll Learn
Taught by internationally recognized faculty and experienced industry practitioners, GW's 30-credit MSTHEM program combines rigorous business education with applied learning across tourism, hospitality and event management. Students complete a required management core curriculum while developing analytical, leadership and decision-making skills through data-driven coursework and real-world projects.
Guest lectures from senior industry leaders share bring insights from current challenges and emerging trends into the classroom. Recent speakers have included executives from Brand USA, Destination D.C., the U.S. Travel Association, Marriott International, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Explore St. Louis, providing students with direct access to the leaders shaping the future of the global visitor economy.
In this program, you will:
- Analyze hotel and destination market data and build 10-year financial models using industry-standard analytics tools
- Develop sustainable destination management and marketing strategies and stewardship plans for real DMO and government clients
- Drive hospitality business performance through revenue management, asset valuation and supply and demand analysis
- Develop key event and meeting management competencies aligned with the Certified Meeting Professional certification
- Manage international hospitality operations across cultures, regulatory environments and business models
- Lead and manage organizations strategically in the event, hospitality, and tourism industry
- Apply accumulated knowledge through real-world consulting projects
- Data and Analytics at the Core
The curriculum builds practical data fluency through coursework that mirrors real industry practice. Students use CoStar and STR datasets—the same tools used by HVS, CBRE, and leading advisory firms—to build real financial models. The Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) preparation reinforces these skills, embedding hotel industry analytics directly into coursework. The program is also actively incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum, reflecting the industry's growing use of AI-driven tools and practices for revenue management, demand forecasting and operational decision making.
These skills come to life in two courses in particular. The Tourism, Hospitality and Event Market Analysis course puts them into practice as students simulate a D.C. hotel development, build a 10-year financial model using real CoStar and STR data, then refine it during site visits to properties like the Four Seasons, Watergate Hotel and Fairmont Washington. The International Hospitality Management course takes a different angle, with students visiting Marriott International's corporate headquarters and having Hilton Worldwide brand leaders visit the class, where executives discuss managing a global hotel portfolio across cultures, markets and regulatory environments.
Maximize Your ROI: Customize Your Degree Path
- The 4+1 Program: Earn Your Bachelor’s and Master’s in Five Years
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in an eligible GW school have the opportunity to accelerate the path to earning a Master's in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management.
- Dual Degree Opportunity: MBA + MSTHEM
Double your impact with GW’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) dual degree. This forward-thinking program combines business strategy and project leadership through a dynamic mix of coursework and hands-on experiences, preparing you to lead with purpose in today’s complex, project-driven world.
By allowing select credits to count toward both degrees, students complete 18 fewer credit hours—saving time and cost compared to pursuing each degree separately.
- Graduate Certificates: Build Specialized Expertise
Students can deepen their expertise in a specific area by completing three courses from the International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) professional certificate programs, detailed below. Taken online, the Special Recognition Certificates are free for MSTHEM students beyond a minimal registration fee. The program culminates in a targeted credential that complements the degree and signals specialized expertise to employers.
Tailor your MSTHEM to your professional goals by adding a graduate certificate, such as Sport Management or Quantitative Business Foundations, that builds specialized expertise alongside your core business education.
Hospitality Management & Leadership
Grounded in the principles of global and strategic development and management, this online program will build your expertise in hotel and resort management.
Learn More: Hospitality Management & Leadership Professional Certificate
Sustainable Tourism Destination Management
Participants in this professional certificate program will learn strategies for developing tourism products, creating visitor markets, minimizing potentially negative effects of tourism and enhancing the sustainability of destinations so that they remain viable and attractive to visitors and support their host communities.
Learn More: Sustainable Tourism Destination Management Professional Certificate
Community-Centered Cultural Tourism
Learn to navigate an evolving tourism landscape in which sustainability, inclusion, resilience, economic equity and cultural preservation have become paramount. Design flexible and resilient tourism models that respond to global economic shifts, geopolitical dynamics, climate change, evolving travel behaviors and practices that support regenerative tourism.
Event Management
Gain an understanding of sports marketing, media, legal issues and facility management at the professional, collegiate and community levels. Prepare for a career in sports administration, event planning, athletic operations, or other related area.
What Makes GW's
MSTHEM Different?
GW's MSTHEM combines the strengths of a top-ranked business school with the industry access, global perspective and real-world experience that today's tourism leaders need. From a business-focused curriculum, hands-on consulting projects and dedicated career center to Washington, D.C.'s unparalleled network of industry and policy leaders, every aspect of the program is designed to prepare graduates to lead in the global visitor economy.
