Master of Management in Hospitality FAQs

When is the application deadline? 

The application will open in fall and applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis. The priority deadline for Fall semester is February 1. The final deadline to apply is May 1. Students interested in consideration for a merit scholarship are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline.  Applications for Fall will begin being reviewed as early as December so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Do I need to submit GRE or GMAT? 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scores are NOT REQUIRED for the MMH program.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?

The minimum required number of recommendations is two, though you can enter up to three recommenders. Applicants cannot send recommendations directly to SHA; all recommendations must come directly from the recommender via the online portal.

Are interviews required?

Interviews are not required, though faculty members may contact some applicants for an interview or Skype meeting if more information is needed by the admission committee.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is $95. When applying via the online application you must pay by credit card. To request a fee waiver, please contact the Director of Graduate Affairs at msieber@bu.edu.

How can I find out if my application is complete?

Applicants should regularly monitor their status via the “Manage My Programs” section of the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete by the deadline.

My application is complete. What comes next?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants typically receive notification within 6 to 8 weeks of completing the application.

Whom do I contact with questions about my application?

We encourage you to visit the “Manage My Programs” section of the online application, as well as browse the rest of the Frequently Asked Questions here, to see if the answer to your application question is addressed. If not, please contact SHA’s Office of Graduate Affairs at shagrad@bu.edu with questions about:

• Admission requirements and policies
• Supplemental application materials
• Status of your application after it has been submitted

If you have any questions regarding technical application issues, please contact call the BU SHA Application Services at (617) 353-1011 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm EST) or email shagrad@bu.edu.

Can I transfer into the MMH Program?

Students can transfer into MMH via the regular application process. The Faculty Director may approve up to 8 credits of transfer credit.

Are official transcripts required?

No, official transcripts are not required for the application process. Applicants can send in screenshots, pictures, or PDFs of their unofficial transcripts. We will need students to submit official transcript(s) after they have been admitted and accept our offer of admission.

Is previous work experience required?

No, we do not have a minimum work experience requirement.

I went to BU undergrad – do I need to submit a BU transcript?

No, you may upload a PDF or screenshot of your transcript from the student link during the application process.  You are not required to submit an official copy after being admitted.  

What do I do if I submitted my test scores but your office has not received them?

If you took the exam within the past couple of weeks, it is probably still being scored. Please contact ETS (Educational Testing Service) to verify that the scores were transmitted to BU. If it has been longer, or if ETS has already confirmed transmission, please contact our application team for further assistance locating your scores. You should have your test registration number available for reference.

How will you tell me whether or not I’ve been admitted?

When an admissions decision has been reached, Applicants will receive an email with their official decision.

Can you please provide feedback as to why I was denied?

Admission to the MMH program is competitive and unfortunately, we cannot accept all applicants. Admissions decisions are made by a committee of faculty members. The committee’s deliberations are confidential and they do not provide detailed feedback on specific admissions decisions. All Admissions Committee decisions are final. We appreciate your interest in Boston University School of Hospitality Administration and wish you the best of luck in the future.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

If you received your undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking institution, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Students who have earned a degree from an English-speaking institution will not need to submit an English proficiency score.

What are the TOEFL or IELTS minimum scores?

The minimum scores required for direct admission are:

• Minimum Score: 84 (TOEFL iBT)
• Minimum Score: 6.5 (IELTS)

We must receive an official TOEFL or IELTS score by the application deadline. Therefore, we recommend taking the exam at least 20 days prior to our deadline to assure that we receive the score in time.

Students who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement may also become eligible for admission by completing the pre-MMH program developed and delivered jointly with BU’s Center for English Language & Orientation Programs. For more information about the program, please see the program description or reach out to Micah Sieber, Senior Director of Academic Programs or celop@bu.edu.

If I attended a three-year undergraduate institution, am I still eligible to apply?

Yes, you are still eligible to apply to the MMH.

Does my transcript need to be in English?

Yes, all transcripts must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. This includes unofficial transcripts that you upload with your application.

Will I need to have my international transcript evaluated by an evaluation service?

No, as long as you provide an English-language copy of your transcript, a separate transcript evaluation will not be required.

You will be able to upload your transcript in the Academic History section of the application. If your transcript is double-sided, please include both sides and be sure to include the transcript legend (the part of the transcript that explains your institution’s grading scale).

What kind of visa will I need? How can I obtain these documents?

Please visit the international student website for details about visas. You can also visit the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) website.

Am I allowed to work on campus?

Yes; BU has on-campus employment opportunities for students. International students may apply for a Social Security Number through the process that is outlined on the ISSO website. Positions can range from an administrative assistant at the library to a lifeguard job at the FitRec Center. International students should review the Employment Guide for International Students before starting a position.

