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27 August 2025

7 minutes read

Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management in USA 2024 – 2025:  Ranking Masters Programs in Hospitality Management for Indian Students 

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

12 August 2024

7 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA prepares students with leadership skills and global industry knowledge for career growth.
  • Masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA provides access to top universities, internships, and diverse professional opportunities.
  • Masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA helps international students gain practical expertise and advance in the hospitality industry.

Have you ever thought about what factors make the USA a great place to earn a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management for students? The USA is filled with impressive cultural landscape, vibrant cities, and respected educational institutions, likely making it the best blend for theoretical and practical experiences.

This combination is advantageous for anyone interested in moving their career into the global hospitality and tourism management industries. 

Regardless of whether or not you want to run a five-star hotel, plan an international convention or create paths for tourism innovations, you are well-placed to develop that ability by studying in the USA. Understand first why this may be a good destination for future hospitality leaders and how it could guide your career journey.

Why Choose the USA for Your Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management?

Want to grow your career in the exciting area of hospitality and tourism management? Here are all of the reasons why the United States is an unmatched leader in advancing your degree in this dynamic field. The USA is known for its top-ranked MS universities, worldwide that are offering advanced studies in hospitality and tourism-management.

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One can expect to see that post-graduate programs in hospitality-management will hone in on data analytics, sustainability, and incorporating more technology throughout the learning process by 2025. Hospitality management degrees from the USA are highly regarded internationally which benefits future employability.

According to the most recent QS World Rankings, the USA has several hospitality and leisure management programs among the world’s top 10 hospitality and leisure management schools. Top US universities have excellent working relationships with international-hospitality companies, creating opportunities for internships and relationships, with potential career networks.

In addition, practicum placements and cooperative education programs make it easy for students to experience hands-on learning during their studies in leading hotels and resorts. Students graduate prepared to lead in the hospitality industry.

Students can benefit from the abundant cultural diversity in the United States, where they can learn and be exposed to new perspectives that play a crucial role in their careers in an increasingly globalized-hospitality environment.

By the year 2025, it is expected that international students will have access to approximately $2 billion in scholarships and financial aid from US based colleges and universities. Some programs offer distinct scholarships specifically for hospitality management students, which makes accessing quality education much more affordable.

The United States has a strong reputation at the forefront of hospitality research, with many of their colleges and universities even collaborating with industry stakeholders to further advance innovations in hospitality and tourism.

Hospitality and tourism students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, where they can assist in innovative projects and gain valuable insights and experiences associated with the challenges of industry problem-solving.

Top Universities for Masters in Tourism and Hospitality Management in USA 

The following table provides some of the top-ranked universities for Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism-Management in the USA.

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This comes along with their world-ranking, program duration, mode of delivery, tuition fees, and application deadlines.

UniversityWorld Ranking (QS)Programs OfferedDurationDelivery ModeTuition Fee/Annum (USD)Application Deadline (2025)Program Start Date (2025)
Cornell University4MPS in Hotel Administration1 yearFull-time, On-campus57,960January 2August 30
University of Nevada, Las Vegas31MS in Hotel Administration1-2 yearsFull-time, Online25,934May 1August 25
University of Houston29MS in Hospitality Management1.5-2 yearsFull-time, On-campus36,300April 15September 1
Purdue University39MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management2 yearsFull-time, On-campus28,689February 15August 23
Florida International University44MS in Hospitality Management, MBA in Hospitality1.5 yearsFull-time, Online/On-campus33,033April 1August 22
New York University (NYU)15MS in Hospitality Industry Studies1-2 yearsFull-time, On-campus46,545March 15September 5
Michigan State University38MS in Hospitality Business1.5 yearsFull-time, Online/On-campus36,500April 30August 28
University of Central Florida43MS in Hospitality and Tourism Management1.5 yearsFull-time, Online/On-campus27,000March 1August 24

Admission Requirements for Hospitality, Restaurant Management and Food and Beverage Management

In order to gain admission to a master’s program, you must process your application to begin the admission process.

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Below are some important things to consider:

  1. General Admission Standard: You meet the academic requirement. The language proficiency requirement. In your application, assert your talents and interests. 
  2. Documents and Transcripts: Prepare the required transcripts/documents on time so that you’re able to present your qualifications appropriately. 
  3. English Language Proficiency Tests: Achieve high scores in English proficiency tests to aid in your admission. 
  4. Letters of Recommendation: Request Letters of Recommendation from professors who are knowledgeable of your abilities; these recommendations will increase your chances of admission. 
  5. Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Resume or CV: Craft a compelling SOP and demonstrate your career goals and aspirations. 
  6. Application Deadlines: Be mindful of application deadlines for your programs and universities of choice. 

