Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate Application Requirements
All students must complete an online application in order to be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate (MSHRE). Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline
The final deadline for all applicants for Fall 2025 admission is August 1, 2025. Early submission is strongly encouraged for priority scholarship consideration.
Scholarship Opportunities
All students admitted to the MSHRE program receive a $14,000 scholarship. Applicants who apply early may also be considered for additional awards:
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Dean’s Scholarship – For candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic and leadership potential
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BU & SHA Alumni Scholarships – Special funding opportunities for Boston University and School of Hospitality Administration alumni
Please note: Students applying to the MS in Hospitality Real Estate will be asked about their Microsoft Excel knowledge in the online application. Excel experience is not required for admission, but answering honestly will help the admissions committee determine any prerequisite academic work needed for a student to be prepared for enrollment.
Admissions Checklist
$95 Application Fee
Applicants who have not submitted their application and attend a graduate admissions event will be eligible for an application fee waiver. You can register for an upcoming event here.
Transcripts
- Domestic Transcripts: Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
- International Transcripts: Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. 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.
Two Letters of Recommendation
We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, or have completed a bachelor’s degree program within the past two years, ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION MUST BE FROM AN ACADEMIC SOURCE (professor or academic advisor). Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
Resume/CV
We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is considered not only an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you, but it will also be reviewed for writing quality. Please be detailed in your responses. In 750 words or less, please discuss the following:
- What motivates you to apply for the Master of Science in Hospitality Real Estate?
- How do your educational and/or professional experiences align with your interest in real estate?
- What are your long-term goals within the hospitality real estate sector?
Video Essay
Communication and presentation skills are an instrumental part of hospitality and real estate. In this video, we encourage students to be creative in their responses and presentation style. You are also asked to refrain from reading a script or your personal statement. Please post your video on Vimeo, YouTube or Google Drive. Please post your video on Vimeo, YouTube or Google Drive, and ensure the URL provided is viewable. Applications will not be reviewed without a video essay.
We prefer if you do not use a password to protect your video. If you must use a password, please use SHAGrad2025.
In two to three minutes, please address the following:
- Why are you applying for the MS in Hospitality Real Estate?
- What specific areas within real estate are you most interested in studying and why?
- Are there any specific courses in the program that you are most interested in?
GRE/GMAT NOT required
The GRE or GMAT is NOT required for admission to any of our graduate programs at SHA.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
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 or will complete their undergraduate degree in the United States or at a university where the main language of instruction is English do not need to submit language proficiency scores.
- Minimum TOEFL Score – 90 Please self-report your IELTS scores in the “Standardized Tests” section of the application. The ETS TOEFL institution code for all Boston University Graduate Programs is 3087.
- Minimum IELTS Score – 7.0 Please self-report your IELTS scores in the “Standardized Tests” section of the application. Please include your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) number (15–18 digits) located in the bottom right-hand corner of your score report. You can submit your official scores through the IELTS website by selecting “Boston University Graduate Programs.”
- Minimum Duolingo Score – 125 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. We require a minimum overall score of 125.
All materials must be submitted directly through the online application. If you have any questions about these requirements, please contact our admissions team at shagrad@bu.edu or you schedule a time to speak over Zoom, WhatsApp or in person here.