Can international students study part-time?

Usually not. If your reason for entering the United States is to enroll in our MMH program, you will be eligible for a University-sponsored student visa that entitles you to full-time study only. International students who are looking to study in our part-time program must have a visa that allows them to do so, such as an employer-sponsored working visa.

What is the total cost of the program?

The total cost will depend entirely on how you complete your requirements. Tuition is set annually by the Trustees of Boston University and is subject to change.

What are the learning outcomes of the program?

• Describe the segments, history, icons, market leaders, lexicon, and service elements of the hospitality industry.
• Apply the competencies in the core functional areas of hospitality management.
• Synthesize the core functional areas of hospitality systems.
• Develop interpersonal skills: Communication, Team Building, Leadership, and Cultural Diversity Awareness.

Can I waive out a class if I have a strong academic/professional background in that area?

In cases of demonstrated competency in that field, the faculty director may waive students out of a course. However, waiving a core course does not reduce the number of units needed to graduate. Students will have to take another assigned graduate course in its place.

Are the MMH courses offered in the evening?

Fall and spring courses are offered on weekday evenings, typically from 6:30 pm to 9:15 pm.

Do you require an internship during the program?

Yes; The graduate internship allows students to gain industry experience and is required. This involves 300 hours of hospitality work experience.  Although it will be called an internship on your transcript, most students work paid jobs in the hospitality industry.

For students with significant hospitality experience, we may waive the internship requirement on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Director of Graduate Affairs at msieber@bu.edu with any questions.

Can I complete this program online or away from Boston?

The Fall and Spring semesters must be completed on our Boston campus.  The summer work experience may be completed anywhere in the world.

Are there advisors?

Faculty members will serve as faculty advisors to Master’s students. In the assignment of advisors, a priority will be placed on matching students’ particular interests with faculty members’ areas of expertise. Faculty advisors will also act as advisors on independent business and research projects.

What is a concentration?

Leveraging the professional and research expertise of its faculty, the School of Hospitality Administration offers specialized concentrations that allow students to complement their MMH degree. 

Concentrations give students exposure to some of the most exciting emerging fields in hospitality, while the required courses ensure a strong foundation in the core discipline. Concentrations are noted on students’ transcripts and can be earned through the completion of 3 specific electives during the spring semester.  Concentrations are optional and do not add any time or cost onto the MMH degree.  

How do I apply for financial aid?

All full-time students who apply for admission by the priority deadline are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Students are notified about scholarships with their admission decision. Students interested in consideration for a merit scholarship are strongly encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of February 1st.

Domestic students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) to apply for federal loans. The FAFSA is completed online at fafsa.gov. Please list Boston University and our federal code number of 002130 in the College Release Section.

Information on educational loans (federal and private) can be found on the Financial Aid website.

Students are also encouraged to find out if their current employer offices a tuition reimbursement plan or continuing education benefit.

I am a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident; do I need to include my social security number (SSN) on my admissions application?

We strongly encourage you to report your SSN in the personal information section of your admissions application. This will allow us to expedite the financial aid process by matching your admission application with your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA). If you plan to borrow federal loans to finance your graduate education, Boston University will need your SSN on file.

Do I include parent information on the FAFSA?

A graduate student is considered independent for federal financial aid purposes. Therefore, parent information is not submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

Who is eligible for financial aid?

Merit-based scholarships are available and all applicants are considered for scholarships.

In addition, graduate students can apply for educational loans to help cover their educational expenses. Numerous on-campus and off-campus employment opportunities are also available.

Scholarship

All full-time students who apply for admission are automatically considered for SHA merit-based scholarships. Students who are admitted are notified at the time of admission if they have been awarded a scholarship.

Federal Direct Loan Program

Students are eligible to participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program if they are:

1) U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 2) enrolled in a degree program; 3) registered for at least six credits per semester which are accepted towards the degree program; 4) demonstrate financial eligibility as determined by federal regulations; 5) do not have an outstanding balance from a prior period of enrollment, and 6) making satisfactory academic progress. A separate application is required to apply for the Direct loan.

Federal Graduate PLUS loan

Students are eligible to participate in the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program if they are: 1) U.S. citizens or permanent residents; 2) enrolled in a degree program; 3) registered for at least six credits per semester which are accepted towards the degree program; 4) demonstrate financial eligibility as determined by federal regulations; 5) do not have an outstanding balance from a prior period of enrollment, and 6) making satisfactory academic progress.

The student must pass the PLUS loan credit check and must not have adverse credit history. Students unable to meet the PLUS Loan credit criteria may be able to borrow with a creditworthy “endorser”. A separate application is required to apply for the Graduate PLUS loan. The loan form must be emailed to shagrad@bu.edu.

