Find the Right Degree for You

Which Degree is Right for Me?
Our specialized, unique graduate programs each offer a wealth of opportunities and advancement, but designed with different goals in mind. Check out our Degrees at a Glance to see which works best for you:
- Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
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- Professional development-oriented
- Designed to accelerate careers in hospitality management and related fields
- Hybrid-delivery blended model gives students impressive flexibility in completing their degree
- Select courses taken from Smeal College of Business MBA program
- Perfect for industry professionals seeking advancement within their field and current undergraduates looking toward furthering their education
- Master of Science (M.S.)
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- Research-oriented
- Designed to develop solid, graduate-level research skills in your area(s) of interest
- Access to one of the world's most prestigious hospitality management research faculty
- Provides a foundation that enables students to advance into a Ph.D. program
- Great choice for individuals pursuing a career as a researcher or professor
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
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- Research-focused
- Designed to enable mastery of both content area(s) and research skills
- Access to one of the world's most prestigious hospitality management research faculty
- Incorporates an impressive teaching development component
- Great choice for individuals pursuing a career as a researcher or professor
Entering Your Desired Degree
Part 1
All School of Hospitality Management graduate degrees have the following Penn State Graduate School entrance requirements:
- A completed online Graduate School application
- Undergraduate or Graduate Degree(s) as required per country of admission by the Graduate School confirmed with submission of copies of official transcripts / documentation (for institutions outside the U.S. documents may include marksheets, record of courses, degree/study certificate, original diploma, etc.) from all post-secondary institutions attended (and official English translations if the language of instruction is not English)
- English proficiency (if required per country of admission by the Graduate School)
- Payment of a non-refundable application fee (decided by the Graduate School)
Part 2
In addition to the Graduate School requirements above, each School of Hospitality Management graduate degree has unique, additional entrance requirements:
- Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
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- An undergraduate degree (in any field)
- A resume or CV
- Two letters of recommendation (preferably one professional and one academic)
- A statement of career and educational goals in essay format (2-3 pages in length)
- Submission of a recorded video interview
- Master of Science (M.S.)
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- An undergraduate degree (in hospitality, business, or tourism-related field)
- A minimum of one year of work experience in the hospitality industry
- GMAT / GRE score(s)
- A resume or CV
- Three professional references with letters of recommendation
- A statement of career and educational goals in essay format (2-3 pages in length)
- Ability to partake in a live video interview
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
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- The equivalent of a master's degree with an undergraduate or graduate degree in hospitality management
- A minimum of one year of work experience in the hospitality industry
- GMAT / GRE score(s)
- A resume or CV
- Three professional references with letters of recommendation
- A statement of career and educational goals in essay format (2-3 pages in length)
- Ability to partake in a live video interview
Want to learn more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.