The Penn State School of Hospitality Management announces the launch of its one-of-a-kind professional master’s degree in hospitality management.

University Park, PA – The Penn State School of Hospitality Management has launched a one-of-a-kind graduate degree program in hospitality management designed specifically for hospitality industry professionals.

The school’s new Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Hospitality Management (HM), slated to begin in August 2023, offers an exceptional and focused curriculum delivered by world-class faculty through online and in-resident course offerings.

The MPS in HM program blends flexible course mode options with immersive, in-person experiences. Enterprise-level course content is designed to level-up the skills of its graduates, positioning them to advance their career trajectories in the hospitality industry.

Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management courses were designed to address key areas in which hospitality management leaders and executives need to be proficient. Examples of courses include:

  • Corporate Officer and Investor Perspectives
  • Profit Optimization
  • Customer’s Journey and Digital Reach
  • Applied Research and Consulting
  • Hospitality Data Analytics

Embedded in the middle of the MPS in HM degree program journey are four Penn State Smeal College of Business MBA courses. Curriculum covered in existing MBA courses enables HM MPS graduates to develop knowledge and expertise across sectors about the complex characteristics of a hospitality enterprise value. These MBA courses—conducted online—will help students in the MPS in HM program synthesize their hospitality management skill set while working together with a diverse set of students in the Smeal College of Business graduate programs.

Those new to the program first participate in an immersive weekend in residence at the Penn State University Park campus in State College, Pennsylvania. Students then continue their coursework either in-person or online via remote synchronous courses.

The 36-credit MPS in HM degree can be completed in 12 months for students who elect to enroll full-time. The program can also be completed part-time, allowing flexibility for working professionals, those with families, and others who would benefit from a part-time enrollment option.

To assist with budgeting, cost of the program is priced per credit hour, allowing students to accurately plan and manage their finances and offer flexibility if their personal finances change over time.

MPS HM courses may be taken either in-person or online through remote synchronous courses. These options help accommodate professional and personal travel commitments, accessibility needs, individual preferences, and increased opportunity for international students and others who may be abroad.

Graduate internships—part of the MPS in HM curriculum requirement—will be selected on a project-by-project basis. These internship experiences allow students to work closely with the school’s prestigious industry partners and help students accelerate building their own professional networks.

A culminating capstone course will revolve around timely and relevant topics “drawn from the headlines” of the hospitality industry, addressing problems and initiatives developed with support from leading businesses and organizations.

Applications for the Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program are now being accepted. The priority admissions deadline is March 1, 2023.

Students who wish to be considered for scholarships should complete an application by April 1, 2023 for those who intend to begin the program in the Fall 2023 semester.

For more information email Dr. Donna Quadri-Felitti, Marvin Ashner Endowed Director, School of Hospitality Management, Penn State University, dlq3@psu.edu.