The D.C. Advantage: Where You Learn Matters
As the only graduate-level tourism, hospitality and event management program in Washington, D.C., GW places students steps away from the global hub for hospitality, tourism policy and international business, providing direct access to the leaders shaping the future of the global visitor economy. This proximity transforms the GW classroom experience. Guided by internationally recognized faculty, including sustainable tourism scholar Dr. Cevat Tosun, students connect classroom learning with industry through conferences, networking events, externships, webinars, site visits and professional organization events.
Washington, D.C., is at the center of everything. Our students have a daily opportunity to meet, engage with, and learn from professionals at the highest levels of the tourism, hospitality, and event industries. No other program location can replicate that.
Cevat Tosun, PhD, Faculty Director & Eisenhower Chair, MSTHEM
Experiential Learning, Structurally Integrated
Applied learning is structural here, not supplemental. We recognize that the most transformative education happens when students are immersed in real-world challenges, equipped to apply their knowledge, and encouraged to think critically and creatively.
Students tour luxury D.C. properties, such as the Four Seasons, Watergate Hotel, and Fairmont, visit executives at Marriott International's headquarters, and work on consulting projects directly with destination organizations in the U.S. and around the world on real challenges facing tourism destinations as well as build real financial models from live market data. They may attend U.S. Travel Association’s Destination Capitol Hill Tourism Advocacy Conference, Destination DC's Global Marketplace Meeting and PCMA conferences with assignments built directly around the events. Beyond the syllabus, alumni connections have led to Kennedy Center Honors volunteer roles and International Monetary Fund (IMF) externships.
Previous experiential learning opportunities include:
- Future of Travel Mobility Conference
The U.S. Travel Association's Future of Travel Mobility conference provided an immersive experience for MSTHEM students to explore the latest advancements in seamless, secure, and sustainable travel. Industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the next decade of travel, with a focus on innovative biometric technologies and cutting-edge tools transforming the travel landscape. This experiential learning opportunity allowed students to gain firsthand insights into the future of travel mobility in the U.S.
- Marriott Headquarters Tour
An unforgettable tour of Marriott International headquarters! Our students gained exclusive insights into the global operations and innovative sustainability initiatives driving the hospitality industry forward. This experience not only deepened our understanding of the field but also inspired us to think bigger, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tourism and hospitality.
- Mastering the Art of Guiding: A Live Learning Experience with Washingtours
An incredible experiential learning opportunity for students attending a live masterclass training for tourist guides! This immersive and insightful tour, organized by Washingtours in collaboration with the GWSB Tourism for Tomorrow student club and DC Nation Tours, provided students with an unparalleled chance to gain real-world insights into the dynamic world of tourism and guiding.
The hands-on experience allowed participants to connect theory with practice, exploring key aspects of guiding techniques, cultural storytelling, and customer engagement in a real-world setting. Through expert-led sessions and live interactions with experienced guides, students learned how to craft memorable tours, handle diverse audiences, and deliver informative and engaging narratives that bring destinations to life.
The experiential side of this program genuinely surprised me. The faculty connections, the site visits, the industry events: that's what makes it.
Jonathan Whitehead (MSTHEM '26), Research Associate, International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS)
The International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS)
Founded alongside GW's MSTHEM, the International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS) is one of the first UN-affiliated tourism education centers in the world. Through IITS, students work as paid research assistants on real-world consulting projects for destination management organizations (DMOs), tribal nations and international destinations, tackling challenges in sustainable tourism strategy, destination stewardship and economic development.
Projects have included clients such as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Ketchikan, Alaska; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Taos, New Mexico; Jamaica; and Curaçao. Students may travel alongside faculty project leaders, present their findings at international conferences and gain hands-on experience that distinguishes them in the job market.
IITS also connects students with organizations including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Inter-American Development Bank, U.S. Department of State, WWF and The Nature Conservancy, exposing them to the global institutions advancing tourism as a driver of economic development, cultural preservation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
When students go out into the job market, these projects often become their strongest conversation starters. Being able to say, ‘I worked with Bermuda’ or ‘I worked with Ketchikan, Alaska’ gives them real-world experience that stands out on a resume.
Seleni Matus, Adjunct Professor of Tourism & Director, International Institute of Tourism Studies (IITS)
A Professional and Culturally Diverse Community
The MSTHEM's collaborative cohort gives students direct access to faculty mentors while creating a close-knit community of classmates from around the world. Recent graduates, career changers and experienced tourism professionals learn alongside one another, bringing diverse perspectives that enrich every discussion. Alumni consistently cite the program's international community as one of its greatest strengths.
The students who gain the most from the program are those who immerse themselves in the experience—building relationships, participating in professional associations or the student organization Tourism for Tomorrow, and taking advantage of opportunities to learn from industry leaders long before graduation.
Internships That Lead to Jobs
Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide, both headquartered within 30 minutes of the GW campus, run year-long internship programs designed to lead to full-time employment. MSTHEM students have also done externships at nearby international organizations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The F. David Fowler Career Center is formalizing both relationships with dedicated on-campus hiring events.