Private Educational Loans

On an annual basis, Boston University invites private lenders to provide information about their products through a Request for Information (RFI) process. The University has reviewed the information provided by every lender who submitted information and, based on the information submitted, identified the following loan products as having competitive rates, customer service, and borrower benefits.

You are not required to borrow from one of the lenders listed on the credit-based loans page of the Financial Aid website.. You may choose to borrow from any lender without penalty.

What if I do not qualify for a federal loan?

Private educational loans are available to those who do not qualify for a Federal Direct Loan or Federal Graduate PLUS Loan. Information on private educational loans can be at on the Financial Aid website.

Are monthly payment plans available?

No monthly payment plans are available for this program. Students completing the program on a full-time basis are also not eligible for the Deferred Payment Plan. Information on how to pay your tuition bill may be found here.

After you have been academically admitted to the School of Hospitality at Boston University, you can begin to submit the following documents via the Liaison Collect Documents Portal.

Documents to Submit:

1. A completed International Student Data Form (ISDF) Fill out the following information completely and accurately.
   • Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, even though you may have more than one way of spelling your name (especially in English).
   • Enter your date of birth in the American format: month, day, and year (MM/DD/YYYY). For example, May 12, 1978, should be written 05/12/1978.
   • Pay attention to your address. This is where we will mail your I-20 unless otherwise notified.
   • Answer every question.
   • Sign and date the form.
2. A scanned copy or photo of the biographical page of your passport. Please make sure the copy is easily readable.
3. Copies of all of your immigration documents if you are currently in the U.S. This includes but is not limited to all previous I-20s, and VISAs.
4. Required financial documentation demonstrating your ability to pay for your expenses at Boston University. Please see additional information detailing your required financial documentation below.
5. Official TOEFL/IELTS score reports (if you did not submit an official copy in your application).

Required Financial Documentation:

Please Submit a bank document in English, on bank letterhead, dated within a year from program start date.

The required amount of funds will be communicated to you after admission.

Please note: If you are receiving a scholarship from the School of Hospitality Administration, you may subtract the scholarship amount from the required amount listed above.

All declarations of financial support must:

1. Reflect the minimum amount of support in US dollars. This amount may increase if you are bringing a dependent (spouse or child under the age of 21) with you.
2. Specify funding for study at Boston University (not another college or university)
3. Be dated within a year of the program start date
4. Indicate the period of time for which the support will be provided
5. Be written in English
6. Reflect funds that are readily available for tuition payments (i.e., checking or savings accounts). Certain investment accounts such as stocks, salary documents, property holdings, etc. do not reflect available funds and will not be accepted

It is recommended that the prospective student request three sets of financial documents to submit to Boston University, the US Embassy or Consulate to which the prospective student will apply for the visa, and to retain for his/her record (and to present at the US Port of Entry if requested).

Specific Requirements

If the student will be funded by a family member, he/she must submit:

• A letter of sponsorship which indicates that the sponsor is willing and able to support the prospective student financially for academic fees and living expenses throughout the duration of study at Boston University and also indicates the relationship of the sponsor to the applicant. We would suggest that they utilize the Sponsorship Certification Form.
• An official bank letter, bank statement or credit reference from a bank stating the availability of the funding to support minimum estimated expenses as indicated on the Estimate of Expenses.

If the student will be funded by their government, an organization, a company, etc., the sponsor must submit a letter of sponsorship on official letterhead which states:

• The funding is valid specifically for Boston University.
• Exactly which expenses will be covered (i.e., academic fees, living expenses, health insurance, financial support for family members, travel, etc.).
• The length of the financial support.

If the student will be funded by a bank loan, he/she must submit an official letter of certification from the lending institution indicating the specific amount for which he/she has been guaranteed.

If the student will be funded by a manner not listed above (for example, if they will fund themselves), he/she must submit official documentation (a bank letter, bank statement or a credit reference from a bank) indicating the specific amount to support minimum estimate of expenses.

Boston University is required by U.S. government regulations to check the availability of adequate funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of the prospective student’s studies at Boston University in order to issue the immigration documents necessary to obtain a student visa. All financial documents submitted for evaluation will become the property of Boston University and will not be returned to the prospective student.

Please Submit: A bank document in English, on bank letterhead, dated within a year from the program start date.

How to Apply For a visa:

1. After you receive your I-20 in the mail (following the steps above) you can begin applying for a visa.
2. Please view the International Students and Scholars (ISSO) website for directions on how to apply for your visa.

Thank you for your patience throughout this process. Please email Micah Sieber, Director of Graduate Affairs at msieber@bu.edu with any questions.