Master of Science Online in Hospitality Management
This program is designed for busy professionals willing to earn a degree in their free time in their own locale, allowing individuals to balance educational objectives with work and family commitment. The combination of a non-thesis Hospitality Management degree and the distance learning program allows Auburn University to reach out to industry and personnel by extending classrooms beyond the confines of campus. The program offers an interesting blend of theoretical and applied courses created to keep students abreast of current management thinking and practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the concepts of informed decision-making, problem solving, and hospitality management in an international business context.
The Program of Study for this non-thesis track is consistent with the traditional campus-based program. The M.S. degree requires a minimum of 33 semester hours. In lieu of a thesis, an industry-based project approved by the student's major professor/supervisory committee will be required. The student will receive four credits under HOSP 7986 (Non-Thesis Research) for work on the project. Typically, this non-thesis track can be completed entirely online. Video recordings of actual classes on Auburn's campus offered in the same semester are delivered electronically online to distance learning students registered for the courses. Links to the videos are available to distance learning students only and are accessed with Auburn user IDs and passwords. Students are allowed to view the class recordings when it best fits their schedules, yet soon after receiving them in order to stay abreast of the course at roughly the same pace as the on-campus students. The format of the assignments, exams, and projects vary, depending on the course and the instructor, but can generally be submitted electronically.
The degree offered via distance learning is the same degree offered on-campus and meets the same guidelines for quality as do all Auburn University programs, therefore a serious commitment is required. A full range of student services are available to assist individuals in course activities. The typical load for a student with a full-time job is one or two courses per semester. Depending on how many credit hours the student enrolls each semester, the degree program can be completed in two years, but all degree requirements must be completed within six calendar years.
Once admitted, the student will be assigned a temporary academic advisor – typically, the HOSP graduate programs officer. Once the student chooses a major professor (and an advisory committee if needed), the student will continue to receive guidance through every phase of the program. The HOSP program also offers individual distance learning courses to individuals who want to continue their education in this area without pursuing a Master's degree.
Program Overview
| Graduate School Application Fee | Domestic: $60 International: $70 |
| Course fee per credit hour | $577 |
| Minimum number of semester credit hours | 33 |
| Typical hours per semester | 3-9 |
| Graduation Fee (billed during graduation semester) | $40 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost | $19,150 |
* Due to the number of individual variables that ultimately determine the number of credit hours, these figures are approximate only. These prices are subject to change on an annual basis. The estimates above are based on the 2022-2023 academic year.
* The cost per credit hour is the same regardless of the student’s geographic location.
* Tuition for online courses that are not offered by HOSP program may be charged at different rates. Check the Auburn University Bursar's web page for the billing cycle.
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Application for admission is available online from the Graduate School Web Page. Applications must be accompanied by the required fee. These fees may be paid online via credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) at the end of the application process. Applications and records will not be processed until the application fee has been received by the Graduate School.
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One official transcript of all undergraduate- and graduate-level study from each school previously attended. An applicant who, because of current enrollment, cannot provide final transcripts at the time of application must submit transcripts of all completed study, as well as incomplete transcripts from the current institution. Applicants do not need to provide transcripts for credits earned at Auburn University.
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A detailed resume or curriculum vitae, to be uploaded with the online application.
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At least three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to speak to the applicant's ability to pursue graduate studies. The letters should be submitted on the online application system. The letters of recommendation are intended to speak to your ability to pursue graduate studies. Academic references are the preferred source of recommendation. However, if you completed your undergraduate degree a long time ago and are unable to acquire recommendations from your former professors, or you have worked in a relevant field, including recommendation letters from your managers/employers are acceptable.
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A statement of purpose (not to exceed two pages) demonstrating the applicant's purpose in applying for HOSP graduate study, particular area of specialization within the hospitality and tourism fields, future plans, unique qualifications for and commitment to the hospitality and tourism, and any additional information that may aid the HOSP graduate faculty in evaluating applicant's preparation and aptitude for graduate study at HOSP to be uploaded with the online application.
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Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). To be considered for admission, applicants must score at least 79 on the internet TOEFL (iBT), 213 on the computer TOEFL (cBT), 550 on the paper TOEFL (pBT), or 5 Overall Band Score on the IELTS.
FAQ
For full consideration, we recommend that you submit all application materials by the following deadlines. Applications received or completed after these dates will be reviewed for the following semester.
- Fall Semester: January 15
- Spring Semester: August 15
If you submit some documents before submitting your application, we will retain them in our files. Once your application is submitted, we will assemble your application and documents together to begin the review process.
If your transcripts are not yet ready, you may either send available documents or wait until all items are complete. The HOSP graduate admission committee will review applications only when they are complete.
The HOSP graduate admission committee evaluates applications holistically, considering background, industry experience, transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, research experience, and other supporting material. No single item determines admission.
If one measure is below expectation, others must balance it. For example, applicants with lower GPAs may still be admitted if they demonstrate distinctive potential such as professional experience or strong program fit.
GRE/GMAT scores are not required. Applicants may choose to submit them voluntarily.
To submit GRE scores, provide the Educational Testing Service (ETS) with Auburn University’s institutional code: 1005. A departmental code is not required; as long as you provide the AU institutional code, your scores will be sent to us.
For GMAT scores, you may use any Auburn University departmental code. The Graduate School will receive the report and attach it to your online application.
The HOSP graduate admission committee reviews completed applications a few weeks after deadlines and recommends admission or denial to the Graduate School. The Graduate School then officially notifies the applicant.
While the process is generally efficient, timing can vary. Typically, decisions are made within two months of the application deadline.
Many current graduate students hold HOSP graduate assistantships, which include:
- Full tuition waiver
- Health insurance contribution
- Monthly stipend
Assistantships are competitive and fewer than the number of students. Priority is usually given to PhD students. Duties may include assisting faculty with research, supporting courses, supervising labs, or teaching undergraduate classes.
Students may apply for assistantships after admission by notifying the HOSP graduate program officer. Requests are forwarded to the program, and available assistantships are assigned as appropriate.
Additional fellowships and scholarships are available through the Department, College of Human Sciences, Graduate School, and University.
