The Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) program immerses students in a culture of leadership, professional development, and service. Beginning the first semester, students become part of an engaged cohort and participate in immersive learning experiences. Special events, industry speakers, and treks are integrated throughout your program to foster growth and connection. MMH students leave Cornell with a wealth of hands-on experience and meaningful networking connections across the hospitality industry.

Industry immersive experiences

The MMH program immerses you in the culture of hospitality and service as you build your professional network and engage with the Nolan School alumni community The special events, courses, and treks listed below are integrated into the MMH curriculum, so you’ll receive plenty of hands-on experience and get a close look at the business of hospitality in action.

Leadership Development Program (LDP)

Built into the required Leadership and Ethics course, LDP is a weekend experience designed to help you develop your personal leadership style. You’ll receive coaching from industry leaders while connecting with alumni of the Nolan School to learn how the SHA community can support the next phase of your career.

MMH Master Class

During the spring semester, the required MMH Master Class prioritizes practical experience in business consulting with real projects involving hospitality organizations. You will be paired with an organization facing real challenges, and spend multiple days on location in an immersive experience. At the end of your immersion, you’ll deliver a presentation to organizational leadership that addresses the challenges and opportunity areas discovered during your experience. Recent sponsors have included The Royal Sonesta in New Orleans, MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, and The Reefs Club and Resort in Bermuda.

Hotel Show Weekend

Travel to New York City and meet with industry professionals, tour properties, and network with Nolan School alumni who discuss both their individual journeys and day-to-day experiences. The Hotel Show Weekend usually includes a full itinerary with around 10 meet-and-greet opportunities. MMH students have visited marketing agencies, five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and top real estate development firms. The weekend concludes with the MMH reception and the presentation of the annual Outstanding Alumni of the Year award.

Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC) 

Hotel Ezra Cornell (HEC) is a weekend-long, student-run business conference. For over 100 years, HEC has allowed students to practice skills they have learned in the classroom and showcase their talents to the conference’s diverse attendees, including Cornell alumni, faculty, staff, and influential industry professionals from around the globe.

Logistics and operations, vendor negotiation, marketing, menus, budget management of up to $100,000, and all other aspects of the event are run by Nolan students, giving them an amazing opportunity to practice leadership and showcase skills developed in the program.

Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS)

The Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series (DDLS) is a hallmark of the Nolan School experience. Held weekly during the fall semester, the DDLS required course brings hospitality leaders to campus as special guests of the SHA dean. Speakers are typically Nolan School alumni who are senior vice presidents, entrepreneurs, or c-suite executives. MMH students meet with guests in a small-group setting and can ask questions candidly.

Additional graduate student opportunities

As an MMH student, you become a part of the larger SC Johnson College of Business and the Cornell Graduate School community. Whether you’re interested in technology, economics, entrepreneurship, family business, investing, real estate, agriculture—or anything else—you can find ways to get involved and collaborate at Cornell. Graduate students are encouraged to explore the resources and additional opportunities available to them via the Cornell Graduate School Student Experience portal.