Master of Science (Online) in Hospitality Management

Why this degree?

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.

What can you expect?

The Program of Study for this non-thesis track is consistent with the traditional campus-based program. The MS 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.

How do I apply?

1. Application for admission is available online from the Graduate School Web Page. Applications must be accompanied by the required fees. 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.

2. 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. Transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate School.

3. 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.

4. International students must also complete a Statement of Finances Form from the Graduate School. This form certifies that a specific amount of money is available to support the applicant's education and living expenses while at Auburn University.

5. A detailed resume or curriculum vitae, to be uploaded with the online application. 

6. At least three letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to speak to your ability to pursue graduate studies. The letters should be submitted on the online application system by the recommenders. Academic references are the preferred source of recommendation, especially for PhD applicants. If an applicant to the MS program completed their undergraduate degree a long time ago and is unable to acquire recommendations from their former professors, including recommendation letters from managers/employers are acceptable. In all cases, the letters of recommendation are intended to speak to your ability to successfully pursue graduate studies. HOSP graduate faculty will be interested in how your recommenders discuss both your work (e.g., strengths, skills, achievements) and personality (e.g., motivation, attitude, ability to work with others). We will need to see related examples, stories and anecdotes that gave your recommenders the impression they have of you as a candidate.

7. A Personal Statement (not to exceed two pages) that the admission committee can use to get a sense of you as a whole person. The letter is to be uploaded with the online application. Use this letter as an opportunity to share:

   • Your life experiences that can serve as evidence for your ability to be persistent and successful, and whether any of these experiences equipped you with unique perspectives that you could contribute to the HOSP graduate program, field, or profession.

   • Examples of how you engage with others. 

   • Contexts around any perceived gaps or weaknesses in your academic records.

   • Your future plans.

   • Any additional information that may aid the HOSP graduate faculty in evaluating applicants’ personal preparation and aptitude for graduate study at HOSP. 

8. While the information that is essential in making admission decisions is included within our required documents, applicants have the option to submit supplementary application material that allows them to best represent themselves. Members of the admission committee may consider the supplementary material when making the decision. This may include, but not limited to, GRE or GMAT exam scores, academic papers, additional letter of recommendation, portfolios, and media (links to video, audio, or images). These materials are entirely optional, and we recommend that the applicant thinks carefully before sending in too many extra supplementary materials.

For additional information about the online MS in HOSP program, email Dr. Ayoun:

Dr. Baker Ayoun

HOSP Graduate Programs Officer

Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management 324H Rane Culinary Science Center

205 South College Street Auburn University, AL 36830 E: bma0002@auburn.edu