UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Hospitality Management is accepting applications for its Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management for the fall 2024 semester. The program helps professionals gain in-demand skills and leadership experiences that translate directly into hospitality management and upper-level management positions.
Applications to start the program in fall 2024 are due by June 1.
“Obtaining a graduate degree in hospitality management sets individuals apart in the field,” said Lori Walker, coordinator of the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program. “At Penn State, the Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management undertakes an approach at the enterprise level, which is designed to accelerate careers in or related to hospitality management.”
The program provides real-world experience via professional internships and work experiences. Students delve into profit maximization, data analytics, leading people and teams, and future trends in the hospitality industry. Participants can also take web-based courses from the Penn State Smeal College of Business MBA program to apply business tactics to their career in hospitality. They also have access to the global hospitality community, as professionals in the program learn alongside others from across the world.
Students can get involved with professional associations, such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and National Restaurant Association, which provide opportunities to network and form lasting industry connections. The Penn State alumni network, which has more than 775,000 graduates worldwide, provides participants with plentiful connections to grow their professional networks.
“In my mid-30s, I decided that I wanted and needed to change my career path,” said Lauren Rodgers, a current student in the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program. “I found that I really liked event planning and was good at it. I felt that adding a graduate degree would help me to advance quicker and get me where I want to be sooner.”
This program supports professionals using a hybrid learning approach. Students enjoy the benefits of flexible, online learning for traditional courses while building face-to-face relationships with professors, peers and professionals during regular, once-per-month, in-person classes. Hospitality professionals in the Penn State Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management program benefit from small class sizes where professors can provide 1-on-1 instruction and mentorship.
“The small class sizes allow for generous 1-on-1 time with the faculty, something which is unexpected at a larger institution,” Penn State graduate student Brandon Weller said. “The faculty have also proven to be very caring and flexible, something which is essential for working professionals going back to school.”
Those interested in learning more about the Master of Professional Studies in Hospitality Management can register to attend an informational webinar, taking place from noon until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. During this “Brown Bag Session,” attendees can ask questions and gain insight into the program during the lunch hour.
Connect with the Penn State School of Hospitality Management at SHMinfo@psu.edu.
