Kyoto-Cornell MBA/MMH
Two business degrees, two countries, two years: Maximize your degree and professional experience while gaining a Master of Management in Hospitality from Cornell University and an MBA from Kyoto University.
- Schedule
- Full-time, 2 years
- Format
- In person
- Location
- Kyoto, Japan
- Start
- April
- Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Degree Awarded
- MBA+MMH
- This program is part of
- Nolan School of Hotel Administration
Kyoto-Cornell MBA/MMH
Hospitality is evolving, and the industry needs more leaders who can navigate the people, places and strategy needed to succeed.
That’s why we’ve created a collaborative degree opportunity that brings together two powerful perspectives—and two advanced degrees.
Together with Kyoto University Graduate School of Management, students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Kyoto University and a Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration.
In just two years, you’ll expand your perspective, strengthen your business acumen, and deepen your understanding of hospitality across two continents.
Why choose this dual degree?
This cross-cultural program provides an opportunity to experience how business and service industries operate across countries and disciplines. Through this collaborative degree opportunity, you’ll gain the perspective, access, and long-standing history of our hospitality program while connecting with the expertise and international outlook the Kyoto University MBA program offers.
Dual country learning opportunity
Studying in both the US and Japan
Business beyond the basics
with exposure to data analysis, finance, real estate, entrepreneurship, and more
Global career connections
in industries like luxury goods, consulting, investment, food and beverage, and real estate
Esteemed faculty shaping the industry
in the US, Asia and beyond
Program snapshot
The Kyoto MBA & Cornell MMH program expands how you think about the business of hospitality by bringing together a strong foundation in business with an immersive hospitality education. You’ll begin your first semester at Kyoto University building your business foundation through MBA core courses in finance, managerial accounting, leadership, marketing and strategy.
For semesters two and three, you will transition to Cornell University to complete the MMH portion of the program. During these two semesters,, you’ll immerse yourself in the business of hospitality, gain an industry-focused perspective, and become part of the broader Cornell University community.
Finally, you’ll return to Kyoto University for your final semester, completing your MBA program and bringing your academic experience full circle. With two complementary degrees and a broader understanding of business and hospitality, you’ll be prepared to step into the next phase of your career.
Program schedule
The program prioritizes a schedule that maximizes your educational, professional, and networking opportunities across both institutions.
Semester I: Kyoto Univerisy
April- July. MBA core coursework focusing on corporate finance, managerial accounting, marketing, leadership, and strategy.
Semesters II & III: Cornell University
August-December & January-May.
MMH coursework, including real estate finance, AI strategy and applications, brand management, and design and innovation.
MMH graduation: Cornell University
May. With credits transferred from completed classes at Kyoto in Semester I, students fulfilling MMH degree requirements earn their MMH degree and may participate in Cornell’s May graduation
Internship opportunity
June – September
Semester IV: Kyoto University
October-January. MBA specialization, business practice, and advanced courses.
MBA graduation: Kyoto University
March. With credits transferred from successfully completed courses at Cornell, students fulfilling MBA degree requirements earn the MBA from Kyoto University Graduate School of Management.
Admissions information
Students interested in this collaborative MBA & MMH degree opportunity must apply separately and be accepted into both the Kyoto Graduate School of Management MBA program and the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration MMH program.
Given the April program start date, applicants who wish to participate in the collaborative degree opportunity are invited to apply to the MMH program by the priority deadline of September 16, 2026. We will continue to accept applications for the collaborative degree opportunity until the Round 1 MMH application deadline of December 1, 2026. There is a question on the MMH application to indicate your interest in the collaborative degree opportunity.
For information on admission requirements and deadlines for the MBA at Kyoto University Graduate School of Management, visit their website here.
For information on admissions requirements and deadlines for the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration MMH program, visit our application requirements page here.
You are welcome to direct your questions about the collaborative degree opportunity to mmh@sha.cornell.edu.
Your path forward
The future of hospitality requires professionals who can lead across industries and cultures. This collaborative degree opportunity can get you there.