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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 of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) at the George Washington University School of Business (GWSB). Cutting-edge academics, including hospitality studies, and hands-on experiential learning equip enterprising professionals with the competitive skill set you need to elevate your 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. 

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.

 

 

AACSB accreditation logo

 

MS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management 50th Anniversary logo showing 50 years at GW (1974 to 2024)

 

UN Tourism Academy Certified Tourism Program logo

 

 

 

 

Attend an Info Session

 

 

 

 

 

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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Program Features

 

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Full-time or Part-time

Pursue this degree at your own pace. Average completion time: 1.5 years (full-time) or 2.5 years (part-time). Entry semester: fall or spring.

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Work While Studying

Complete your degree requirements while maintaining a full-time job.

icon shows two rolled parchments with a graduation cap on top, depicting the idea that students can share credit hours between their undergraduate and graduate degrees through a special program

Combined Degree Options

This degree can be combined with a bachelor's degree through our 4+1 Program.

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Study Abroad Opportunities

Short-term study abroad and long-term study away program options are available.

 

 

 

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

The master of science in the field of tourism, hospitality, and event management program at the GW School of Business prepares its students to be top industry leaders by combining classroom and field-based learning with exceptional access to jobs, internships, networking, and career development opportunities found only in Washington, DC. Through the 30-credit program of study, students gain knowledge, experience, and skills focused on their particular interests in tourism, hospitality, and event management. The program can be completed on a full-or part-time basis.

 

View Degree Requirements

 

 

Meet Your Team

 

Cevat Tosun

Faculty Director

Cevat Tosun

Eisenhower Chair and Professor of Tourism Studies and Management

 

 

 

 

 

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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Stuart Levy, Seleni Matus, Brian Beall, Cevat Tosun, Don Hawkins, Christopher Kayes and Ibrahim Osta.

GW Business Tourism Program Celebrates 50 Years

November 3, 2024

The GWSB Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (MSTHEM) program celebrated 50 years of excellence, innovation and industry impact.

GW graduate students pose in front of Team USA photo opportunity

GW Business Students Reflect on Attending Paris Olympics

August 27, 2024

A group of GW graduate students return from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and reflect on the valuable lessons and insights they gained during their journey.

composite photo of GW School of Business MS in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management students and professors

Students Develop Strategic Marketing Plan for Beach Resort

March 21, 2024

Under the mentorship of Prof. Cevat Tosun, the team determined the best strategy for increasing the occupancy rate of the 54-unit property.

Read more news related to this program

 

 

 

 

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.

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 2025 - Closed
  • Summer 2025 - Closed
  • Fall 2025 - June 1, 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 & Financial Aid

 

 

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