Standardized Test Score Requirements for Sustainable Hospitality Industry Management 

Below is a table summarizing standardized test score requirements for admission to a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management at selected US universities:

UniversityTOEFL (iBT)IELTSPTEDuolingoGREGMAT
Cornell University1007.570120Quant: 165+, Verbal: 155+, AW: 3.5+Not specified
New York University1007.570125Not requiredNot specified
George Washington University906.561115Not requiredNot required
University of Southern CaliforniaNot specified6.5Not specifiedNot specifiedNot requiredNot required
Oklahoma State University796.553Not specifiedNot specifiedNot specified
Pennsylvania State University806.5Not specified120Not requiredNot specified
Boston University847.0Not specified110Not requiredNot specified
Virginia Tech806.553105Verbal: 154+, Quant: 154+600 or higher
Roosevelt University806.550110Not requiredNot required
Texas State University786.552Not specifiedVerbal: 140, Quant: 148Not specified
University of Utah806.5Not specified105Verbal: 158, Quant: 150, AW: 3.5Not specified
Georgia State University696.053Not specifiedVerbal: 155, Quant: 151Not specified

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Here are some scholarships specifically offered to international students pursuing a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the USA:

Scholarship NameFunding OrganizationAmount
Fulbright Foreign Student ProgramU.S. Department of StateVaries
Inlaks ScholarshipsInlaks Shivdasani FoundationUp to $100,000
Aga Khan Foundation International ScholarshipAga Khan Foundation50% grant, 50% loan
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation ScholarshipsNarotam Sekhsaria FoundationUp to 20 lakhs INR
AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality ScholarshipAmerican Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association$2,000

Scope & Career Opportunities for Master of Science in Hotel and Hospitality Management

The Master of Science in Hospitality Management in the USA provides a broad and expanding scope valued at over $1.6 trillion of GDP in 2022.

The USA is the world’s largest and most diverse tourism market, offering an array of career options in hotels, resorts, restaurants, event planning, and travel agencies, employing over 16 million total people.

Sustainability is an increasing area of focus in the industry, with eco-tourism expanding approximately 20% annually, and the integration of technology is changing guest experiences via enhanced personalization through AI and digital marketing.

The career options for graduates, coupled with the demand for skilled hospitality professionals, are in management, marketing, consulting, and operations; in urban and rural careers across the country. The ability of the sector to remain resilient and adapt to economic changes demonstrates strong career potential and stability.

The table below summarizes the many career opportunities open to students after they graduate with a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the USA:

Career PathTop RecruitersJob Roles OfferedAverage Annual Salary
Hotel ManagementMarriott International, Hilton, HyattGeneral Manager, Operations Manager$60,000 – $120,000
Event ManagementLive Nation, Freeman, CventEvent Planner, Convention Services Manager$50,000 – $80,000
Travel and Tourism ManagementExpedia, American Express, Delta AirlinesTravel Consultant, Tourism Manager$45,000 – $75,000
Restaurant and Food Services ManagementSodexo, Compass Group, Darden RestaurantsRestaurant Manager, Food and Beverage Director$50,000 – $90,000
Resort and Casino ManagementMGM Resorts International, Caesars EntertainmentCasino Manager, Resort Manager$70,000 – $130,000
Destination Marketing and ManagementVisit Orlando, NYC & Company, State Tourism BoardsDestination Manager, Marketing Coordinator$55,000 – $85,000
Hospitality ConsultingDeloitte, PwC, KPMGHospitality Consultant, Market Analyst$70,000 – $110,000
Sustainable TourismWorld Wildlife Fund, Sustainable Travel InternationalSustainability Manager, Eco-tourism Planner$50,000 – $85,000

Tips for a Successful Application

If you are a student looking for information about a Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality Management information in the USA, follow these tips to be successful:

  1. Research Programs: Choose a degree program, and thesis that aligns with your career objectives in the hospitality and tourism industry, pools of study focused in the field.
  2. Highlight Experience: Highlight relevant work, volunteering or human resources experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
  3. A Strong SOP: Create a persuasive Statement of Purpose articulating your reasons for wanting to study in this field of service and explaining how the program will contribute to your development.
  4. Academic Preparation: Be sure to prepare academically for the program by ensuring you satisfy the prerequisite requirements, including language proficiency and coursework in the relevant areas.
  5. Recommendations: Be sure to receive strong letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with your work.
  6. Positing Your Leadership Skills: Be sure that your application demonstrates your skills related to leadership and ability to work as part of a team, which is critical in the  hospitality industry.

Conclusion

Studying a Master’s in Hospitality and Tourism Management in the USA provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a program of distinction. The country’s innovative degree programs, taught by world-class faculty, equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the global travel industry.

This experience not only prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding careers but also positions them to become leaders in a rapidly evolving field.

Begin your journey to studying in the USA, the land of diverse educational opportunities, with Ambitio. Our platform provides you with the tools and insights to navigate the vast landscape of American universities, helping you find the perfect institution that aligns with your academic goals and aspirations.

FAQs

What is a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

A masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA is a postgraduate program focusing on leadership, business, and service innovation. Pursuing a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA helps students build expertise for global careers.

How long does it take to complete a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

A masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA usually takes 1.5 to 2 years. Completing a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA provides students with both academic knowledge and hands-on industry experience.

What are the admission requirements for a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

Admission for a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA requires a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, and English proficiency tests. Universities offering a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA may also ask for a personal statement or GRE scores.

What are the tuition fees for a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

The tuition fees for a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA range from USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 annually. Choosing a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA ensures quality education and valuable career returns.

Which universities offer a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

Top universities for a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA include Cornell University, Florida International University, and Purdue University. Each masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA program offers unique courses and opportunities.

What career options are available after completing a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

Graduates of a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA can work as hotel managers, event planners, or tourism directors. A masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA also opens pathways to leadership roles in global hospitality.

Why should international students choose a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA?

International students benefit from a masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA because of global exposure and networking. A masters in hospitality and tourism management in USA also provides practical internships and research opportunities.

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