Are you ready to make your mark in the hospitality industry as a visionary leader? Apply to one of Boston University School of Hospitality Administration’s graduate programs to pursue your career or research goals.
Learn more about the admissions requirements, process, and deadlines to prepare for your journey through this program!
Why Choose the BU School of Hospitality Administration?
Transform the Hospitality Industry with Innovation
2020 brought sudden and dramatic changes to the hospitality industry globally. If you have the DNA for the business of serving others and creating positive and memorable human experiences—via lodging, restaurants, hotel and real estate development, food service and franchises, events, and festivals—our industry needs your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking now more than ever. Join SHA to contribute meaningfully as you learn the traditional tried and true methods, current best practices, and evolving trends all while strategically plotting steps ahead for the future.
Immerse in a Dynamic SHA Community
At the School of Hospitality Administration, you will be a part of a dynamic and innovative community, elevating you to new heights. Our distinguished faculty, composed of contemporary researchers and leading global industry practitioners, challenge and inspire you to think outside your comfort zone to stretch the limits of your imagination and help shape the next generation of hospitality.
Admission Requirements of the MMH AND MSHM PROGRAMS (No GRE/GMAT Required)
Please submit the following required materials with your online application:
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee of $95 is required at the time of application. The application fee is an application processing fee, not an application consideration fee. When applying via the online application you must pay by credit card.
Transcripts
We require a copy of your undergraduate transcript to be uploaded to your online application. In addition, we require the submission of all transcripts from colleges and/or universities attended that count toward any degree (beyond high school).
A college senior should submit an official report of work completed in the first semester of the senior year as soon as it is available. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation. Our office will only accept transcript evaluations and translations from members of NACES. You can review the list of approved organizations here. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
Letters of Recommendation (Evaluations)
We require two Letters of Recommendation (evaluations), but students may submit up to three. Letters should be written by people who know you well, and who can speak to your academic and/or professional background.
These Letters of Recommendation must be sent via our application. We do not accept e-mailed, faxed, or mailed letters of recommendation.
Resume/CV
We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
Student Video
All students must submit a one- to three-minute video. Please review the prompt specific to your graduate program of choice. Videos must be private and be posted on YouTube or Vimeo. Videos recorded on other social media platforms will not be accepted.
Master of Management in Hospitality Prompt:
Please state your name and please answer the following question: What are your career goals and how will studying hospitality management help you achieve them?
More detailed requirements for the video are listed in the application.
Master of Science in Hospitality Management Prompt:
Please state your name and please answer the following question: What are your career goals? How will pursuing a degree involving research methodology and a thesis boost your goals?
More detailed requirements for the video are listed in the application.
Personal Statement
Master of Management in Hospitality Prompt:
The personal statement is an opportunity to highlight what is unique about you. At SHA, we aim to know every student’s name and story. Please write 500 – 750 words explaining your background, what interests you in hospitality, and what led you to apply to our MMH program. We encourage you to be honest, innovative, and thoughtful in your essay.
Master of Science in Hospitality Management Prompt:
The personal statement is an opportunity to highlight your special attributes and memorable and meaningful experiences. At SHA, we aim to know every student’s name and story. Please write 500 – 750 words explaining your background, what interests you in hospitality, and your potential research interests in the scope of hospitality. What led you to apply to this particular program?
Transfer Credits
Up to 8 credits of graduate transfer credits may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants
In addition to the admission requirements above, international students who are interested in applying to the MMH or MSHM graduate programs must meet the following requirements:
English Proficiency
If your first language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). International students who have completed a degree in the United States or at any English-speaking university do not need to submit any language proficiency scores.
Official scores can be emailed to shagrad@bu.edu or mailed to:
Boston University School of Hospitality, Graduate Affairs 928 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
Minimum TOEFL Score - 84
We require a minimum score of 84 on the TOEFL with a minimum score of 21 in each sub-section for your application to be reviewed. We must receive an official TOEFL score by the application deadline, and we recommend taking your TOEFL at least 20 days prior to our deadline. (Note: Our TOEFL code is 3087).
Minimum IELTS Score - 6.5
We require a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 across all bands for your application to be reviewed. We must receive an official IELTS score by the application deadline, and we recommend taking your IELTS at least 20 days prior to our deadline. The application will ask for your Test Report Form Number (TRF).
Duolingo English Test Score 120-130
BU accepts results for the Duolingo English Test (DET) as evidence of English proficiency, which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Please submit your scores through the Duolingo Dashboard by selecting “Boston University School of Hospitality Administration” as your institution of choice. Students who are most competitive for admission will have a score of at least 120-130.
English Language & Orientation Programs
Students who do not meet the English language proficiency requirement may also become eligible for admission by completing the pre-graduate 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 shagrad@bu.edu, or celop@bu.edu.
Visa and I-20 Form Information
This process is required for all international applicants who are defined as non-US Citizens or non-US Permanent Residents.
You need to submit the I-20 documents as soon as possible after you have been admitted and decided to enroll. You will not receive your I-20 or VISA until the required documents are completed and uploaded via the Liaison Collect Documents Portal.
Applications to BU SHA’s graduate programs are reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply as early as possible in order to be considered for scholarships.
Priority deadline: April 1st
Final Deadline for International Students: June 1st
Final Deadline for Domestic Students: August 1st
Learn More about the Admission Process to our Graduate Programs
Apply now and become a valued member of the Boston University SHA graduate community. Together we will serve as the incubator to form the new panorama of hospitality.
