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A Curriculum Built for Data-Driven Hospitality Researchers

The Master of Science Degree in Hospitality Management offers a research-focused curriculum. Through rigorous coursework and guidance from BU SHA’s research faculty, the MSHM program hones your quantitative and qualitative skills to conduct your original research in the hospitality industry.

The MS in Hospitality Management program curriculum encompasses 44 credits of courses, and it requires students to complete a self-directed research project and a thesis. Students will be assigned to an SHA research faculty member, who will assist with developing a course plan in preparation for the final original research. 

The MSHM program is designed to be completed in two years on a full-time learning basis.

Master of Science in Hospitality Management Course Sequencing
The Master of Science in Hospitality Management is currently designated by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM-eligible degree program. International students in F-1 student status may be able to apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization.  More information about STEM OPT eligibility is available from the BU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).

MSHM Curriculum Components

The two-year Master of Science in Hospitality Management curriculum consists of three parts—required courses (24 credits), elective courses (12 credits), and research courses (8 credits). The 44 credits are divided among five semesters (including one summer) of coursework. 

Students will take a full-time (four courses per semester) load for the first two semesters. The required courses are designed to help students build a solid knowledge base about hospitality management and research methodology. These courses prepare students to conduct their research projects in year two.

In year two, the focus will be on research and completing a master’s thesis. Students will be enrolled in a part-time course load to allow sufficient time for research and thesis writing.

Credit Requirement Summary

Requirement Credits
6 Required Courses 24 cr.
3 Elective Courses 12 cr.
4 Research Courses   8 cr.
Total Credits 44 cr.

 

Fall Semester 1 (16 credits):

SHA HF 801: Hospitality Research (4 cr.)
CAS MA 614: Statistical Methods 2 (4 cr.)

Choose 2 of the Following Courses:

SHA HF 701: Hospitality Operations (4 cr.)
SHA HF 711: Hospitality Financial Management (4 cr.)
SHA HF 733: Hospitality Organizational Leadership (4 cr.)
SHA HF 762: Hospitality Branding and Marketing (4 cr.)

Spring Semester 1 (16 credits):

SHA HF 802: Faculty Directed Research (4 cr.) (taken twice for 8 credits total)

Choose 1 of the Following Boston University Research Courses:

COM CM 722: Communication Research Methods (4 cr.)
MET UA 703: Urban Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 600: Intro to Research (4 cr.)
WED RS 652: Qualitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 653: Quantitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
CAS PS 712: Statistics in Psychology II (4 cr.)

Choose 2 Electives from the MMH Curriculum. Recommended Electives include:

SHA HF 679: Financial Reporting and Analysis (4 cr.)
SHA HF 778: Hospitality Analytics (4 cr.)

Summer Semester:

SHA HF 840: Self-Directed Research (0 cr.)

Fall Semester 2 (8 credits):

SHA HF 802: Faculty Directed Research (4 cr.) (taken twice for 8 credits total)

Choose 1 of the Following Boston University Research Courses:

COM CM 722: Communication Research Methods (4 cr.)
MET UA 703: Urban Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 600: Intro to Research (4 cr.)
WED RS 652: Qualitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 653: Quantitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
CAS PS 712: Statistics in Psychology II (4 cr.)

Spring Semester 2 (4 credits):

SHA HF 899: Thesis (0 cr.)

Choose 1 of the Following Boston University Research Courses:

COM CM 722: Communication Research Methods (4 cr.)
MET UA 703: Urban Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 600: Intro to Research (4 cr.)
WED RS 652: Qualitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
WED RS 653: Quantitative Research Methods (4 cr.)
CAS PS 712: Statistics in Psychology II (4 cr.)

 

MS in Hospitality Management Curriculum Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHM) degree is an innovative program that aims to prepare students for PhD studies, research positions, and careers in academia. 

With the successful completion of the MS program, you demonstrate the ability to:

  • Describe the segments, history, icons, market leaders, lexicon, and service elements of the continually expanding hospitality landscape.
  • Learn, master, and apply the research methods and skills in a specific discipline of hospitality for an in-depth study; functional areas can include finance/accounting, revenue management, experience design, operations, human resources/people strategies, real estate, marketing, senior living, and more.
  • Learn, master, and apply the quantitative skills to synthesize core functional areas of hospitality systems, including finance, operations, human resources/people strategies, marketing and experience design, real estate, senior living, and more.
  • Presentation and storytelling of data and primary and secondary research to deliver meaningful analyses and recommendations applicable to the practice of global hospitality.
  • The clear and effective writing of academic papers and results of research, quality for publication, and presentation.

Learn More about the MS in Hospitality Management Program

Want to know more about the research-focused Master of Science degree in Hospitality Management and the courses you will take? Request information today!

If you are ready to take the next step, start your application.