Career Outcomes
A Growing Industry With A Global Demand
GW's MSTHEM graduates enter a global industry that spans destination management, hotel operations, events, consulting, international development and government. The travel and tourism industry is projected to generate 91 million new jobs globally by 2035 (Source: World Travel & Tourism Council, 2025), accounting for one in every three net new jobs created worldwide.
MSTHEM graduates typically enter at the management and director level, in a field where career trajectories are global, roles are diverse and the GW network opens doors that are otherwise hard to reach. Alumni report that the MSTHEM credential has directly led to positions that may not have materialized otherwise.
Where Our Alumni Are Leading
For more than 50 years, GW's Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program has prepared leaders who are shaping one of the world's largest industries. Today, approximately 2,000 alumni are making an impact across six continents—leading destinations, managing global hospitality brands, driving tourism strategy, producing major events and influencing policy at every level.
From Destination or Event Directors and Hotel General Managers to Sustainable Tourism Consultants, Revenue/Asset Management Directors, World Bank Resident Representatives and government leaders, our graduates are building careers that reach around the globe.
Explore a sampling of the organizations where our alumni are making an impact:
- CBRE Hotels Advisory
- Destination DC/Events DC
- Destinations International
- Discover Puerto Rico
- Four Seasons
- Hilton Worldwide
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- Jones Lang LaSalle Int., China
- Marriott International
- Ramboll
- U.S. Travel Association
- US National Park Service
- World Bank Group
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
- UN Tourism
Career Support
Dedicated Career Center
The GW Business F. David Fowler Career Center provides exclusive access to employer connections, recruiting opportunities, on-campus hiring events and career resources, including professional development workshops on technical skills, presentations and salary negotiations.
Personalized Career Coaching
Experienced career coaches with a proven track record of supporting successful career outcomes and advancement help you build an effective job search strategy while providing resume reviews and mock interviews.
Mentorship Opportunities
Participate in the Careers360 program to connect with industry mentors in consulting, finance or marketing.
Global Alumni Network
With more than 60,000 GW Business alumni spanning 260+ organizations, Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits around the world, you’ll gain access to mentorship, connections and career opportunities that open doors and accelerate your impact.
Admissions
GW's MS in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management welcomes students from all academic and professional backgrounds. No prior tourism, hospitality or events experience is required, and no specific undergraduate major is expected. Recent graduates, working professionals and career-changers are all well represented in the cohort.
Admission to the MSTHEM program is competitive, with limited enrollment to support a collaborative, cohort-based learning experience.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are especially encouraged to apply early.
Our admissions team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way. Learn more about application requirements and next steps on our How to Apply page.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, considering academic performance, professional experience and achievements, and letters of recommendation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Current résumé
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Completed online application form
No GRE or GMAT is required. However, applicants who feel their test scores strengthen their candidacy are welcome to submit them.
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.
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 - Closed
- Summer 2026 - Closed
- Fall 2026 - July 31, 2026
Please note:
- Admissions for the following programs is offered only for the fall semester: Global MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in AI for Business, M.S. in Applied Finance, M.S. in Business Analytics
- Summer admissions deadlines apply only to our online MBA and Specialized Master's degree programs.
- Admission to all other programs is offered for the fall and spring semesters only.
- Doctoral and executive education programs may have different admissions deadlines.
Tuition, Fees & Funding
Tuition: Tuition is determined on a per-credit basis, which may very each semester depending on the number of courses you take. The base tuition for this 30-credit master's degree is ~$62,500. Students should also plan for university fees, books, and living expenses. Since rates are reviewed and updated annually, prospective students are encouraged to check the official GW tuition and fees page for the most current cost information.
Financial Aid: Many of GW’s MSTHEM students receive merit-based awards to offset tuition costs and expenses. Program-specific support includes the J.W. Marriott Foundation Scholarship and the Philip Ogilvie Award. Additional options include graduate assistantships, employer sponsorship, and federal financial aid. Destinations International, Destination DC and PCMA members may also qualify for a partnership discount.
CONTACT US
Meet Your GW School of Business Team
Behind every step of your graduate student journey is a team ready to help. Connect with faculty, admissions and advising to get the answers and guidance you need.
Admissions Team
Faculty Director
Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management
Program Manager
- Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management Faculty
Lisa Delpy NeirottiDirector, MS in Sport Management Program; Associate Professor of Sport Management
(202) 994-6623
Seleni MatusDirector, International Institute of Tourism Studies; Adjunct Professor of Tourism
(202) 994-8197
Jungho SuhTeaching Assistant Professor of Management; Project Director, Korean Management Institute (KMI)
202-994-1877
Cevat TosunEisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management; Program Director, MS in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
(202) 994-7087
